Charles Church (old thread ex 2005)

As I understand it Church flew the a/c from a field located on his property. Is this private field still in use?

Mark12; as for authentic paint jobs, the 51 in the background wore USAF on the right side of the fuselage, SUSY on the left…

T J

Walrus W2718 (G-RNLI, owned by Dick Melton) and Mr Church’s Buchon G-HUNN (now in the US). You would also have seen Spitfires PT462 and PL344 in the early 1990’s and perhaps also MK VIII MT719 which we looked after for Peter Ray for a while before its departure (also the US). Not to mention of course Mustang G-SUSY (now in Bremgarten, Germany with yet another new owner and awaiting a markings change).

Thanks Mark V – I’m sure I have a few pictures somewhere I’m sure, the Spitfire was in primer yellow, they let people sit in the cockpit which went down very well – hence the queue (I didn’t get a turn 🙁 ) I remember it was all very low key, very open, very hands on.

A nice “Commemorative” thread this.

What actually happened?

I remember ‘it’ happening quite clearly, but can’t remember hearing/reading about the events leading up to the crash.

I hope it is ok to ask this question – I don’t want to upset anyone by asking…

A lot of time has passed since then and the AAIB report has been in the public domain for some time. However I would prefer not to have that directly quoted or linked in this thread, which I think is a now a small tribute to Mr Church. Suffice to say its on the net.

How time flies, I for one will certainly never forget that evening. RIP

Mr Church died 16 years ago this evening. Still much missed.

What actually happened?

I remember ‘it’ happening quite clearly, but can’t remember hearing/reading about the events leading up to the crash.

I hope it is ok to ask this question – I don’t want to upset anyone by asking…

The old ‘Spinach and Turquoise’ camouflage.

When will it ever get an authentic military paint job I wonder.

Mark

Micheldever – 20 April 1988

Living a few miles from Popham we were treated to lots of flybys from Charles Church and his Spitfire. I went to some of the “open days” there as well when they had (IIRC) a Walrus being worked on and maybe a Buchon ?

Walrus W2718 (G-RNLI, owned by Dick Melton) and Mr Church’s Buchon G-HUNN (now in the US). You would also have seen Spitfires PT462 and PL344 in the early 1990’s and perhaps also MK VIII MT719 which we looked after for Peter Ray for a while before its departure (also the US). Not to mention of course Mustang G-SUSY (now in Bremgarten, Germany with yet another new owner and awaiting a markings change).

So long ago ?

Living a few miles from Popham we were treated to lots of flybys from Charles Church and his Spitfire. I went to some of the “open days” there as well when they had (IIRC) a Walrus being worked on and maybe a Buchon ?

He left a valuable legacy and as JDK says so well, “there are more Spitfires and other aircraft flying because he bothered, and acted as a nucleus for enthusiasm.”

thanx for the reminder too…I cannot believe it is 20years already…I feel so old….!
I will be on the site of the Spiteful prototype tonight, so will raise a bottle of Spitfire to both of them

Thanks for the reminder, Mk.V.

Twenty years ago today saw Mr Church’s passing. I for one will spare a thought for him this evening. 1st July 1989, so long ago now, but was very much like today weather wise – a perfect summer’s evening – but one indelibly marred by that tragedy.

RIP Charles Church.

A major Influence

Charles Church became involved in vintage aviation during a very exciting ‘growth’ period here in the UK. I remember reading a Daily Mail article which showed him in the company of his aircraft including the ill-fated ‘EE606’. He was really proud of this aircraft, thinking it to have the best bits of all Spits.

Aside from the obvious tragedy that was the accident, I reflected at the time on the gliding characteristics of such a high performance aircraft; even the most skilled pilot would have had their work cut out to effect a successful forced landing.

Charles Church: a major influence on the recent vintage aviation scene.

Whatever else may be said, he made a difference, which is as much as any of us can hope for.

A painting of him hangs in the Popham Airfield clubhouse, for good reason, and there are more Spitfires and other aircraft flying because he bothered, and acted as a nucleus for enthusiasm.

Thanks.

Greatly Missed. Along with many others, who were A Privilege to meet.

I was in Hartley Witney the very night he crashed!! Riding my horse in the Bramshill Forest 😉 🙁 🙁 Anna 🙁

He left a tremendous legacy, however all to many of his airframes are now in the US. I was fortunate enough to be in one of his that returned to the UK a while ago today – many thanks for a tremendous restoration at a time when he was a leader in the rebuilding of Spitfires in the UK.
RIP

makes you wonder, doesn’t it: if only…….