Mystery flypast 1970's

Jeez Chox, couldn’t you attach a bigger image!

Think you’ve hit the nail on the head there then – they’re heading straight towards Fairford.

Thanks – solved!

The flypast on 1 July 1969 over Caernarvon was mounted from RAF Valley, after which the aircraft moved to RAF Fairford. To further mark the investiture of the Prince of Wales there was a repeat flypast over Cardiff on 5July mounted from Fairford & I think this a picture of the return flight.
Bill

Perhaps it was for the opening of the bridge in ’66….?

The first RAF Phantom OCU wasn’t formed until August 1968.
Could it be anything to do with the first flight of the British Concorde, Filton’s not far from the bridge.

Perhaps it was for the opening of the bridge in ’66….?

From what I understand the routing by the Severn Bridge is quite common for aircraft to and from Wales so I would guess that they were on their way back, the Phantoms came from Coningsby.

Perhaps stayed in formation so that they could overfly other RAF stations on the return leg and would make sense if they were all based in the same general location

Hmm, sounds like the Investiture is the probable answer then. But why would they be over the Severn Bridge heading East, still in formation? Wierd!

Thanks guys!

If it is the investiture it would be 1st July 1969 and there were certainly 12 Phantoms from No 6 squadron in the Flypast.

Is it the Severn – and not the Humber bridge?

Definately the Severn, and definately heading east as mentioned, identifiable by the headland and small island on the Welsh side.

And the Humber bridge wasn’t built when the RAF operated natural finish Lightnings…. 😉

But, why, is another matter….:confused:

Perhaps a bigger picture may help identify the location? :diablo:

Is it the Severn – and not the Humber bridge?

Charles investiture as Prince of Wales was at Caernarvon – a long way from the Severn Bridge.

if you are 100% sure its the severn bridge…. i would suggest prince of wales investiture in wales flypast?