Joe L'Estrange – Vulcan Pilot RIP

This is to let you know that Joe L’Estrange’s funeral mass will take place on Friday 16th February at 12 noon at Our Lady of Good Council Church in Jermyn Street, Sleaford, Lincs. followed by Surfleet Crematorium at 2.00 pm.

His family has informed us that anyone wanting to make a donation in Joe’s memory can do so via the Co-Operative Funeral Directors, Duke Street, Sleaford NG34 7DX, with cheques payable to either “Marie Curie” or “St Barnabas at Home”.

Rich

Richard Clarkson
Trustee

The last RAf display Vulcan was booked for a graduation parade at RAF Church Fenton, with time to spare beforehand it flew a practice approach at Linton on Ouse where I was the duty runway caravan controller. My job included the need to fire a red verey flare if an approaching descending aircraft dropped below a certain height while still not cleared(on a continue), in this case a Jet provost had not yet departed the runway after landing. So off went the flare…and dutifully the Vulcan made a low climbing steep turn over the domestic site setting off all the car alarms. It was a wonderful sight made all the better by the fact that i had caused it! Wonder if Joe was the pilot?

As a youngster, when my father was based at Akrotiri, I was privileged to see Joe L’Estrange display a Vulcan at the station open days on more than one occasion. Stunning. Dad, who was a Corporal at the time, remembers him as a gentleman with a wicked sense of humour.
Ah, Akrotiri in the early seventies. Vulcans, Lightnings, Argosies (70 Sqn were converting), Hercules’ and Whirlwinds. Not to mention any visiting aircraft. What wouldn’t I give for time travel and a decent camera!

Hi All,
Would have been at Scampton flying the same time I was a cook..:cool: RIP Mr L’Estrange.

Geoff.

Unsung hero.

o7

What an interesting life R I P thank you.

Blue skies