Some of you may remember that Her Majesty attended the 50th birthday celebrations of the RAF at Abingdon in 1968.
I was there, and have salvaged some of my photos – the slides are deteriorating fast! Oh! to have had a digital camera in those halcyon days! Here are 8 photos in all, in 2 batches, further information on particular aircraft and comments very welcome!
1. There are 4 Victors and 12 Vulcans here, eat your heart out, Bruntingthorpe!
2. I think the Nimrod was brand new.
3. 20 Lighnings and 12 Hunters, with plenty more behind to back them up!
4. The Royal Andover, complete with HM, flying the Royal Standard.
5. XS931 Lightning with overwing tanks – a novelty!
You just don’t get air shows like that any more!
The final 3 piccies soon!
By: Arm Waver - 4th May 2004 at 08:59
Was at Abingdon on Sunday for the Fayre (Fantastic day) and the camoflage on the hangar front is still visible… Think it was known as “E” hangar
OAW
By: Papa Lima - 3rd May 2004 at 21:56
I can hardly wait, Philo, I was a sergeant aged 25 and it was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my time in the mob.
By: philo - 3rd May 2004 at 21:30
I will, when I can find them, scan and post mine from the same event, including Wellington, Lincoln, Beaufighter, Vulcan etc……….
What a show that was, I was only 10 but I remember that one alright.
By: Arabella-Cox - 3rd May 2004 at 19:50
Papa Lima – Yes, those Spitfire and Hurricane serials are correct. P2617 now sits in the Battle of Britain Hall at RAFM Hendon, while K9942 has been beautifully restored to early Mk I configuration, and is now at RAFM Cosford.
Great shots, the camouflage on the hangar seems odd at first, but then, it was only 23 years after the end of hostilities. Only slightly longer than the gap between now and the Falklands conflict, kind of puts it into perspective.
By: station357 - 2nd May 2004 at 20:03
The hangar also appears to have the original wartime painted camouflage on the walls?
Regards,
Paul
By: Firebird - 2nd May 2004 at 19:45
Hmmmm….shinny new Lightning 😀 Well, allright, shinny one year old Lightning :rolleyes:
Nice shot of the Harrier, although I noticed the Cpl. on the right of shot with old style wide leg uniform trousers and ‘crunchy boots’… 😀
By: Papa Lima - 2nd May 2004 at 19:32
More Abingdon pictures
These are perhaps the ones you’ve been waiting for!
6. XV281 Harrier
7. Spitfire K9942
8. Hurricane P2617
Can anyone confirm the Spitfire and Hurricane serials?
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May 2, 2004 at 7:27 pm