One would be hard-pressed to name an individual who has had more influence on the spectacular growth of UK warbird operations than Stephen Grey. Over three decades he has assembled one of the foremost collections in the world, and transformed the historic aircraft display scene, culminating in the annual Flying Legends extravaganza.
Following the death of Darrol Stinton, test pilot and Historic Aircraft Association founder, in 2013 the HAA instituted a new trophy in his memory to be awarded in recognition of outstanding individual achievement in the operation and preservation of historic aircraft. This trophy is awarded annually to an individual who is considered by the membership of the HAA to have made a great contribution to British Historic Aviation.
In recognition of his many years of guidance and support of historic aircraft and aviation, and for his early support of the Historic Aircraft Association, it is with great pleasure the HAA announces that the recipient of the 2015 Darrol Stinton Memorial Trophy is Stephen Grey, owner and operator of The Fighter Collection.
As a British aviation enthusiast, The Fighter Collection was set up by Stephen Grey over 25 years ago. At the time Stephen said it was his aim to collect every single allied fighter aircraft in WWII. Even before the Fighter Collection came into being, Stephen was displaying his beloved Mustang at airshows in Europe and bringing to the public an opportunity to witness WWII fighters.
From the list of aircraft currently in The Fighter Collection, Stephen has certainly achieved a great deal towards that early dream. His personal collection has been a focus of heritage fighter aircraft in Britain, and continues to be so today. The commitment Stephen Grey has made over nearly four decades has provided the UK Warbird movement with a core of heritage aircraft that is barely matched by other organisations. The establishment of the Flying Legends annual airshow at Duxford is testimony to the contribution Stephen has made in bringing WWII fighters to the public for the appreciation and admiration of all.
He is pictured at Hendon on Saturday Oct 31st , in front of the aircraft (type ) that started it all, a Mustang of course !
By: Sideslip - 5th November 2015 at 18:03
duxfordhawk – I would expect that you could also add many of the rare types seen at Flying Legends over the years whose participation were secured through his connections.
By: duxfordhawk - 5th November 2015 at 09:36
I am so glad to hear that Stephen has been awarded in this way, we all owe him so much for what he has done on the UK airshow scene.
When I think about it I never would of seen any of the following aircraft if not for him
1)Bearcat
2)Hellcat
3)Wildcat
4)P-39
5)P-63
6)Hawk 75
7)P-36
8)P47’s
and I am sure I have missed a few too.
Thanks Stephen and all the guys at the Fighter collection.
By: Wyvernfan - 5th November 2015 at 09:25
That’ll be Ellie Sallingboe, and if I’m not mistaken that’s the forums own BeaufighterVI standing on the steps.
Always loved the ‘Red Rippers’ scheme on the Bearcat!
Rob
By: seafurysith - 5th November 2015 at 08:36
I have had the pleasure of chatting to him a couple of times and getting him to sign a picture of himself in WG655. If anyone deserved to be recognised for their contribution to the current rich warbird scene in the UK then its him Here’s a shot of a somewhat younger Mr Grey at Biggin Hill in 1982 chatting to another stalwart of the preservation scene. Congratulations to you Mr Grey, well deserved!
By: RAFRochford - 4th November 2015 at 14:42
Congratulations Mr Grey! A thoroughly deserved recognition of your standing in the warbird community.
I once saw him in the TFC hangar years ago and wanted to shake his hand and say thank you then. But I was too shy! I’ve been a fan since seeing his Bearcat and P-51 at West Malling in 1983. The wealth of fantastic warbirds fielded by TFC since then have been amazing.
Once again, many, many thanks!
Regards;
Steve
By: RogerN - 4th November 2015 at 11:35
I to would like to thank Mr. Grey for all he has done over the years, a richly deserved award
By: Seafuryfan - 3rd November 2015 at 18:07
He’s an important part of the U.K. warbird community, and, for the majority of enthusiasts worldwide, has never been taken for granted. Thank you Mr Grey, for everything that you and your supporters have achieved over the years, and for the pleasure you’ve given us.
By: Scramble Bill - 3rd November 2015 at 17:50
Richly deserved, well done Mr Grey!
By: Propstrike - 2nd November 2015 at 22:11
Many have come, and many have gone, but I suppose that is the nature of a living, evolving collection, and what holds our interest.
Happily, not all have gone abroad, and some, like the P40 now at North Weald, have only gone just down the road !
It was a huge honour and pleasure for me to chat with Stephen, and was a great example of how some of the most important figures in historic aviation are so modest about what they have achieved.
By: Sideslip - 2nd November 2015 at 22:09
Over the years Stephen Grey has put into the UK skies many types that we would never otherwise have had the chance to see, and I for one will always be very grateful for that.
Congratulations Mr Grey on your much deserved award.
By: trumper - 2nd November 2015 at 22:01
As a British aviation enthusiast, The Fighter Collection was set up by Stephen Grey over 25 years ago. At the time Stephen said it was his aim to collect every single allied fighter aircraft in WWII. !
What an incredible achievement and to think what it may have been if he had kept all the airframes he has owned.I know he has used some to trade in for others and rotate the collection but just think what size hangar he would have needed.:applause:
Sign In
November 2, 2015 at 9:20 pm