I remember going to a B o B airshow at Cottesmore in the early 60’s or late 50’s, Johnny Johnston was station commander and Douglas Bader flew in in a light aircraft, taxied right in front of us and heaved himself out in true Kenneth More style, parked either side of his plane was a Spitfire and the Hurricane ‘The last of the Many’ painted blue, with the starter truck which is now at Old Warden, I believe. Bader and Johnston greeted each other warmly and disappeared, presumably to the mess.
In those days B o B airshows were broadcast live on ITV on saturday afternoons, I know this because I looked up, saw the camera and stuck my tongue out, this act of supreme subtelty and wit was witnessed by some of my brothers mates on TV, question is, has any of this footage of Bader survived, as has any of those airshow films from that period, is anyone on here an archivist with ITV.
I’m sure that we witnessed a flypast by the THUM flight Mosquitoes, 3 of them, painted silver with yellow bands, unfortunately we haven’t got any photos from that day, something must have gone wrong with my brothers Brownie, any info on this.

I thought you were brought down and killed over Beachy Head.

When I was working for a local developer a load of tanks were found in a barn, they were identified as self sealing tanks from a B17, Duxford were contacted but were’nt interested, eventually an over zealous ex-employee had a big bonfire to clear the site rubbish and chucked them on while we were’nt about, notice I said ex employee.

I was at North Weald friday practice and arrivals at lunchtime about 1990 when the Vulcan came in to land and touched down short of the runway at the Harlow road end, we were sitting on an earth bank right next to the spot and thought it was a gonner, ( along with us ), however the pilot corrected it and carried out a perfect landing roll, unfortunately my film had jammed in the cassette resulting in the camera being given a good kicking, it never happened again, nor did the Vulcan, as it was banned from North Weald afterwards, allegedly for excessive noise.

Pete,

If everyone took your stance, we would never see any images of an event that resulted in a loss of life. Not saying you’re right or wrong, just making the observation. Also its just ever so slightly off topic again as I think you’re really exploring your own feelings about distributing these images, rather than how you fel about seeing them.

Any which way, its a tough one. Thanks for your contribution..

You are right.
Probably its natural human nature to see what actually happened, I was glued to sky news yesterday looking at the events unfolding in London, I’m not a very squeemish person but I did find it very upsetting, it was my dearly beloveds birthday yesterday but it was a most miserable event. I don’t know how I would cope with an incident at Legends this weekend bearing in mind that my attitude towards mankind at the moment is at an all time low, you’ve put me off going.

Thanks Snapper. This is obviously a difficult weekend for my family, and always will be. Neil loved the show though, so I hope it is a good one this year and that everyone has a great time there.

Zwitter.. if you want to see these aircraft flying then you should pay the entrance fee for any airshow. Those who sit outside the fence all day are basically jacking up the price for everyone else, and in some cases they cause a safety issue. The display line is there for a good reason.

While I agree with everything you say there are a few points I have to make.
Over the past few years I have had times of extreme financial hardship and been unable to afford to go in.
The manners of the crowd inside leave a lot to be desired, the step ladder brigade and the whingeing kids, last year I was on the Tank hill and people just blatantly stood in front of me while I was trying to take pictures.
The problems getting in and out, the cost of the food, the crap beer, lets face it, attending airshows anywhere isn’t pleasant, unless it’s Rougham.
My first airshow was Newton 1956, so I’ve been to a few.
It is very easy to leave home late, have a pint in the pub at Duxford, and crash out on the Hill, no crowds, no one in the way and unbelievable views of the aircraft, however risky that may be.
However I am always aware of my lack of contribution to the event, perhaps someone should come round with a tin.
Will be paying again this year but will no doubt get P****** of with the crowd.
Just for the record, have attended every Legends, only 2 on the Hill.

Looking at those great views I was always led to believe that the Vulcan was a huge bomber and the Concord a small airliner, doesn’t add up.

Just got back from my meeting near Duxford, went on the hill at 9:00 the big bird line up looked impressive but the lack of activity suggested no formation practice at 9:30. Called back at 10:30, low cloud, rain, crosswinds, could’nt see a Connie, no flying but surprised at the number of people queuing to get in, lots of activity on site, Princess Elizabeth being readied, presumably most of the forum members were those I saw running around with cameras, unfortunately have a lot of work to do today and can’t return later if it brightens up, well, we’ll see.
Heard that the REM and Queen concerts have been cancelled this weekend, could this mean the cancellation of the flypast after all.
On that thread please give a thought to some of those caught up in the blasts yesterday who won’t be able to attend Legends this weekend.