Ah, just found another thread about the Lanc..sounds like it was Veterans Day. Hope they enjoyed it, I certainly did.
What was the Lancaster doing last Thursday, 27 June, being hauled around the centre of Manchester at about 12.45, I wonder? It was certainly being flown fairly low and in a “spirited” fashion, I thought. Was it some sort of local commemoration?
Sincere condolences on your sad loss. And thanks to Chaz Bowyer for all the enjoyment he brought to me through the many books of his that I own.
RIP
Interesting point about the ventral machine gun. I have a Keith Broomfield print signed by AVM Sir Arthur Harris and 16 of the original crews, which depicts AJ-G and it shows the ventral gun. Artistic licence perhaps?
I thought it was an excellent programme..well made, seriously presented and thoughtful. George Johnson is a star. I usually approach these TV reconstructions with trepidation, but this one was very good indeed…a credit to all involved.
That 19 Sqd Hawk is just gorgeous, is it not?
Some snaps from Northolt, as they turned over the airfield to the NW…..no BBMF or C130 by then. Brought back memories of the big flypast over Abingdon open day some years ago..now that was impressive.
Miles Messenger, Culdrose Air Day, late 50’s I would guess, wearing short trousers and suitably awestruck.
How very sad. This Government knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. The only way Bentley Priory is being “saved” is by flogging it to property developers for a group of luxury flats.
What will they sell off next…HMS Victory as an opportunity for some seaside flats?
G-ARAC Cessna 310
G-BRAC Bristol Britannia ..that’s better!
G-DRAC Cameron Balloon…Hmmm.
Good game, good game.
Hangs head in shame! You are of course absolutely correct, but it saved me having to spell Archi… Arki….Arky…….
Amelia Earhart.
I haven’t flown one, but remember watching “The Budgie”, a well known UK Fauvel going through an impressive aerobatic routine, flown by Jerry Berringer at Dunstable some years ago. It was subsequently bought by AVM Sir John Allison and I last saw it in a hangar at RAF Halton with his other gliders. Apparently it could be a handful on take off and landing with a reputation for inducing PIOs (pilot induced ocillation) if sudden pitch changes weren’t anticipated and handled correctly. Interesting but ultimately unsuccessful concept.
Sad but great thread. Neil will always be inextricably linked with Old Warden for me. I used to find it remarkable that he could fly all those varying types of aircraft and display them at their individual best. Particular highlights would be any display he flew in any Spitfire…that low curving approach around the crowdline from the left end, apparently coming THROUGH the trees…magic and unforgettable. Aerobatics in a Tiger Moth, including a falling leaf..not seen often, I think Alan Wheeler also did it in the 504K…..flying the Pterodactyl…did anybody else ever fly that a/c?….and do you remember the time he had to put the Bleriot down in the field short of the main runway in full view of the assembled masses..and Roger Hoeffling (the regular commentator) organised a whip round from the crowd to pay for the damage.
A great great pilot and sadly missed after all these years, but just wonderful to have enjoyed his peerless flying.. It was a real shock to hear of his death in the Heinkel..he just seemed indestructable.
Ah, Brigands. I’ve got a soft spot for them. In 1957/8 I and my pals used to sit on the stone wall under the final approach to Culdrose’s active runway and just over our heads would pass Brigands, Sea Balliols, Skyraiders of 849, Sea Venoms and Avengers of 831 (my father’s squadron),Gannets, Vixens, Neptunes, Shackeltons and all manner of visiting stuff.
Cue wistful sigh.