Considering XG743 was only on loan to RAE as a Buccaneer chase aircraft, I doubt if any special scheme was applied. The solid orange dayglo scheme shown here was applied in the early ’60s, around 1961-62 I would guess and the aircraft was operated by RNAS Brawdy’s Station Flight right up until it was retired around 1970 when it went to Kemble for storage, being delivered to Duxford in this scheme in June 1972. Not sure what period it was on loan to RAE, but I would guess it retained this scheme and Brawdy codes as seen here.

…and perhaps a Beaufighter at Duxford that seems to be going nowhere!

The Albatros was flown by a Shuttleworth pilot. Many people didn’t seem to need a close formation to get all four in the frame.

You asked ‘many people’?? I got all four in the frame, but only in a head-on shot, not a nice formation side-view as hoped and doubt if you did?

I was at the excellent Shuttleworth event on Saturday and while the RE.8 and Albatros were flying, the announcer clearly said ” Make the most of this, you will never see it again”. I was also told that the RE.8, Albatros and Sopwith Snipe would be dismantled today(25th) and taken to Hendon.

As for the DH.88 Comet, I photographed it in the workshop with engines dismantled and undercarriage in pieces – no way will it fly on 7th October. I feel sorry for those that have bought tickets already, expecting to see these aircraft, as they will not appear.

The show highlight for me was the Bristol Fighter, SE5A, Albatros, and RE8 in the air together. As always, Shuttleworth did not disappoint.

That was my only gripe – yes they were in the air together but at no time did they formate together. It was RE.8 & Albatros followed by Bristol Fighter and SE-5A. I suspect Shuttleworth pilots are not allowed close-formating with non-Shuttleworth pilots?

Great event and a very surprising one too. The usual ‘do not touch or get too close’ policy went out the door and everyone was trusted to get intimate with these precious machines. A great event held in beautiful weather and very worthwhile attending, not least to see the RE.8 and Albatros fly for the last time and also the RAF Museum’s Sopwith Snipe, which were the stars of this event. Shame the Demon never flew as it was down to fly, but pleased several pilots used this event to get some hours in on various types, so there was plenty of flying during the day.

Now how about Shuttleworth doing this again, but with the types that never ventured outside the hangars this time?

I think it’s a combination of factors, security, Heath & Safety and cost:

1. Security – in the ’60s there was not the terrorsim threat there is today so there was little chance that someone would sabotage and aircraft, basically we were indeed trusted more.

2. The Heath & Safety Act has a lot to answer for! If anyone got injured examining an aircraft at close quarters, there would be claims going in right left and centre!

3. In the 60s, most aircraft were ‘roped off’ if there were operational, although at USAFE Armed Forces Days, they never seemed to have any barriers right up until they finished. The production and cost of hiring in metal barriers must be horrendous and they only really came in after the ’60s.

The best solution, although photographers hate them, is to use cones such as at RIAT and place security personal at strategic locations to ensure no one steps over them.

Pity it has to be in the Falklands scheme as I always prefered the earlier sand and spinach camouflage colours worn in the ’60s