We attended Clacton airshow today in glorious weather and witnessed some great aircraft flying over the seafront and all for free - very nice.
Not particularly good shots, however, here is the first - and no doubt last - time I will witness the only two airworthy Lancaster bombers flying anywhere; their dual appearance is as rare as... well, you know.
They are joined in this shot by a Hawker Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (the Spitfire is out of shot as I was hurriedly snapping away with my point-and-shoot camera. Seeing these iconic aircraft in flight is awe inspiring and raises the hairs on your neck; there is something ingrained within Britain's national DNA that these planes evoke.
The Avro Vulcan XH558, Britain's answer to Soviet aggression, in all its glory on a low pass; I managed to snap away while marveling at it, which is a wonder for me. I haven't seen a Vulcan in flight at a display since 1982!
A great day's entertainment all round and even more so to see these examples of Britain's aviation history.
That's it for now,
Monty
Saw the lancs at Headcorn escorted by a couple of spitfires.
ReplyDeleteNice one, John, very evocative.
DeleteSaw the Lancasters at Airbourne, but missed out on the Vulcan - you lucky chap!
ReplyDeleteI was cheering, Michael ;)
DeleteThanks Monty. Great pics. One of those Lancs is a Canadian bird, and we're all very proud of her over here.
ReplyDeleteI know, Michael and great it was, too, to see her ;)
DeleteJealous!
ReplyDeletesorry... ;)
DeleteLovely pic...I got our one at F'borough with the Vulcan, but the Canadian bird didn't come over here until a couple of weeks later, I don't know how long it's staying, but presumably just the air-show 'season' which must be winding down, and I don't think there are plans for it to come again, once it has gone back? Wonder if ours will visit Canadia next year?
ReplyDeleteTotally agree re. hairs on the back of the neck, would add lump in throat! And I'm an Army man with Navy heritage!!
There was a rumour that there was a third Lancaster found in an Aussie barn somewhere in the outback, weather it was ONLY a rumour, or it's not fit for an airworthiness cirt. or something I don't know, but if it ever flew, I think they'd try to get all three together once?
Hugh
Should have Googled before I commented!
ReplyDeleteThere will/may be four, but 2 Canadian and 1 American with the Aussies restoring a Lincoln!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_surviving_Avro_Lancasters
H
Look forward to it, H - two were amazing...but four? Bring it on!
DeleteIndeed!
ReplyDelete