To a Hawk pilot...

[BeauMan]

This morning, at about 1040, a Hawk flew over Huntingdon. Tracked in from roughly southwest, turned overhead, and disappeared off to the northwest.

To that particular Hawk pilot, I'd just like to say Thank You Sir.

Here's why...

Those of you who have ever been based at Wyton might know of The Aviator pub in St Ives. A few months ago, I set out to find out the story behind the name, and finally managed to find out that it was named in honour of 2Lt Kenneth Wastell RFC, who was killed when he crashed his 5 Flying Training School DH-6 into the spire of All Saints church on 23rd March 1918.

I also managed to locate 2Lt Wastell's CWGC headstone in Huntingdon Priory Road cemetery, and as it was a little bit grubby, I decided that on the 87th anniversary of his death (ie, today), I would honour him by tidying up his headstone and laying a wreath. I'd just finished cleaning the headstone, and was walking back to my car, when the Hawk appeared.

There I am, honouring a trainee pilot from the First World War, and by total coincidence, one of today's Royal Air Force trainers flies overhead in unwitting tribute.

I'd love to find out who, where from, what aircraft, etc, but in the meantime I'd just like to say to that anonymous Hawk pilot;

Thank You Sir, your timing was impeccable. :ok:

(and I'm back in Huntingdon at 1330 to lay the wreath if you fancy doing it again... ;) )

[Another St Ivian]

BeauMan;
You're probably aware of this, but if you pop into the church next to the Aviator they have some parts from the aircraft on show. At least they did the last time I was in there, some years ago.

ASI

[BeauMan]

ASI - thanks, yes, I've yet to get to see the bits, but I understand that a large part of the propellor assembly is mounted on the wall.

To the Hawk community - I carried out the wreath laying about twenty minutes early at 1310. Incredibly, it was just as another Hawk passed just to the south of Huntingdon heading southwest. Gentlemen, whoever you are, I thank you. :)

[Safety_Helmut]

You probably also know that The Aviator only got that name relatively recently, late 80s or early 90s, I can't be any more accurate than that. If I remember correctly it used to be called the Dun Horse, certainly when I first came down this way in 86 anyway. I don't know any more of its history prior to that, but it became very popular when it opened up as The Aviator, I think partly because the landlord didn't worry to much about closing time.

Safety_Helmut