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