Back to the Lightning
While in the RAF I remember hitchiking to RAF Wattisham, from Weston Super Mare. mid 60's
To attend if my memory is correct the 50th Anniversaryof 111 Squadron.
Being a Non Public event the "Gloves were off " regarding individual displays.
I have been an Aviation nut since the late 40's, first Airshow "RAF Colerne"1952, still very active combined with Photography.
Of all the hundreds of Displays I have seen this visit to "Wattisham" ranks as
No.1.
Why? The Lightning show which opened this event.
Imagine a full Squadron scramble take off, every aircraft at full bore.
Every aircraft staying low after "cleaning up", then the steam of aircraft
going into the vertical climb then a follow your leader break and low pass.
The whole Squadron performed for about 40 Mins, absolutely amazing sights
and sounds.
One other Disply that afternoon which stood out was by the "Hurricane" his display was outstansding.
The run in to break and land was amazing, across the ramp between the Hangers and the taxiway!!! I swear he was below the height of the hangers.
On taxi in it was the only time I saw RAF bods giving a pilot a standing ovation for a Display
The only other display I can think of in the same terms as the Lightning for speed/sound was the USAF Europe F100 Super Sabre team the "Skyblazers" in the late 50's /early 60's.
Only Five Aircraft but Loads of afterburner action/ lots of noise and low high speed stuff. Those were the days!!!!!
Follow that......
Last edited by Old Photo.Fanatic; 16th Apr 2009 at 22:40.