A spectacular nationwide Diamond Jubilee tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been launched by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the charity that operates the last flying Vulcan. With the permission of Buckingham Palace, XH558 ‘The Spirit of Great Britain’ will fly for millions of people across the United Kingdom, celebrating sixty years of British achievement in the year that is also the Diamond Jubilee of the Vulcan aircraft type. The Salute to Her Majesty will begin in the spring of 2012.
Throughout the Diamond Jubilee tour, XH558 will carry a bespoke, leather-bound Book of Good Wishes containing names and messages from individuals, families and businesses who have subscribed to the Salute. At the end of the season, the book will be presented at Buckingham Palace. A second copy of the book will be on display at the new Vulcan Visitor Centre in Doncaster as a permanent tribute to Her Majesty and to the brave and talented individuals who designed, flew and maintained the RAF’s peacekeeping aircraft.
The Vulcan has a special relationship with the Royal Family: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH Prince Michael of Kent have each piloted a Vulcan. In recognition of this close association, the launch of the Vulcan’s Salute to Her Majesty at the RAF Club on October 5th was attended by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
2012 is also the 30th anniversary of the only time that a Vulcan was used in anger when, on May 1st 1982, Squadron Leader Martin Withers DFC and his crew executed the legendary Black Buck 1 bombing raid to begin the process of recapturing the Falkland Islands. The Black Buck missions captured the record for the longest-ever bombing sorties at the time, a round trip of nearly 8,000 miles that required a sophisticated cascade of in-flight refuelling from Victor tankers. Martin Withers is now chief pilot of Vulcan to the Sky Trust.
Names can be added to the Book of Good Wishes either online at
Vulcan Salute or by calling 0845 5046 558 during office hours. A donation of £5 is requested to help cover the cost of operating XH558 through the Tribute season. A personal message to Her Majesty can be added for a further £5.