The RAF's 50th anniversary celebrations at RAF Abingdon on 14June 1968

[Vampiredave]

The combined Queen's Cypher formation flypast of 51 Jet Provosts at Abingdon in June 1968 were drawn from Linton-on-Ouse, Syerston, Leeming and Acklington, with No.1 FTS forming the 'E', Nos. 2 FTS and 3 FTS forming the 'II' and No.6 FTS forming the 'R'. Leader of the Linton formation was Sqn Ldr Sidney Edwards, but does anyone know who led those drawn from the other Jet Provost training schools? TIA

[OUAQUKGF Ops]

Dave I can't answer your query. However I was lucky enough to watch this display from the road by the airfield (Joe Public not invited) and can say without hesitation that it was the best flying display by The Royal Air Force that I have ever seen. ('Scuse Thread Drift).

[sycamore]

Dave,as I think most of the FTSs at the time had their own Station Formation Teams,then maybe their Leaders were used,but probably by `OC STDS/Wg Cdr Flying/CI...
I agree with OUAQ....,Best display,apart from the Chivenor Open day Bash...I did enjoy the Belgian /Dutch,? team of 4 Hunters,led by a Fg Off/equivalent,plus 3 Snco/W/offs on their last Display tour,almost `holding-hands`in their routine,which included an upward `bomb-burst` followed by a split to then all cross the intersection of Abingdon`s runways at very low-level at the absolute split-second,from all 4 points..I know they were laterally and vertically seperated,but it looked like there was going to be a lot of `scrap` lying around after..Can`t remember,but they may have been called `les Diables Rouge...? I have seen an earlier `incarnation` of a similar formation team in Magisters,who would `kiss` wing-tip tanks as well....

[Vampiredave]

Thank you to all who responded to my question, both through and off-forum. I have been told that the formation was led by Wg Cdr L A Fergusson, who was OF FW Linton-on-Ouse. Anyone recall him? I have also been sent a video of the event; it's interesting - but unless you like Bach then turn down the sound https://youtu.be/XyF5wXFuHuI

[oldpax]

I remember all the cleaning of hangars etc and many vintage aircraft arriving .Then came princess Margaret.However I can find no reference whatsoever to this event?Anyone out there remember it?