Vulcan and Lightnings
 

Today in a photography equipment shop in deepest East Anglia there was a gentleman before me in the queue who had two photos. One was, I think an important moment in his life, which had been printed reversed with his wings on the RH breast, the other was a Vulcan with accompanying Lightnings in close formation.

When I admired the Vulcan/Lightnings picture he said "I was flying the Vulcan."

If you read this it was a privilege to meet you Sir.


'b

This being PPrune, within half an hour we will have "name, rank and number"!

He did tell me where it was taken, so the Walts need not apply. And I believe I've seen a poster here with "Location" in that town.

From a quick view I think it was 7 Lightnings -- perhaps I should have practised Kim's Game more often in the Boy Scouts.


'b

There is a picture of a Vulcan in formation with Lightings at

How the RAF has always been ready to face the Russians | Daily Mail Online

Scroll down the photos a bit. Could this be the one?

Laurence

The one I saw was taken from below the front of the formation, and there were definitely more than 4 Lightnings. I didn't see any ground "clutter", but it may have been a low pass over the airfield and taken from the ground. It was mounted and did not look newly printed.

Both types were at the station at one time, 2 squadrons of Vulcans and 1 of Lightnings according to the Station's official history. As well as a fascinating list of other types resident or passing through.

Hey-ho, let's leave the gentleman to his memories.

'bf

RAF Akrotiri. Nos 9 and 35 Sqns Vulcans, No. 56 Sqn Lightnings.

Happy days.

Couldn't possibly comment.


'b

The photos you refer to were on display at his golden wedding celebration lunch. The photo shop had printed a slide of his wedding in Penang back to front. He was extremely embarrassed when the boys pointed it out. Hence the revisit to the photo shop!!

Wanderoo - you are absolutely correct!

D120A - was Dave Dinmore the Vulcan display captain on 35 when you were there

The current incarnation of that company is a pale shadow. My favourite ever camera (Olympus OM4) came from the previous incarnation when they were still in Green St, Cambridge. Today I stick my head in to look at the stuff I cannot afford, and which they don't have in stock exactly. Then go to Campkins on Kings Parade to lay money on their counter. And Campkins are a shadow of what they once were, but still can walk the walk and talk the talk.

'b
--
thinking of changing this back to 'a, 0.5kg more off the 'b and Quack can no longer complain about that.