Low Flying under bridges (Updated)
Indeed, a very famous display pilot (sadly not with us anymore) did the same trick in a Meteor under the Kiel canal bridge. It caused a fearful row, but he was far from the only pilot in RAFG to do it!
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My old mum (sadly no longer with us) often told me of the time she flew under the Forth Bridge in a Swordfish, probably in about 1943. She was a WREN Bomb Range Marker in the Fleet Air Arm for most of WWII and flew as an observer in various types.
Probably not too difficult in such an aircraft but apparently resulted in a Court Marshal for the pilot!
Probably not too difficult in such an aircraft but apparently resulted in a Court Marshal for the pilot!
sua cuique voluptas
This is the Spitfire clip mentioned: just listening to that sound raises the hair on the back of my neck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf3UtmHLKUU
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf3UtmHLKUU
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There is a photo on display in the Oban War & Peace Museum (in, obviously, Oban) which acknowledges being a mockup using two separate images, but which claims to recreate an event during WW2 when a flight of Fairey Fulmars which had been serviced at RAF Connel Ferry took off, then underflew the Connel Bridge across the mouth of Loch Awe in line astern before heading back to their base "at Campbeltown" (presumably RAF Machrihanish?)
Any thoughts on the likelihood of this?
Any thoughts on the likelihood of this?
QUOTE: All very tame compared with the exploits of WWI ace, 'Mad' Major Draper DFC in 1930 and again in 1953
I served with his nephew, a National Service Met Observer RAF at RAF Nicosia in 1961-64. Fun bloke.
The eccentricity was genetic I can say. Life was never dull. Compounded by Harold "Mickey" Martin as Staish.
Time flew!
I served with his nephew, a National Service Met Observer RAF at RAF Nicosia in 1961-64. Fun bloke.
The eccentricity was genetic I can say. Life was never dull. Compounded by Harold "Mickey" Martin as Staish.
Time flew!
Chris Draper came and stayed with us when I was a teenager. Fascinating gentleman " Quite safe, I could have taken a formation of three Austers under those bridges. I flew over the ones that were a bit doubtful."
Although it wasn't mentioned, Haraka Senior had a slightly different claim, having survived being in a Sea Otter that actually flew into a bridge ( coming out of RAF Mountbatten , Plymouth) when I was a toddler at St. Eval.
Although it wasn't mentioned, Haraka Senior had a slightly different claim, having survived being in a Sea Otter that actually flew into a bridge ( coming out of RAF Mountbatten , Plymouth) when I was a toddler at St. Eval.
Gentleman Aviator
I seem to recall an AAC pilot, now sadly deceased, flying a Sioux underneath the H&W cranes in Belfast, possibly some three decades ago.
Did he become a QHI and eventually serve on CFS(H)? The one I'm thinking of did - didn't know he had "departed the fix"
(if we are indeed thinking of the same one...)
I seem to remember a Shackleton taking off from Montijo Air Base and flying under the 25th April Bridge in Lisbon during the mid fifties, causing the proverbial to well and truly hit the fan 
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Major Christopher Draper
A pilot whom I would have regarded it as an privilege to represent FOC - but I was under two at the time.
Images from his autobiography - originally posted by Wunper
Result: Conditional Discharge & 10 guineas costs.
A very sensible decision by the Stipendiary Magistrate Mr Frank Milton who, by the time I appeared before him as a very young barrister about 20 years later, was Sir Frank Milton, Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrate. Tough when required and merciful when appropriate; a good combination.
Press reports: Images originally posted by Warmtoast
..........
This small picture is a scan of a postcard showing him flying a Puss Moth under Tower Bridge in September 1931.
The writing on the picture says 'C. Draper 30th September 1931'.
Written on the back is 'Given to E. T. Cherry on 17th June 1933 by Major C. Draper (Himself)'.
There doesn't seem to be much room for 'characters' like the Mad Major in our modern, obsessively risk averse, world.
Opinions will no doubt differ about whether that is good or bad.
A pilot whom I would have regarded it as an privilege to represent FOC - but I was under two at the time.
Images from his autobiography - originally posted by Wunper
Result: Conditional Discharge & 10 guineas costs.
A very sensible decision by the Stipendiary Magistrate Mr Frank Milton who, by the time I appeared before him as a very young barrister about 20 years later, was Sir Frank Milton, Chief Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrate. Tough when required and merciful when appropriate; a good combination.
Press reports: Images originally posted by Warmtoast
..........This small picture is a scan of a postcard showing him flying a Puss Moth under Tower Bridge in September 1931.
The writing on the picture says 'C. Draper 30th September 1931'.
Written on the back is 'Given to E. T. Cherry on 17th June 1933 by Major C. Draper (Himself)'.
There doesn't seem to be much room for 'characters' like the Mad Major in our modern, obsessively risk averse, world.
Opinions will no doubt differ about whether that is good or bad.
Gentleman Aviator
brakedwell
Could you be thinking of the late, great Mike Bondesio, who (allegedly) went under the bridge in his 3-engined Shack (2 x Griffs and 1 Viper), 'cos he couldn't get over it, for which feat of airmanship he was awarded the AFC. (must look out for the citation in the Gazette)
"..fast footwork to avoid" in the following account (from avroshackleton.com) may be something of a euphemism.
Whatever actually happened, I gather for some time afterwards it was known locally as the "Ponto Bondesio".
Edited to add: Found the citation - which also suggests he didn't go under it (not what I've heard!)
I seem to remember a Shackleton taking off from Montijo Air Base and flying under the 25th April Bridge in Lisbon during the mid fifties, causing the proverbial to well and truly hit the fan
"..fast footwork to avoid" in the following account (from avroshackleton.com) may be something of a euphemism.
Whatever actually happened, I gather for some time afterwards it was known locally as the "Ponto Bondesio".
Over the years several crews were to be grateful for these little screamers but none more so than the late Mike Bondesio (who died of a heart attack at the controls of a SAAF Shack in 1983). He managed to limp his crippled MkIII of 203 Squadron into Lisbon on 2 Griffons and one Viper - having to do some fast footwork to avoid the brand new Salazar Bridge. For his extreme professionalism he was awarded the AFC.
Whitehall, London S.W .I.
20th February 1968.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the following award:
Air Force Cross
Flight Lieutenant Michael Albert Bondesio (4230897), Royal Air Force.
Flight Lieutenant Bondesio was captain of a Shackleton aircraft flying from Gibraltar to Ballykelly. The aircraft carried a crew of ten and nine passengers. At 0953 hours at one thousand feet above the sea and almost 90 nautical miles north-west of Lisbon, a fault developed in the propeller of number one engine. The engine was shut down but the propeller would not feather and continued to windmill slowly. Fuel was jettisoned and a diversion to Lisbon initiated. At 1010 hours when still about 45 nautical miles from Lisbon, number four engine developed a severe oil leak which demanded that this second engine be shut down. During the feathering process full power on the two remaining sound engines did not prevent the aircraft losing height to five hundred feet. Flight Lieutenant Bondesio now faced a very serious situation. He prepared his crew and passengers for ditching and declared a full emergency to Lisbon control. To keep the aircraft out of the sea the port auxiliary jet engine, normally used only to augment take-off power, was started and run at full power. The use of this engine prohibited further jettisoning of fuel and the aircraft power to weight ratio remained critical. Flight Lieutenant Bondesio was unable to start the starboard jet engine because the leaking oil from the adjacent number four engine presented a severe fire risk. With two piston engines and one jet engine all running in excess of accepted operational limits it was possible to hold height at five hundred feet at about 150 knots in straight and level flight. Nothing more than a shallow turn could be made without loss of height and speed. Flight Lieutenant Bondesio nursed the aircraft in this con- figuration to the entrance to Lisbon harbour where the visibility dropped to one and a half miles in smoke haze. At such a low altitude the airfield approach instruments in the aircraft were unhelpful and no ground radar assistance was available. Following the coastline towards Lisbon airport, Flight Lieutenant Bondesio was suddenly confronted with the towers and span of the Salazar bridge which links the north and south banks of the estuary. Unable to clear the bridge the aircraft was gently edged seawards again in an unsuccessful attempt to gain height. At this point the crew of a civil aircraft flying locally became aware of the Shackleton's predicament and closed the crippled aircraft in an attempt to shepherd it into Lisbon airport. Crossing the coast the Shackleton encountered some thermal uplift enabling enough height to be gained for the aircraft to clear the outskirts of the city. At about two miles the runway came into view roughly aligned with the aircraft track. The aircraft landed safely at 1036 hours. Throughout this very serious emergency Flight Lieutenant Bondesio showed great coolness and presence of mind. For twenty-six minutes, under great strain, he fought to keep his heavy and unmanoeuvrable aircraft out of the sea. By his superb airmanship and by his courage and determination, he brought nineteen lives safely through a very perilous predicament and prevented the loss of a valuable operational aircraft. He displayed the greatest qualities of leadership and captaincy and his exemplary handling of a very dangerous situation was in accordance with the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force.
20th February 1968.
The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the following award:
Air Force Cross
Flight Lieutenant Michael Albert Bondesio (4230897), Royal Air Force.
Flight Lieutenant Bondesio was captain of a Shackleton aircraft flying from Gibraltar to Ballykelly. The aircraft carried a crew of ten and nine passengers. At 0953 hours at one thousand feet above the sea and almost 90 nautical miles north-west of Lisbon, a fault developed in the propeller of number one engine. The engine was shut down but the propeller would not feather and continued to windmill slowly. Fuel was jettisoned and a diversion to Lisbon initiated. At 1010 hours when still about 45 nautical miles from Lisbon, number four engine developed a severe oil leak which demanded that this second engine be shut down. During the feathering process full power on the two remaining sound engines did not prevent the aircraft losing height to five hundred feet. Flight Lieutenant Bondesio now faced a very serious situation. He prepared his crew and passengers for ditching and declared a full emergency to Lisbon control. To keep the aircraft out of the sea the port auxiliary jet engine, normally used only to augment take-off power, was started and run at full power. The use of this engine prohibited further jettisoning of fuel and the aircraft power to weight ratio remained critical. Flight Lieutenant Bondesio was unable to start the starboard jet engine because the leaking oil from the adjacent number four engine presented a severe fire risk. With two piston engines and one jet engine all running in excess of accepted operational limits it was possible to hold height at five hundred feet at about 150 knots in straight and level flight. Nothing more than a shallow turn could be made without loss of height and speed. Flight Lieutenant Bondesio nursed the aircraft in this con- figuration to the entrance to Lisbon harbour where the visibility dropped to one and a half miles in smoke haze. At such a low altitude the airfield approach instruments in the aircraft were unhelpful and no ground radar assistance was available. Following the coastline towards Lisbon airport, Flight Lieutenant Bondesio was suddenly confronted with the towers and span of the Salazar bridge which links the north and south banks of the estuary. Unable to clear the bridge the aircraft was gently edged seawards again in an unsuccessful attempt to gain height. At this point the crew of a civil aircraft flying locally became aware of the Shackleton's predicament and closed the crippled aircraft in an attempt to shepherd it into Lisbon airport. Crossing the coast the Shackleton encountered some thermal uplift enabling enough height to be gained for the aircraft to clear the outskirts of the city. At about two miles the runway came into view roughly aligned with the aircraft track. The aircraft landed safely at 1036 hours. Throughout this very serious emergency Flight Lieutenant Bondesio showed great coolness and presence of mind. For twenty-six minutes, under great strain, he fought to keep his heavy and unmanoeuvrable aircraft out of the sea. By his superb airmanship and by his courage and determination, he brought nineteen lives safely through a very perilous predicament and prevented the loss of a valuable operational aircraft. He displayed the greatest qualities of leadership and captaincy and his exemplary handling of a very dangerous situation was in accordance with the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force.
Last edited by teeteringhead; 15th Jan 2015 at 05:46.
What was the name of the Shackleton's co-pilot, when they went into Lisbon. ISTR hearing the story and that the co was guy who had been at the Towers a year or so ahead of me, about 86 Entry
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Teeteringhead.
Yes we are thinking of the same one ! Sadly left us about 12 months or so ago, interned in cemetery in Salisbury.
Yes we are thinking of the same one ! Sadly left us about 12 months or so ago, interned in cemetery in Salisbury.
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Update.
I think I can fill in a few details of some of the above exploits - having been on an FR squadron in Germany in the 50's. Also I knew someone that was on the Court of Inquiry about the Clifton Suspension Bridge crash.
On joining my squadron, I was soon told UNofficially that although I could expect to be considered "operational" after about 6 months (and be presented with the squadron tie - at a drunken squadron thrash), I would be expected to have UNofficially flown under the big (43 metres clearance) Kiel Canal bridge by then !! I complied.
Later, my Flight Commander MS & Deputy Flight Commander (THE RH) decided to fly under it in formation. It was about the time that the British forces were told that we were no longer the Occupying Power but Guests etc.
Someone complained about these 2 Meteor FR9 aircraft flying under the bridge & a Summary of Evidence was started with a view to a Courts Marshall. The perpetrators had been easily identified & grounded.
In the process of collecting evidence, the permanently employed bridge painter was asked to confirm details of time, aircraft type etc. His well known reply was that he couldn`t because so many aircraft fly under each day that I don`t bother to look at them any more !!
Because of this statement, the matter was dropped, but a 3 mile restricted/forbidden area was created around the bridge. Incidentally, the excuses given were:- I was about to take a forward facing photo of the bridge, but realised that I had left the pull up too late & it was safer to go underneath (MS). RH said he was just concentrating on flying in close formation on his leader & knew nothing about the bridge previously !!
MS left the RAF shortly afterwards. RH became famous !!! (Both RIP now).
Shortly afterwards, the Wing Commander Flying passed me & asked me where this bridge was that was causing all the fuss. I told him just before he went off in a Meteor 7 to have a look at it.
By complete coincidence, I was passing Station Flight later as he was climbing out of his aircraft, so I asked him if he had found it ? He replied that indeed he had- but as he looked down at it "a box of 4 Venoms flew under it !! So I said to myself , This is no place for a Wing Commander to be & came back here quickly !!!".
Regarding Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Inquiry found that a mechanic had been doing a check on a Vampire 5 of 501 Auxiliary Squadron based at RAF Filton, Bristol & noticed a man in a Dinner Suit start to taxi out from along side his aircraft. He realised that there had been a Dinner in the officers mess the night before caused by the announcement that the RAF Auxiliary Air Force was being disbanded. There was to be a final fly past of all these squadrons later that day in their local areas. (It was a stupid decision by 501 to have the party the night before - others had it earlier in the week !!).
The mechanic tried to throw a chock in front of the moving Vampires wheel - without success. It took off (pilot not strapped in ? open canopy? across the grass?). It went under the bridge & crashed into the gorge cliffs.
I understand the pilot had telephoned his mother & girl friend previously & told them to go to the bridge to see something special. They were both there & saw the crash happen.
The Government acted quickly & cancelled ALL RAF Auxiliary Final flypasts throughout the country - in case .... such a pity!! This caused much resentment, but possibly understandable.
It was a different world we lived in then - leaving us with some incredible memories & stories !! Many wouldn`t be believed today !!!
On joining my squadron, I was soon told UNofficially that although I could expect to be considered "operational" after about 6 months (and be presented with the squadron tie - at a drunken squadron thrash), I would be expected to have UNofficially flown under the big (43 metres clearance) Kiel Canal bridge by then !! I complied.
Later, my Flight Commander MS & Deputy Flight Commander (THE RH) decided to fly under it in formation. It was about the time that the British forces were told that we were no longer the Occupying Power but Guests etc.
Someone complained about these 2 Meteor FR9 aircraft flying under the bridge & a Summary of Evidence was started with a view to a Courts Marshall. The perpetrators had been easily identified & grounded.
In the process of collecting evidence, the permanently employed bridge painter was asked to confirm details of time, aircraft type etc. His well known reply was that he couldn`t because so many aircraft fly under each day that I don`t bother to look at them any more !!
Because of this statement, the matter was dropped, but a 3 mile restricted/forbidden area was created around the bridge. Incidentally, the excuses given were:- I was about to take a forward facing photo of the bridge, but realised that I had left the pull up too late & it was safer to go underneath (MS). RH said he was just concentrating on flying in close formation on his leader & knew nothing about the bridge previously !!
MS left the RAF shortly afterwards. RH became famous !!! (Both RIP now).
Shortly afterwards, the Wing Commander Flying passed me & asked me where this bridge was that was causing all the fuss. I told him just before he went off in a Meteor 7 to have a look at it.
By complete coincidence, I was passing Station Flight later as he was climbing out of his aircraft, so I asked him if he had found it ? He replied that indeed he had- but as he looked down at it "a box of 4 Venoms flew under it !! So I said to myself , This is no place for a Wing Commander to be & came back here quickly !!!".
Regarding Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Inquiry found that a mechanic had been doing a check on a Vampire 5 of 501 Auxiliary Squadron based at RAF Filton, Bristol & noticed a man in a Dinner Suit start to taxi out from along side his aircraft. He realised that there had been a Dinner in the officers mess the night before caused by the announcement that the RAF Auxiliary Air Force was being disbanded. There was to be a final fly past of all these squadrons later that day in their local areas. (It was a stupid decision by 501 to have the party the night before - others had it earlier in the week !!).
The mechanic tried to throw a chock in front of the moving Vampires wheel - without success. It took off (pilot not strapped in ? open canopy? across the grass?). It went under the bridge & crashed into the gorge cliffs.
I understand the pilot had telephoned his mother & girl friend previously & told them to go to the bridge to see something special. They were both there & saw the crash happen.
The Government acted quickly & cancelled ALL RAF Auxiliary Final flypasts throughout the country - in case .... such a pity!! This caused much resentment, but possibly understandable.
It was a different world we lived in then - leaving us with some incredible memories & stories !! Many wouldn`t be believed today !!!
Last edited by luffers79; 14th Feb 2015 at 07:25.
Bridges!!
At the end of the 70's, I was on exchange with the USN.
One day, I sat at the end of a runway at NAS ALAMEDA waiting for departure clearance. NAS ALAMEDA is (OK - was!) just to the east of the City of San Francisco, and the runway pointed towards one of the Bay bridges - not THE Bay bridge (OK - it might have been THE Bay Bridge, but it wasn't THE as in Golden Gate Bay Bridge!!) but it was one of the many.
Whilst waiting for departure clearance, I tried to think of an emergency after take-off that would allow me to continue with the departure, but fail to climb over the bridge, and by flying under it save a valuable aircraft and therefore be a hero for ever.
I couldn't, so I didn't!
At times, I wish I had a more imaginative mind!
One day, I sat at the end of a runway at NAS ALAMEDA waiting for departure clearance. NAS ALAMEDA is (OK - was!) just to the east of the City of San Francisco, and the runway pointed towards one of the Bay bridges - not THE Bay bridge (OK - it might have been THE Bay Bridge, but it wasn't THE as in Golden Gate Bay Bridge!!) but it was one of the many.
Whilst waiting for departure clearance, I tried to think of an emergency after take-off that would allow me to continue with the departure, but fail to climb over the bridge, and by flying under it save a valuable aircraft and therefore be a hero for ever.
I couldn't, so I didn't!
At times, I wish I had a more imaginative mind!
Last edited by ex-fast-jets; 5th Mar 2015 at 12:05.