RAF Veterans Re-union

**cessna152towser** · 1st June 08, 02:31 PM

Saturday was the annual Project Propellor event when today's pilots fly Royal Air Force World War II flight crew veterans to their re-union.

A fine sunny morning and the aircraft which I had hired for the day was ready and waiting at Newcastle Airport.

My co-pilot and our passenger on arrival at the venue for this year's event, The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden in Bedfordshire. The venue has an aviation museum, a vintage vehicle museum, a birds of prey falconry centre and an ornamental swiss garden.

Outside the Royal Aero Club blister hangar, with its control tower on top. Xmarkers will recognise this location which has appeared in many films.

Outside the main reception with a visitor's Harley Davidson parked outside, and some war veterans in their navy blue blazers.

I thought of Riverkilt when I saw this as his father flew Hurricanes. Technically this one is a Sea Hurricane as it operated for the Royal Navy.

A Chipmunk trainer in the colours of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Steam traction engine built in 1914 by Clayton & Shuttleworth of Lincoln.

**cessna152towser** · 1st June 08, 02:34 PM

1912 Wolseley car

Down by the Flightline

Veterans watching the flying display and enjoying a natter about old times.

Group of veterans from the north of England.

With my passenger. He was 84 years old and last time he had flown was in a Lancaster in 1945.

**cessna152towser** · 1st June 08, 02:37 PM

A forties band played some Glenn Miller tunes.

Two bonny lassies singing a Vera Lynn number
We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day

and the music over, the planes queue to depart for home.

**Retro Red** · 2nd June 08, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

A forties band played some Glenn Miller tunes.

Was this band visiting from the U.S.?

I ask because the gals are wearing the patch of the U.S. Army Air Corp 8th Air Force. I know the 8th Air Force flew bombing operations out of airfields in England during WWII, but it still strikes me as a bit odd that a british band would wear U.S. ensignia to an event commemorating the R.A.F.

And you mentioned that the venue had an "ornamental swiss garden." What makes an ornamental garden swiss - holes???

Looks like it was a wonderful event. "Props" to you for helping!

.

**fluter** · 3rd June 08, 02:42 PM

Well done, Alex! Thanks for the pictures.

Originally Posted by Retro Red

Was this band visiting from the U.S.?

I ask because the gals are wearing the patch of the U.S. Army Air Corp 8th Air Force. I know the 8th Air Force flew bombing operations out of airfields in England during WWII, ...

Was that Glenn Miller's outfit? I suspect that was the connection.