Spitfire flies over North Devon
AN iconic British fighter plane was seen and heard in the skies over North Devon on Sunday.
A Supermarine Spitfire owned by Rolls-Royce performed a flypast and display over RMB Chivenor.
The display coincided with a cocktail party hosted by 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron to commemorate the Battle of Britain.
The gliding squadron provides flying experience and pilot training to Air Cadets, an organisation for young people aged between 13 and 19.
It offers flying and gliding, target shooting, adventure training and camps abroad as well as in the UK.
The Squadron operates Grob Vigilant motor gliders to offer short familiarisation flights, as well as longer scholarship courses, with the aim of sending cadets solo at the age of 16.
Cadet Sergeant Jon Crane completed a Gliding Scholarship course at Chivenor two years ago, and now assists with the running of the squadron.
He said: "The Air Cadets offer an amazing range of opportunities and activities. I have had so many great experiences, made new friends and become more confident. There really is something on offer for everyone."
Staff, cadets and guests watched as Rolls-Royce test pilot Bill Perrins demonstrated the aircraft's manoeuvrability.
The display was particularly poignant for some of the guests who recall seeing the Spitfire flying over Chivenor.
Flight Lieutenant Dave Howells organised the event.
He said afterwards: "It is important for us all to remember the skill and sacrifice of so many pilots in the Battle of Britain.
"This was a rare opportunity to see a Spitfire flying — and for the cadets to better understand the role of the RAF during World War II."
Comments
by Robin, Barnstaple
Monday, September 15 2008, 8:02PM
“How great it was to hear the rare sound of a Merlin engine in the air over North Devon. I only caught a glimpse of the Spitfire as it headed due East after its display over Chivenor but the D-Day markings on its wings were clearly visible.
In around 1950, as an Air Cadet in Barnstaple's 1146 Squadron, ATC, I enjoyed my first flight with other ATC
Cadets in an Avro Anson from RAF Exeter. Once over Dartmoor our Anson was used for interception training by pilots of the RAF Volunteer Reserve flying Spitfires. The Anson was fitted with two perspex domes in the roof of the fueselage and seeing those Spitfires zooming over the top of the Anson was a sight which I will never forget.
We should tribute to the people who pilot these now quite old aircraft for our pleasure. I understand one such pilot was lost last month when flying a Hurricane which crashed at the Shoreham Air Display.”