Red Arrows are back for local air display
ROYAL AIR FORCE aerobatic team the Red Arrows are returning to the Guernsey Air Display after being absent last year.
They are due to appear in the finale of the event, which will take place on 13 September from 11am to 1.15pm to the east of St Peter Port Harbour.
This year marks the RAF’s centenary.
Guernsey Air Display organiser Barry Neal said: ‘The motto of the RAF 100 centenary year is Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire.
‘These three words also encapsulate the core objectives of the Guernsey Air Display – to commemorate the lives and legacy of all those airmen and aircrew who have served their country with honour and pride over the past 100 years; to celebrate the invaluable work that RAFA does for all ex and current serving personnel who need support and assistance, and to inspire islanders across Guernsey to continue to support the annual Guernsey Air Display in whatever way they can.’
The event raises funds and awareness for the Royal Air Forces Association.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – the Lancaster Bomber, Hurricane and Spitfire – will open the event.
Debuts in the display this year include the P-51D Mustang, the Avro Anson and a female aerobatic display pilot – Lauren Wilson.
Wearing the same coat of paint as 60 years ago, the Mustang being flown this year was piloted by Captain Raymond as ‘Miss Helen’ during the Second World War.
A militarised version of a commercial passenger transporter, the Avro Anson was mostly used as a training aircraft during the Second World War, and was for many their first taste of flight.
Formed in 2014, Team Raven are a five ‘ship’ display team on show this year.
Coming back in to the display’s programme is ‘The City of Exeter’ Spitfire, an RAF ‘Aldon’ Messerschmitt ME108 and a Beech 18 aircraft.
Devon-born Martin Phillips pieced together the Spitfire in 13 years, using parts sourced from across the globe.
Seized in 1939, the ME108 is one of five Messerschmitt aircraft that operated in the British No.24 Squadron, located at RAF Hendon.
A three-decade-long production run saw more than 9,000 Beech 18s being built – firstly for wartime military contracts then for civilian service.
n Find how to support the Guernsey Air Display by visiting www.guernseyairdisplay.com, calling 728686 or emailing natalie@eventguernsey.com
