The Shuttleworth Collection - Military Pageant Air Display - 1st August 2004 By Tony

Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1   Gallery 2

I can only say that this was without doubt one of the most enjoyable events I have visited over the years. Not so much a flying display as a nostalgic happening.

The mood was set as I arrived to hear 17 members of the James Goff Big Band playing a selection of tunes from the 1930's and 40's. The like of String of Pearls, Woodchoppers Ball, Pennsylvania 65,000 and Let's Fall In Love, with vocals by Jeannie Dee, a songstress of renowned talent.

Now to drag myself away from the music and mingle through the crowd of about 6,000 to experience the unique atmosphere of this event. Many groups representing service units of the 1916 era were present, with authentic uniforms, equipment and weapons.

The Royal Flying Corps were present in large numbers and Germany was represented by two groups; Wolfstair and Ostfront, who did a re-enactment of World War II action featuring a Lysander aircraft landing agents in France who were captured and led off for interrogation. If you need a nurse, a group representing nursing in the 1918 era looking very chic in old uniform added more to the timeless feeling of the day.

We had a parade of 15 historic motor vehicles, cycles and carriages all in pristine condition. The oldest from 1901 to the 1912 Crossley, 1914 Ford Model T, 1926 Jowett and a 1937 Austin Seven. A wonderful turnout but not my scene, I want some aircraft.

And here they come, with a Harrier GR7 of No. 4 Squadron from RAF Cottesmore swooping in with a roar to shake the crowd back into the modern times. A good display, plenty of noise and in the hover made a great opportunity for all owners of a camera to get good pictures.

Then came the Folland Gnat, an ex-RAF trainer and 40 years ago the mount of the Red Arrows display team. This small jet aircraft was a little more difficult to catch on film but the memory of the agility and elegant lines of this aircraft remain with you forever. Now it's the turn of the World War I aircraft; fighters such as the RAF SE5A, Bristol F2B, Auro 504 and the Sopwith Triplane. Very sedate by today's standards but all top notch aircraft of their time.

The Shuttleworth Collection's Big Five now grace the skies; the worlds only airworthy Westerland Lysander, the Gladiator, Hind, Sea Hurricane and the Spitfire MkV, all great aircraft. Much praise to the engineers and pilots for giving us the thrill of seeing them airborne. But there were even older aircraft flying today, known as the Edwardians, these bits of wood and canvas will only be seen at this venue, so are unique.

The Deperdussin, Bleriot and Bristol Boxkite used in the film Those Magnificenmt Men. This film title certainly applies to the pilots who flew these ancient planes for our benefit today.

So to end my thoughts and sum up my day at the Shuttleworth Collection's Military Pageant Air Display. I'd say well done, a memorable day with facilities and staff fantastic, a venue not to be missed. See you there next year Tony

Photograph Gallery   Gallery 1   Gallery 2

Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Tony thisisUll.com

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