Airbourne 2

[poliphilo]

 The first day's programme is drawing to an end.

The Red Arrows cancelled due to "technical difficulties".

Scootering home from the Meeting House I paused on the prom to watch the WWII memorial flight. A Hurricane, a Spitfire, a Lancaster bomber. 

I watched the Lancaster manoeuvring over the sea. So heavy, so slow.  No wonder so many of them never came back from Germany.

Comments

[mtbc]

Oh goodness, a Lancaster's a rare sight, I saw one fly over a few years ago in Lancashire, glad you're getting to see plenty.

[poliphilo]

I can't believe there are many that are still airworthy.

[lauradi7dw]

At the time the highly fictionalized movie "Memphis Belle" was made (1990), the producers invited the crew of the original MB to come watch part of the filming. There were several vintage B17s being used. They offered the older guys the chance to go up for a flight, and they all declined, feeling that the planes were too old even then.
Now it's double that time since WWII. I guess enough spare parts and loving mechanics can keep things going.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv_BWp2qzjE

[poliphilo]

I guess they'd also had enough of all that.

[cmcmck]

My Great Uncle Les was 'tail end Charlie' (rear gunner) on one and survived forty odd missions over Germany.

I have a pic of the crew lined up with their plane: 'E' Never Forgets.

[poliphilo]

40 bombing runs? That must do something to a person's mind.

[cmcmck]

Rear gunner mentality...........

He was a gentle soul.