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330th, the 'photo' was made before the flight so I think it was just a bit of conjectural fun, not too far from the actual appearance I suppose.
I saw a snippet in a newspaper that there were some spare seats for sale so arranged for myself and my step-dad (an ex-De Havilland apprentice and engineer) to go. It did take a bit of persuading myself, as I'm more used to parting with large sums for the family's benefit, not my own. But I'm glad I did it, as it's been a dream to fly with a Spitfire and Hurricane for many years, and one I thought out of reach.
(My photos are on the Flypast link) We gathered in a hotel attached to Terminal 5 for a champagne reception and the veterans and widows arrived over the next hour and a half. Just to be in their company was awe-inspiring but we kept our cool, taking it all in and chatting to other enthusiasts present. The press has a pretty good handle on collecting stories etc and the vets did a great service, patiently telling their war tales which will be forwarded to many people. So we were happy to have the odd word here and there with them.
Then, after the genuine Biggin Hill fire bell (used for 'scrambles' during much of the war) was rung, it was over to Terminal 5 for the flight. The contrast between our very senior flight contingent and the modern surroundings of the terminal with its (mostly) young workforce was striking. I did wonder how many of them knew of the significance of the passengers passing through, but British Airways sure did. They hosted superbly through the day and the flight crew (one ex-spitfire Hurricane pilot, one ex-OFMC engineer, one a T6 pilot, all enthusiasts!) were equally delighted to be flying us. There was much mutual swapping of log book signatures!
We sat next to 97 year old William Walker, a Spitfire pilot during the battle, whom we assured we would not badger with endless questions (they do attend so many awareness raising events) but would let him enjoy the flight, and chat if he wanted. Despite this, William was utterly charming and talked about his experiences which were very interesting. We took off, flew over Southern England, and RV'd with the Spitfire and Hurricane at about 4500' over the channel. For those lucky enough to have done so, do you remember your first air-to-air RV with a warbird? Well, it was just like that! I could hardly believe it was happening. Of course William and his colleagues took it all in their stride, it was only us whippersnappers who were getting outwardly excited. It did make me wonder what sights they had seen in their time, good and bad. You just can't keep an enthusiast down, however, and my camera was put to good use as the warbirds and accompanying Jet Provost kept us company for the next 45 minutes.
Eventually it was time for the Spit and Hurri to depart, but not before the theme from 'The Battle of Britain' had been played over the intercom- excellent touch! And so to land, and say our farewells. I know how much respect in which American veterans are held and how they are rightly feted at events throughout the country; In England, we do things in a somewhat more understated manner, it's just our way. Perhaps sometimes this can make our youngsters less aware of the sacrifices that were made for them, including sacrifices by those that are still alive and their friends who did not make it. But I can say hand on heart that this event received a good load of publicity, and has raised awareness of the Battle of Britain with the general public. And just as important, the flight was a great way to pay our respects in the most appropriate way - to get those veterans flying again, together!
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