WIX Archives

Günther Rall - Flying Legends '03

Posted by AndyG on Thu Jul 17, 2003 06:11:24 PM

Did anyone meet Mr G?nther Rall last weekend? Looked around but could not find him anywhere.

After seeing him in the cockpit of black 6 in Robbie Coltrane?s series (Planes Trains & Automobiles) I thought he'd be a very interesting man to talk to. Any stories anyone?

After having had a few days to put the tragic event of last weekends Flying Legends display into perspective, I believe it would be a bit sad not to reflect upon the positive aspects of what was a very polished & professional two day airshow, the like of which we are very lucky to have available to us in this part of the world.

I could not help but notice how many foreign visitors attend Duxford these days, some old, some young, surely a good sign.

One of the highlights for me were the awesome sight and sound of the five Griffon Spit?s, their display tempered by the mellow and majestic Merlin?s not forgetting the Hurricanes of course.

How impressive was the Skyraider display? Mr Bonhomme certainly can fly a large aeroplane to its best advantage. Top marks there.

The Breitling Fighter display by the OFMC just gets better and better. Very polished, precise and a joy to watch. The two Corsairs cavorting around the skies in their aerial ballet is very nice too. (Ray Hanna used to perform this one himself in the past?)

The Gladiator put on the best display I can remember too? What about the LA9? Fantastic! I always look forward to the Jokers slot too, how about a Ray Hanna solo soon too?

I?ll have to stop myself now, Blenheim, Nimrod, B17 , Mustangs, Mustangs, Mustangs P47, Lysander!! Very nimble B25 and those majestic Ju52?s????? Oh Joy! Was I dreaming? No I wasn?t.

Very sad for the crew, the family, their friends and the RNHF Firefly, but it must be remembered that they were there flying the Firefly, because they wanted to and I suppose enjoyed it immensely to.

One of my mates turned to me on the Sunday and said ?You know this Andy, I think the wee man will be old enough to start coming along next year? And so life goes on.

BTW: The Imperial War Museum organised Gold Card ticket enclosure was great value this year, there was loads of space, plenty of seating, a great view, a bar, excellent heating, lighting and very clean windows.








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