| Organised in Aid of The Museum Or Army Flying, this biennial show took a different form in 2008. Formerly an evening event with aircraft performing over the stage with music being provided by the Band Of The Army Air Corps, this year it was an all day family event. Music was again provided by the band and there were appearances by Special Guest Will Martin and others.
Arranged around the display ground were various re-enactment groups including the famous Real Dad's Army who patrolled the perimeter at various times. Also represented were the RFA, Observer Corps, Radio Operators and several others. The afternoon flying display, which rarely for 2008 took place in brilliant sunshine, showed off some wonderful machines in the rolling Hampshire countryside setting of the largest grass airfield in Britain. Beginning with 9 early visitors prior to another display at the south coast, the Red Arrows wowed the assembled crowd with the sunshine glinting off their wings. The show proper commenced after lunch with The Great War Display Team. On show this afternoon were two 'Junkers', Nieuport 17, Fokker Dr.1 and two RAF SE.5As. They were followed by a display of barnstorming by two of Team Guinot's Stearmans with the girls relishing some sunshine on the top wing. LAst in this section as a pairing representing the early years of pilot training at Middle Wallop with a Tiger Moth and The Shuttleworth Collection's Miles Magister. Opening the second section was a pair of Harvards. One of thesee was the Goodwood Aero Club's own example which gave it's usual outstanding looping display. The other Harvard was a real rarity on the airshow circuit and the last example in real military service in the UK. This was QinetiQ's KF183, which despite it's age still flys from Boscombe Down on 'chase plane' duties. Next up were those two iconic fighters the Hurricane and Spitfire, though the latter was actually a Photo Reconnaisance version in the shape of the PR-XIX operated by Rolls-Royce and flown by Phil O'Dell. The Hurricane was the earliest version still flying and a genuine Battle Of Britain verteran. This was the glorious Mk.I owned by Peter Vacher and flown by BAe test pilot Keith Dennison. With the Royal Navy's Swordfish still suffering post restoration teething problems, a somewhat larger aircraft filled the gap created by this and the absence of B-17 'Sally B' with ongoing engine problems. This was the first time that the wonderful Douglas DC-6 from the Air Atlantique Classic Flight (who were also giving pleasure flights in their De Havilland Dove) had operated off grass and to hear Julian Firth slam on the reverse thrust on landing was a sound that stirred many a heart. The routine that is flown by this large aircraft is certainly worth seeing with spirited wing-overs and splendid passes and with a gorgeous set of sunlit clouds, it certainly brought back memories of the Golden Era of airline travel. Then is was back to single engines for the next two displays. First was another from the Shuttleworth stable with the Westland Lysander taking to the air. This again harked back to the Air Observation days and was very appropriate for Middle Wallop. This was followed immediately by Peter Teichman giving his usual crowd (and photographer) pleasing show in P-51D Mustang 'Jumpin' Jacques'. He did however have a slight problem on landing as the main runway at Wallop is not exactly flat, so there were two touchdowns for the price of one! Nothing daunted however and Peter as usual wound back the canopy and greeted the crowd warmly. Bringing this section to a close was a visit from 'Percy' the Pembroke up from its base at Bournemouth. The last batch started with something that brought back memories of the famous Diamond Nine display by Tiger Moths. This was the Tiger Nine (or more accurately Eight as one went tech and couldn't take part) who gave several formations passes before a classic break in front of the crowdline. The final visiting items were the Vampire T.55 from Coventry demonstrating speed and grace from this classic jet followed swiftly by the gorgeous Black Hunter from Delta Jets at Kemble in the capable hands of former Red Arrow, Andy Cubin. The finale comprised 'The Home Team', the Army Air Corps beginning with the new style 'Blue Eagles'. Now comprising Alouette, Gazelle, Scout and Lynx they created an aerial ballet. It was only at the end of the season that it was realised that in fact this was the last time that this writer would sadly see the team in the air. They were accompanied by the latest weapon in the AAC arsenal, the Apache AH.1 which gave a menacing display with the underslung machine gun seeimngly 'strafing' the paying guests! To finish the afternoon, and to bring back memories of the famous 'Massed Approach' was The Elevator and included and approach by eleven helicopters including Squirrels, Gazelles, Lynx and two of the Apaches. The music from the AAC Band came to a crescendo as the choppers came into the hover above the stage. Thus ended a very pleasant afternoon at this green and pleasant airfield. Hopefully much needed funds will have been raised for the worthy museum which sets out to tell the story of Army aviation and honour the heroes who gave so much, whether it was through Air Observation or Close Support or in the Glider Pilot Regiment. Thanks must go to Marion Paver, the Museum Chairman for making the visit to the show possible. |