Solway Museum's Veteran's weekend was a great success, the weather was superb (except for a brief rain shower in the middle of the day). The event was visited by a huge amount of public and the VERA lads were literally run off their feet, with no time for lunch! On Saturday - the day before the actual event - we were treated to a short air display by the Yak52 Air Display Team who landed at the airfield to refuel before roaring off to their next appointment. In the afternoon, all eyes were skyward once again searching for signs of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Dakota. Then we heard that the Dak had engine problems and had returned to base which was disappointing to say the least, however, our spirits were raised by the appearance of the Spitfire who did several passes of the site before landing and the pilot coming up to speak to us. We were then informed that the Dak was on her way and would be with us shortly. Sure enough she came in right on time and we were fortunate enough to be able to take part in a promotional photoshoot and guided tour! The pilots and crew of both aircraft were excellent blokes and we all felt truly privileged.
Wartime and post-war veterans also attended the event and many of them appreciated our efforts and enjoyed showing their families the weapons and kit they'd used in their youth. One outstanding individual was John “Chalkie” White of 2 SAS (pictured below with some VERA chaps) who had once been Lt Col Paddy Mayne's driver!
The museum itself is also worth a visit, with some interesting static aircraft on display including a Phantom F4, Gloster Meteor, Canberra, Sikorsky S.55 Helicopter, Vampire and of course the Vulcan. The volunteer staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. For more information contact them via: info@solway-aviation-museum.co.uk. Cheers.
