Legends 75... by debbielove
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Description
Once Upon A Time...
a boy grew up in London town, fascinated by all things with wings and that went fast, as boys are.. He was tout by his Father how to know different aircraft and taken to airshows from a very early age. Farnborough, Biggen Hill etc..
Then he moved out of the 'smoke' northwards to a town near an RAF base called RAF Wittering..There he was truly surrounded by aircraft.. He remembered Victors taking off and Harriers first arriving.. Exciting times..
Outside the hanger nearest the main road stood the best aircraft of them all, a Spitfire..If only!
One day, aged 11 years, his Father said 'would you like to to the base today?'. No question..
And there, everything he ever dreamed came true.. He sat in that wonderful Spitfire, he was show inside the hangers and best of all he sat in a Harrier GR1 cockpit.. A switch was flicked and the head up came on! Boy! Could it get better?
Actually, it could but it would take too long to put here..
Just to say that many, many years later the Spitfire was removed (1997), I never knew what happened to it, the base shut down and the Harriers went, then...
At RAF Conninsby, I found her again...
My Supermarine Spitfire F.21
She was in the Battle Of Britain film and here she is and yes, I sat in her again!
Rob
P.S. Taken at an RAF Family day at RAF Conninsby.. Thats a NO 1 Squadron Harrier GR9a Behind undergoing service.
Comments (13)
bebopdlx
A very cool story and aircraft. The plane is a 'hero'.
T.Rex
Aw, nice biography. Like all small kids. But not to forget, beautiful photo of this baby! I felt the same with naval vessels. My ultimate visit was aboard the USS Alabama battleship in 1992. Awe inspiring to say the least. Next photo - a Harrier undergoing service? Would be interesting to see how the engine is mounted and associated with those rotatable fan ducts. Keep up the good work! :-) And thanks for your comments on my posts!
neiwil
No matter what life may throw at us....no-one can take our memories, this one is special and I'm glad you were able to be reunited with this wonderful plane. To sit in a Spitfire once is a dream for most, to be able to sit in this one AGAIN must have been heaven.....now, did you get any photos in the cockpit ?...This is a great share Rob, and I for one thank you for it....
jayfar
A great story Rob and a supermarine shot too.
Buffalo1
Excellent story and photo, Rob. I am soooooo jealous.
junge1
Great shot, great story Rob! So that's how it started, huh?
weesel
"If you wish upon a star..." :)
Faemike55
Thank you for the wonderful story and awesome photo
RodS
A delightful story, and one I can relate to myself. May we never have the misfortune to 'grow up!' May we always remain that excited young boy, in love with things that fly. The toys just get more expensive is the only problem LOL..... :-P A wonderful photo, Rob!
goodoleboy
Blimey, propellers and a nose spinner to die for in this magnificent capture of the Supermarine Spitfire F.21 and hangar environs, mate.
Maxidyne
I'm with Neil on this one. Memories are a wonderful thing to have, especially when things aren't going too well. An awesome story mate and there are those of us that would love to just have a couple of minutes sitting in a Spitfire or Harrier. What a great place to work eh :-)
blinkings
I had a very similar experience in a Wirraway at the WW2 gallery at our Museum. The whole place was sensational. Now it's gone, replaced by artseee fartseee stuff..............
flavia49
very beautiful