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Ex-servicemen travel to R.A.F Lyneham to pay tribute to Cold War icon
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21 Chelsea Pensioners visited R.A.F Lyneham on Thursday to receive a guided tour of XH558, the only Vulcan bomber left flying. The iconic aircraft brought back strong memories for some of the pensioners who had direct involvement with the Vulcan during the Cold War. Known for its innovative delta wing layout and distinctive sound, the Vulcan has long been a symbol of British technical and military excellence: the delight this aircraft brought to the distinguished visitors was clear to see, with one of the guests commenting "this is fantastic, the Vulcan really is the pride of Britain"
The Royal Hospital, Chelsea was founded in 1682 by King Charles II 'to provide a fitting home and community for ageing or infirm veteran soldiers to whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude.' Around half of the pensioners served in WWII and the display of medals was as spectacular as the quick-fire stories of distant campaigns. Many had service experience of the Vulcan and even those who hadn't worked with the type had fond memories of their power and grace over the English countryside.
"We had a wonderful day and the Vulcan team couldn't have been more helpful or more eager to share their passion for this magnificent aircraft," said RHC's Sergeant Major Bob Appleby. "We all have vivid memories of the Cold War in which she played such an important peace-keeping role. It is a frightening period of our history that the current generation should never be allowed to forget."
Success as a Cold War peacekeeper meant that the Vulcan might have flown its entire service life without ever entering combat if it hadn't been for the Falklands Conflict in 1982. During a marathon 8,000 mile flight supported by eleven Victor tankers, Squadron Leader Martin Withers and his crew released the bombs over Port Stanley Airport that prevented Argentina operating its Mirage III fighters from the island and initiated the campaign that recaptured the Falkands. Two years later, the last Vulcans were withdrawn from service.
£350,000 needed for biggest display season ever
At the end of March, the aircraft will make its first flight since its winter service, when it will be moved to a new home. The 2011 display season will be the most impressive yet, touring parts of the UK not yet visited, including Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as a welcome return to the North of England. XH558 is run by a registered charity, Vulcan to the Sky Trust, and despite its current location receives no funding from the government or the R.A.F. In order to meet its airshow commitments this year, the trust needs to raise a further £350,000 pounds by the end of May.
The Vulcan bomber represented an important evolutionary step for aircraft, with the innovative delta wing layout leading directly to Concorde. The last airworthy Vulcan is not only a tribute to a bygone era but a vindication of the keen sense of history felt by the British public, for it is they who keep her flying through their generous donations. This unique piece of British history serves not only as a link to the past but also an inspiration for future engineers and aviators.
Press Enquiries
Richard Gotch at Market Engineering +44 (0) 1295 277050 / +44 (0)7831 569732
(further information and interviews)
Richard Clarke at Vulcan To The Sky Trust +44 (0) 7541 133683
(airshows and Supporters Club)
Contact Information
Market Engineering
North Bar House
Banbury
Oxon
OX16 0TH
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