On Tuesday the 27th June a formation of Tucano aircraft from No 72(R) Squadron flew their ‘Grand Flypast’ to commemorate the Squadron’s Centenary.
The nationwide route was planned to overfly all bar two of the Squadron’s previous bases encompassing locations linked to the Squadron’s surviving WWII veterans. We popped up to the Battle of Britain memorial, Capel at 12:30 this lunch-time to see them fly past.
Starting at RNAS Culdrose, the route took four of the Squadron’s Shorts Tucano T Mark 1 aircraft across the South Coast visiting many former RAF Stations that were operational during the Second World War with stops at RAF Odiham, Imperial War Museum Duxford and RAF Linton-on-Ouse on the way to the final destination at JHFS Aldergrove in Northern Ireland. (stop press ! Legs 3 and 4 apparently cancelled due to weather)
One of the Tucanos was painted in a specially designed commemorative livery, to recognise 72 Squadron’s unique position as the only remaining Squadron in the Royal Air Force to have flown Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. This commemorative Tucano will also be visiting RAF Stations and airshows around the country this summer as a static display aircraft.
Tucanos of 72 (R) Sqd Centenary flypast at the site of the former RAF Matlaske in North Norfolk by Stuart Thurtle shared via FB here
