thanks for the memory,I was an engine mechanic seeing off a t5 lightning ,one of the 22 lightnings that took off in pairs,to form the diamond sixteen,I was on the edge of the main runway,the noise was deafening.Whilst we were packing away our equipment the safety barrier was raised and one of the black arrows (hunter) crashed into it right next to us, it was a cat 3 and we had it in the hanger for repair. regards Vic
Well done Brian. I have just found this and it really takes me back. Good days as I was working for Yaxley PA , Norwich with the PA system the year before, 1967. Still have a pic somewhere of myself sitting in an English Electric Lightning on the day. Pity RAF Coltishall is no more. I was last there for the Sergeants Mess Summer Ball in 1985 as DJ. Again, well done Brian, it is nice to watch those aircraft.
Thanks for your kind response. Just glad that when I rediscovered the film in my garage that it was still readable. Still do the odd video at airshows and when I can fly a Cessna 150 out of Bourn. - Regards Brian D
I was there with my father, two years later I joined the RAF as an airframe apprentice, in 1972 I joined the Battle of Britain flight as one of the three riggers. Loved the RAF coltishall September open days, played a major part in me joining the RAF. I live less than ten miles from the camp, safely now closed
Thanks for your kind response. Briefly did Nat Srvce 56/58 but Queen wouldn't let me fly her planes (Hornchurch failure !). Wireless Operator(A) in Germany (Butzweilerhof & with the Americans at Darmstadt). Then Ryl Navl Rsrve who did give me rides in a Sea Venom & Hunter T8!. retired from NatWest in 90 and got my PPL - fly Cessnas out of Bourn - so got there in the end. Nowadays do quite a bit of video at Classic Airshows. - Thanks again - Brian D
Thanks for your two comments Peter. The RAF never trusted me with their planes in my National Service (1956/8) so had to wait until the early 90's before I could fly a Cessna over Coltishall. They were good old days back in the 60/70s with some super planes about - Brian D
Thanks for your comment. It's surprising how many people have responded who were also at the same airshow. Alas, both most of the aircraft and the base are but now a distant memory. Regards Brian D
Great footage. As it turns out I saw everything you filmed because I was there too. Coincidentally my Dad was an air traffic controller at Coltishall up to early1969 and we lived there. As it was though, at the time of the display I had moved out and was living in Norwich and had to ride my bicycle all the way there and back. Still have colour slides I took at the time. Loved the display, fascinated by the skydivers unaware I was to make nearly a thousand jumps myself only a few years later!
Thanks for your kind comments. Interestingly, I'm told the only places in the UK I can see a Lightning move under it's own power now is either Bruntingthorpe or a bit nearer, I believe, one at Cranfield. Sad that Coltishall is no more. Who ever all those years ago would have imagined I would nowadays be flying over it in a cessna152!! Regards Brian D
I did return to Coltishall in 2008 and although back to Norwich in 2010 didn't get to re-visit the old place. My bedroom window used to look out over the end of the runway (western end?) and allow me to see the Lightnings take off.
In 1968 Lancaster PA474 was not part of BBMF, it was based at Waddington. it joined the BBMF at RAF Coltishall in November 1973, Its first flying season with the flight was 1974. Little did I know in 1968 when I watched it fly over I would be flying in the aircraft just a few years later. Little video exists of the lancaster exists flying without its turret, which was not fitted until the BBMF moved to its current home.
