Blue Eagles

Associated sites:
Army Historic Aircraft Flight | The Museum of Army Flying | Army Air Corps Recruiting

Blue Eagles Team Displays – Plymouth and Cosford – 9 and 10 June 2001

On Friday the 8th June the Team deployed from Middle Wallop to Plymouth for the annual ‘Show on the Hoe’, organised in aid of the NSPCC.

Having landed in the Citadel at the Eastern end of the Hoe to unload kit the Team then positioned for their display practice. Despite the fact that it was only practice day huge crowds had gathered to watch and were treated to a first class display. The venue is absolutely magnificent allowing the crowd unrivalled views of the team in action.

The exhibition vehicle was also located conveniently on the Hoe, allowing members of the public the opportunity to meet the Team and collect signed posters following the display. Many thanks to Tony and the staff from the Millenium Complex who hosted us so lavishly.

Saturday dawned bright with patchy cloud at about 3000′. The Team were scheduled to perform at 1145 and fortunately by then the cloud had started to break presenting a glorious backdrop for the show. (Incredible, that’s three weekends on the bounce they’ve not got wet! This can’t be a British summer can it? – Ed.)

One visitor of note was Capt Jim Richards, a member of the 2000 Team who was in Plymouth for a friend’s wedding. Good luck in your new career Jim. The show complete, the Team reloaded the aircraft back in the Citadel and departed at 1400 hrs for the next venue – RAF Cosford in the Midlands.

Following a fairly uneventful transit, including a flypast at Wellington, the team arrived at RAF Cosford late Saturday evening.

On Sunday, before the huge crowds drawn to Cosford from the entire central Midlands catchment area, the Team put on an excellent display despite quite strong upper winds.

Our friends from Breitling also had an exhibition at the show and were kind enough to offer lunch to those Team members who were able to get to the hospitality marquee. Very many thanks to Alan, John and the Breitling team.

The ground Team, commanded by Cpl Phil Costello worked particularly long hours this weekend, as they had to drive considerable distances between the widely separated venues. It is to their credit that despite the late nights they were still able to put on a cheery face for the public on the Sunday. Another busy day for all members of staff!

Thanks must also go to the staff at the Holiday Inn at Telford who made our stay so comfortable.

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