27 July 2009

Target Falklands!

The Yorkshire Air Museum is to present a lecture on 17 October by RAF Falklands War veterans Barry Neale (from Devon) and Martin Withers (Easingwold, York, who is also Chief Display pilot to the Vulcan to the Sky Trust) about their experiences in the famous Black Buck raids, the bombing of Port Stanely airfield.

Martin flew the Vulcan Bomber that actually dropped the bombs on the airfield and Barry is a Victor K2 Tanker pilot, who refuelled Martin on the return. Barry Neale was also involved in the strategic planning of the Black Buck raids, which at the time were the longest range bombing mission ever undertaken by any air force.

Also appearing is John Kennedy, who is one of the pilots to have flown legendary Chinook helicopter 'Bravo November', which was the only Chinook to survive the destruction of the Arctic Conveyor. The Falklands was this aircraft's first theatre of operation and it is still in service, having seen action in Lebanon, Germany, Northern Ireland, Kurdistan, Iraq and now Afghanistan.

There will be other V Force, Chinook and fast jet veterans attending and there will be a Question and Answer session and memorabilia signing opportunity with all of these guests and also author Gordon Ramsey, author of 'Falklands War - Then and Now.'

Other attractions are Aces High Aviation Gallery sales, Corgi diecast model display, International Plastic Modellers Society display and also the opportunity to sit in the cockpits of the Harrier GR3 and Mirage III. Harriers saw distinguished service in the Falklands was and Mirage III were operated by the Argentine Air Force.

The day session is followed in the evening with the Victor Nightshoot, joined this time by another legend of the skies, the De Havilland Mosquito. This is the only restored Nightfighter version of this aircraft, so a unique opportunity to photograph these two aircraft in an evening setting with external / internal lighting on for dramatic effect.

These events can be booked either individually, or in a package - book online at 'Shop/Tickets at www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk or for further information, please ring 01904 608595.