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Monday, 10 June 2013

Reach for the Skies!



Yesterday we went to see the RAF Cosford Air Show, which this year showcased the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.  A Lancaster bomber, Hurricane, Spitfire and C47 Dakota put on an amazing show, and the last flying Vulcan was a real crowd-pleaser.  The Red Arrows were on their
usual form with a breath-taking display.

We had a fantastic day out.  The only downside was that it took us a very long time to get into the venue, and an excruciatingly long time to get out again – the local road infrastructure clearly can’t cope with so many visitors.  Next time we would seriously consider going by train instead.
















Update for Genealogists
If your ancestor was an early aviator, TheGenealogist.co.uk has just released records for Aero Club members, including aeronaut certificates.  Their Pilot Records collection (Occupation Records section of the website) now covers 1909-1926, and can be accessed by Diamond subscribers.



Photos © Sue Wilkes:
Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane at the Cosford Air Show. 
Vulcan bomber XH558 at the air show.
The Red Arrows hit the high notes.

Example of aviators’ certificate records, including that of Albert Ball, and postcard of Samuel Cody’s biplane courtesy theGenealogist.co.uk.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Is there a way to find out about my paternal grandfather in the RFC according to what we've been told?

Sue Wilkes said...

Hello there,
There's a guide to Royal Flying Corps records on The National Archives website: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/royalflyingcorpsairmen.htm
Good luck with your research!