Navy Wings joined the Nation in marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe with the Swordfish flying in formation with a Spitfire over the skies of the West Country.
4,000 naval aviators lost their lives in WW2, nearly half of whom were lost at sea with no known grave. The Swordfish is a living memorial to all who served in the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The Royal Navy and its aircraft and aircraft carriers played an essential part in the Second World War. Churchill knew from the outset that victory in Europe depended on one overriding factor – the ability of Britain to keep her sea lanes open, especially across the North Atlantic ensuring vital supplies of food, fuel and raw materials reached the UK, ultimately enabling the D-Day landings and beyond to victory.
We celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a traditional 1940s ‘street party’ lunch and special afternoon of wartime memories in the Navy Wings Heritage Hangar.
75 guests joined us for lunch in the hangar with tables set out around the magnificent Swordfish.
Navy Wings Chief Executive, Jock Alexander warmly welcomed our guests and set the scene for the memorable afternoon to come. Jock was followed by Navy Wings Chief Engineer Jim Band who updated guests on our restoration projects and airworthy aircraft while his team were preparing the Swordfish for flight behind him.
Historian Nick Blackman then spoke to guests about the extraordinary courage and fortitude shown by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm during the conflict. He discussed how naval aircraft provided vital air cover to convoys keeping the Atlantic life-line open, supported the land campaigns in North Africa, changed the balance of power in the Mediterranean and helped secure victory in the Pacific. The iconic Fairey Swordfish, affectionately known as the “Stringbag”, became a symbol of that contribution – flying against the odds in missions that helped turn the tide of war. It was fitting that Nick was able to deliver his talk while standing in front of this iconic aircraft and we thank him for his valuable contribution to the day.
We were joined by many dedicated Navy Wings Supporters who displayed impeccable VE80 spirit, none more so than Anthony and Jill Stephens.
Anthony, who served in the Fleet Air Arm for 16 years said, “We had a wonderful afternoon at the VE Day 80 party yesterday remembering many dear Fleet Air Arm friends and comrades. My mother’s cousin, Lt Cdr Leon Chester-Lawrence was CO of 806 NAS, the Ace of Diamonds Squadron, flying Sea Hawks and it was very emotional and good to see Sea Hawk FGA. 6 WV908 being restored to flying condition. We also loved watching the Swordfish start up and fly!”
We were also joined by the members of 12 Pilots Course who all completed their grading flights together in Plymouth more than 30 years ago. The group whose members went on to fly the Sea King, Lynx, Sea Harrier, Wasp and Merlin reunite every few years and thought it would be a great idea to hold this year’s reunion in the Heritage Hangar celebrating VE80!
Adding to the WW2 flavour in the hangar was ‘Norma’ the Jeep! We’re very grateful to Norma’s owner George for bringing her along to the event and talking to guests about her.
After lunch, guests gathered together in the hangar doors to watch Swordfish W5856 start up and fly. With the aircraft positioned in front of the hangar, guests were able to feel and smell this unique start up procedure before watching her gracefully take to the skies above Somerset, on her way to rendezvous with the Spitfire.
The Swordfish flew over the Fleet Air Arm Museum and Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church at midday following a service of commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and the end of the Second World War.
Shortly after the national two minute silence, she also flew over Leonardo Helicopters, formerly British Aircraft Manufacturers Westland in Yeovil, in tribute to the company and workforce who played a major part in aircraft production in WW2. After the war, Westland Aircraft took over the Fairey Aviation Company and in 1960 presented Swordfish LS326 to the Royal Navy. This generous gift was to become the beginning of the Royal Navy Historic Flight and ultimately the Navy Wings story. LS326’s survival is remarkable, and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the workforce at Westland who did everything they could to keep her airworthy, virtually rebuilding the aircraft in 1955, and again in 1967, searching the world for spares. We are similarly grateful to Leonardo who continue to be a valued Corporate Partner today.
With beacons being lit around the country, the Swordfish also flew an hour long tribute flight around the West Country, in salute to towns and villages holding memorial services in remembrance of all who gave their lives in WW2. The crew also enjoyed waving at those celebrating in the evening sunshine, including flying over pub gardens selling Wadworth Swordfish Ale and kindly donating 80p a pint to Navy Wings!! The Swordfish saw active service worldwide during WW2 and eighty years on, the evening was both an emotional and celebratory salute with many people wiping tears from their eyes.
