Lump in the throat

Today was a real lump in the throat day for a Kent boy that dreamt of one day flying in a Spitfire. Today his Spitfire dream was fulfilled.

Squadron Leader Mike Ling, the Red Arrows Supervisor and Commentator commonly known as Red 10, told me over the commentary how he had a lump in his throat as he took off in the Aero Legends Spitfire from the historic WWII airfield Biggin Hill to fly to Headcorn. As the aircraft gracefully flew over the Kent countryside he thought of the young pilots 75 years ago defending the skies in the Battle of Britain.

The Spitfire is an iconic aircraft that creates a stir among aviators by its mere presence while the sound of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine always guarantees a reaction, it certainly did that today.

The Red Arrows performed a full air display over Headcorn Aerodrome today which really was quite a sight to behold at our lovely historic home airfield.

The Spitfire display by BBMF pilot and former Red Arrow Ft Lt Anthony Parkinson afterwards felt all the more poignant.

I've been left with a lump in my throat twice this weekend after the breathtaking Vulcan display yesterday and the Spitfire today following the Reds. A memorable weekend indeed.

Now pass the lemon and ginger tea...I've worn my throat out from all the commentary. But it was well worth it! I just hope the crowd enjoyed it as much as I did.