One of Britain’s most iconic military planes, the Lancaster Bomber is set to perform a fly past at this year’s Beverley Armed Forces Day.
Event organiser David Elvidge is delighted to have such a iconic bit of British aviation history at the event, commenting on the news he said;
“To have the Lancaster Bomber at the event is important for a range of reasons. One of those is that this year will see the last local operational RAF Squadron moving out of the town at the end of this year.”
The Lanc, as it was affectionately known, became one of the more famous and most successful of the Second World War night bombers, delivering 608,612 long tons of bombs in 156,000 sorties.
Times of the fly past will be confirmed later in the year as with other attractions. Now in its seventh year, Beverley Armed Forces Day has become a signature event on the calendar.
Mr. Elvidge is keen to ensure that this year people take time to reflect of other conflict spanning back 600 years that have key historical interest, he said;
“It would be easy this year to get caught up in other events that are taking place and forget that in 2015 there are some very important moments, events in our history that I believe we should commemorate together as a community.”
The Battle of Agincourt, 15 October 1415, The Battle of Waterloo, 18 June 1815, The Gallipoli Campaign, 25 April 1915 to 9 January 1916, The Dunkirk Evacuation , 27 May to 4 June 1940 and VE Day, 8 May 1945 all have key anniversaries in 2015.
Mr Elvidge added;
“These events changed the course of our history and indeed many had worldwide implications for the future of civilization as we now know it.”
“I therefore hope at this year Beverley Armed Forces Day we will be able to acknowledge such memorable moments in our countries military history.”
“I would welcome any comments, suggestions maybe other things that people would like to acknowledge at this year’s event, and also invited anyone who is able to offer sponsorship to get in touch.”
Beverley Armed Forces Day is planned for Sunday 5th July 2015 and will take place throughout the day in the Town Centre.
