Legendary World War II aircraft will soar over Guernsey this Liberation Day, plus RAF Falcons parachute display announced

The Liberation Day flypast programme will include a U.S. Navy World War II aircraft, visiting Guernsey as part of its transatlantic journey from Texas and around Europe. 

At L’Eree, an appearance from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team has been announced as part of the St Pierre du Bois parish celebrations.  

Before the big day, the public will have a chance to get up close to the aircraft and meet the pilots, in an event sponsored by Ravenscroft.  

Guernsey’s skies will roar with the sound of history this Liberation Day, as a fleet of Second World War aircraft present a spectacular display of wartime aviation. 

Included in the 80th anniversary programme is ‘Ready for Duty’ (R4D), operated by the Dallas-based Commemorative Air Force and the last aircraft of its kind that is still flying.  Built in 1944, R4D is the U.S. Navy’s version of the legendary DC-3 and C-47.  

The aircraft is embarking on a 12,000-mile journey to honour the service and sacrifice of American and Allied forces for VE Day and the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. The aircraft will carry several historic artefacts from World War II warships including items from the USS Yorktow, USS Texas and USS Laffey. 

R4D will be joined by a Hawker Hurricane and a Harvard to carry out flypasts on 9 May in Guernsey to coincide with the Cavalcade.  The Hawker Hurricane R4118 was built in 1940 and is the only Hurricane to have taken part in the Battle of Britain that remains flying. The FE511 Harvard was built in 1942 and was one of the allies’ most important training aircraft.  

Meet the Pilots Event – Guernsey Airport, 8 May, 3.30pm 

Members of the public will have the opportunity to see all three aircraft at the Ravenscroft-sponsored Meet the Pilots on the East Apron at Guernsey Airport on Thursday 8 May at 3.30pm.  The event will remain open until 6.30pm to allow people to enjoy the aircraft after work. The R4D, Hawker Hurricane and Harvard will be joined by Aurigny’s beloved Joey and the Channel Islands Air Search aircraft rounding out a tribute to decades of flight and service. 

Deputy Sue Aldwell, Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, said:

'The ‘Meet the Pilots’ event is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the aircraft that were fighting in the war over 80 years ago. It is important for children and adults to have the opportunity to see these aircraft up close and speak to the pilots and crew who are dedicated to keeping them in the sky.'

Robin Newbould, CEO of Ravenscroft, said:  

'We are excited to continue our sponsorship of this much-loved community event which always attracts hundreds of aviation fans, young and old, and raises funds for the Guernsey Air Display. This type of event has been enjoyed in Guernsey for over 60 years and is so important in commemorating the legacy of the RAF community who have served their country over the last century.'

As well as the afternoon flying activity, a P8 Poseidon from 201 Squadron and an A400M will fly along the east coast to coincide with the Parade at 11.35am and 11.45am respectively. A Spitfire MK9 will finish the flypast activity with a pass along the same route at approximately 7pm. 

RAF Falcons Display - St Pierre du Bois, 3.30pm 

In addition to the flypasts, the RAF Falcons will carry out a spectacular parachute drop and display at L’Eree at 3.30pm on 9 May as part of the St Pierre du Bois parish event. The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team is the only centrally funded, professional, military parachute display team in the UK. 

Anne Thomas, event organiser for the St Pierre du Bois parish event, met two of the Falcons team during a recce of the site. She said: 

'We considered two landing locations; the beach is the preference with the aerodrome as back up, both of which will work well for them as well those spectating. We’re very hopeful that conditions will allow a beach landing with such an amazing backdrop but will assess the conditions with the team on the day. Either way, we’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to provide such an exciting and visual display for our community in a beautiful location and they will be a fantastic addition to our already packed day.'

AERIAL PROGRAMME

Thursday 8 May

Friday 9 May