Category Archives: AVIATION

THE DAY I GAVE THE QUEEN A RIGHT EARFUL!

Posted on September 8, 2022 by bilyreid

THE QUEEN IS DEAD!  LONG LIVE THE KING!!! Her Majesty died today. Amongst the torrent of ink that will be spilt I can add only my all too brief personal recollections. I was fortunate to be in her presence during … Continue reading →

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AEROFLOT

Posted on February 26, 2022 by bilyreid

As part of the sanctions invoked by the British government against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, has been the banning of Aeroflot.  Similarily, Delta Airlines in the US has ended its partnership with the Russian airline.  It’s about time!! … Continue reading →

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DAME VERA LYNN

Posted on July 10, 2020 by bilyreid

Dame Vera Lynn, the “Forces Sweetheart”,  was laid to rest today. Fittingly her funeral cortege was given a flypast by two Spitfires, much to the delight of the crowds that lined the streets of her home town of Ditchling, East … Continue reading →

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REMEMBERING VIOLETTE

Posted on November 12, 2019 by bilyreid

Remembrance Day, 2019.  Ever since my days living in Dorset House, I became aware of the Special Operations Executive (SOE ) which was headquartered in London’s Dorset Square during the War.  Television series such as Foyle’s War in Britain and … Continue reading →

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LAST DOOLITTLE RAIDER

Posted on April 9, 2019 by bilyreid

Lt. Col Richard Cole, the last Doolittle Raider, has died  at age 103. The end of an era.  AVE ATQUE VALE! B25 MITCHELL BOMBER The suicidal Doolittle Raid used modified Mitchell Bombers launched from an aircraft carrier with no hope of recovery … Continue reading →

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AERO GATINEAU-OTTAWA

Posted on September 18, 2018 by bilyreid

I attended the AERO Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow on Saturday, September 15. Great event to photograph iconic aircraft from the last two world wars. CANADIAN ASTRONAUT CHRIS HADFIELD ON HAND TO MEET THE PUBLIC Re-enactor Jean Phillipe welcomes you to the airshow … Continue reading →

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DOWNED PILOT EXTRACTION

Posted on July 29, 2018 by bilyreid

As part of the airshow, the Israeli Air Force put on an impressive demonstration of a downed pilot rescue mission.  FIREWALL A firewall is placed between the downed pilot and the “unfriendlies”. ARRIVAL OF TWO AH-64 ATTACK HELICOPTERS   COVERING … Continue reading →

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STATIC DISPLAY

Posted on July 27, 2018 by bilyreid

Prior to the air show we availed ourselves of the opportunity to peruse the impressive static display featuring both operational and historic aircraft.  STATIC DISPLAY ATTACK HELICOPTER C-130 MILITARY TRANSPORT C-130 IMPROVED VERSION IRON DOME MISSILE POD SPITFIRE AND ALPHA … Continue reading →

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ISRAELI AIR SHOW

Posted on July 24, 2018 by bilyreid

As part of the Air Force Graduation ceremony, the IDF put on a spectacular airshow for the visitors. BLACKHAWK HELICOPTERS Blackhawk helicopters start the show with a flypast of the flag of Israel and the flag of the Israel Defence … Continue reading →

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ISRAEL AIR FORCE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Posted on July 24, 2018 by bilyreid

One of the highlights of my trip was the visit to the Israel Air Force Centre for the graduation ceremony for new pilots of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on the 70th anniversary of the Israeli Air Force. In a country … Continue reading →

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