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78 | FLIGHTPATH

Airshows

Dunsfold

2014

I

t is hard to believe that the Dunsfold Airshow celebrated its tenth anniversary

this year. The original concept, which brought together aircraft and motoring

enthusiasts for the first time, has come a long way from that first show. This

year’s incarnation was opened in fine style by some sublime flying by the RAF

Chinook team led by Flt Lt Charlie Brown, by far the best display of the type I

think I had ever witnessed, however, sadly, Charlie will not be its display pilot

next year. Warbirds are always well represented at Dunsfold, and many of the

huge crowd present this time had come specifically to see the Battle of Britain

Memorial Flight and Canadian warplane Heritage Lancasters perform. Sadly they

would not be present on the ground, but their aural presence was more than

enough for most people. These were joined by an unusual D Day balbo consisting

of the Aces High C47, Dutch B25 and OFMC Spitfire IX and P51D. The OFMC duo

later flew an impeccable leader and wingman display, in perfect synergy, which

was reminiscent of those great Breitling sponsorship days. Amongst a host of

superlatives, the appearance of the Midair Squadron’s Hunter and Canberra com-

pleted a perfect event, with the spirited nature of the Canberra display being

something I had not seen since the retirement of the last target towing Canberras

many years ago. Dunsfold was a tremendous success, and somewhat over sub-

scribed, but it was a fantastic day out for all the family. Gary R Brown

The Dutch based B-25 landing back after the D-Day balbo.

The Midair Squadron’s Canberra and two place Hunter.

The Sopwith Triplane closes

in on a pair of Fokkers in the

Great War display.

The Old Flying Machines Companies (OFMC)

Spitfire IX and P51D fly their tight formation.

The Hawker ‘Hurribomber’