A Lancaster Bomber veteran has once again taken to the sky – but this time in a simulator.
Roy Oldcorn, 100, a former WW2 RAF Flight Sergeant, said it was “fabulous” to be in control of one of the planes again.
During the simulated flight, the veteran took off from Manston, Kent, under Dartford’s Queen Elizabeth Bridge then landed at London City Airport.
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The flight experience took place after the manager of the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum caught word of him celebrating his landmark birthday in February.
He was then invited to fly the simulator in celebration at the museum in Manston, Kent.
And he’s the first ever actual Lancaster pilot to have done tried it out – with previously only a former Concorde pilot and Lancaster air crew testing it.
The ex-153 Squadron pilot flew from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire aged just 20, as reported by What’s The Jam.
And, as a reward for his efforts during Operation Manna, he was awarded a “Thank you Liberators” medal on behalf of the Dutch by the Defence and Naval Attache form the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
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Arranged by Andy Skinner and Clive Hammond from the Royal Air Forces Bexhill on Sea Branch, Roy was given a right royal welcome.
He was assisted into the hot seat and was accompanied by Robert Westbrook, first flight Engineer.
Roy stated: “It was absolutely fabulous.”
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And, after taking to the skies once more he was presented with a certificate of the flight and a museum cap- as well as signing the visitor log.
Andy Skinner said: “It was fascinating to watch, as Roy settled into the pilot’s seat, he automatically commenced his pre flight checks.
“There were some American visitors in the Museum and after explaining Roy’s history and that he had been a Lancaster pilot, a spontaneous round of applause rang out.”
Parts of the simulator had even built by Norman Groom, an 86-year-old retired electronics engineer using parts from a Lancaster plane at the Imperial War Museum.
“A number of people, including former Lancaster air crew and a former Concorde pilot have flown the simulator but Roy is the first actual Lancaster pilot to have done so. It has been an honour and a privilege,” said Robert Westbrook.
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