D-Day 75: Red Arrows personnel say it's an honour to be in Portsmouth
THE Red Arrows will be flying across Southsea Common twice today in honour of D-Day 75.
A standard flypast will take place at 12.30pm with a full display scheduled for 4.15pm.
Chief technician Jonathan King, 40, was ‘ecstatic’ to be here. ‘It’s absolutely amazing to represent the Royal Air Force here today,’ he said.
‘The Red Arrows have been involved with D-Day commemorations in Southsea before but this isn’t my first time.
Most Popular
-
1
Portsmouth Traffic: M27 between junctions 11 and 12 closed throughout August amid footbridge repairs with A27 diversion in place
-
2
Police update over alleged violent gang rape of woman at address in Portsmouth
-
3
Red Arrows: Exact time famous RAF jets will fly over Hampshire this week including Odiham, Alton, Bordon and Petersfield
-
4
Hayling Island's beloved kitesurfing festival cancelled after council bailout is refused
-
5
‘I watched ten years of my children’s lives go up in flames': 'Traumatised' Paulsgrove mum of five launches fundraiser to find family new home after they 'lost everything' in bedroom fire
‘When I arrived here I thought it might be a small event but now I’ve seen how many people are here I can see that’s definitely not the case.
‘It’s so special to know that the D-Day veterans here.’
His colleague Michael Fox explained how the display would be unique.
The 27-year-old flying officer said: ‘There are some subtle differences to our display today. We will be making formations such as the Lancaster in honour of the Second World War, as well as the Concorde and the Apollo.
‘It’s always an honour for the Red Arrows to be at the commemorations.’
Several world leaders will be watching the planes as they fly past including the Queen, Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump.
Michael added: ‘We fly for the Queen every year and it’s always a privilege.
‘This summer we will be embarking on a tour of America so I hope this gives Trump an idea of what we do.’