Aerospace

Southend hosts Lancaster and Vulcan bombers' reunion

Posted 22 August 2014

London Southend Airport was the site of a very special reunion today, as the final two Avro Lancaster Bombers that are still able to fly met for the first – and probably the last – time, alongside Southend's very own resident Vulcan bomber.

Above: (left to right) Canadian Avro Lancaster (Vera), Vulcan, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Avro Lancaster (Thumper) and pilots at London Southend Airport.
© Martin Patch Photography

London Southend Airport was the site of a very special reunion today, as the final two Avro Lancaster Bombers that are still able to fly met for the first – and probably the last – time.

The UK based plane (named Thumper) was joined by the other craft that has made the once in a lifetime journey over from Canada (called Vera) especially for a series of events undertaken by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This weekend they are appearing at the Clacton Airshow.

The two Second World War four-engined heavy bombers used by the RAF on countless successful air raids were joined for a very special photo by the much loved Avro Vulcan XL426, which lives at London Southend Airport all year round.

The Vulcan is in full ground working condition, but not airworthy, so was towed across London Southend Airport to join the Lancaster’s for this unique photo opportunity – probably the only time these aircraft will ever be together.

London Southend Airport was recently named ‘Best in the UK’ by readers of Which? magazine for the second year running. Managing Director Roger Clements said: “We were absolutely delighted that these wonderful aircraft that played such a huge and important role in British history decided to visit us here at London Southend Airport. It was a huge privilege to see them all side by side for the first, and probably the last, time.”