At Past Grand Superintendent Tom Briggs’ retirement presentation he was promised a flight in the ‘Harvard’ by the pilot, E.Comp Mike Roe of the Chapter of Truth No.731. The offered flight eventually took place from Gamston, (Retford) on the 8th August. It lasted about an hour and covered the Newark area.

Mike reported that, “We finally got there after waiting on weather and unserviceabilities but it was well worth the wait and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

“The Harvard we flew in was built in 1942, so it must be about the same age as Tom.” added Mike. “It flew initially with the American Navy, came to the RAF during the war and was eventually sold to the South African Air Force in 1949. It arrived back in the UK many years later. It is a very low-houred aeroplane with only 1600 hours from new. A lovely machine.”

Due to his arthritis, and the size and weight of his parachute which doubled as his seat cushion, Tom struggled a bit getting into the aeroplane but he declared the effort had been worthwhile. Although she did not join the flight, Tom’s wife Ann was on hand to witness the occasion and partake of the lunch afterwards, which was much enjoyed.

Mike summed it up as ‘All in all a lovely day with a lovely chap’.

The Province is very grateful to Mike for arranging this memorable flight for Tom and especially for being his Pilot.

 

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Harvard aeroplane
Harvard aircraft

 

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