THE last remaining RAF flying Dakota will take to the skies over Lymm at the seventh annual Historic Transport Day on June 23.
Seventy five years ago the Dakota C-47 was doing invaluable work as the workhorse of the RAF and allied forces during World War Two.
As well as being a vital transport plane it was also involved in a wide range of troop carrying missions.
Today the RAF retains just one of these aircraft as part of its Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and it is that aircraft that will be visiting Lymm on June 23 where its aerial display will be just one of the highlights of the seventh annual Lymm Historic Transport Day, part of Lymm Festival 2019.
ZA 947 is now painted to represent FZ692 of 233 Squadron. This aircraft which was nicknamed Kwicherbichen by her crews was involved in para-dropping operations on the eve of D-Day and subsequently in resupply and casualty evacuation missions into and out of forward airfields in the combat areas.
“We are delighted to have been able to extend our event to the air for the third successive year” said Bruce Thomas who has arranged the visit as well as also co-ordinating the traction engine segment of the show. Bruce who’s day job is as a long haul pilot for Virgin Atlantic will be a familiar sight to locals as the owner of a ¾ size steam lorry which has become a feature of many local events.
“Lymm Historic Transport Day has been the perfect event for me as it enables me to indulge my two passions whilst also helping to develop this fabulous community event” added Bruce.
This year’s show will have a military flavour and organisers are also hoping to see more visitors and exhibitors than ever “dress the part” in costume of the last hundred years.
The search is still on for more volunteers. If you can give just three hours to help the run day run smoothly visit the website and register now at lymmtransport.org.uk/volunteer or call Event Director Alan Williams on 07540-096282.
