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Wales National Airshow Display Centenary Tribute to Royal Auxiliary Air Force


There was a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force at the Wales National Airshow in Swansea this weekend, alongside stunning displays from the Red Arrows in their 60th year and the RAF Typhoon display.

A child on an adult's shoulders watching the Red Arrows display in the sky.

The Vampire jet of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, which appeared twice over the weekend, was displayed in the colours worn by Vampires of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) in the 1950s. The jet also carries the markings of Number 502 (Ulster) Squadron, RAuxAF applied in a tribute to the very first squadron on the force to be formed, just months after its founding in 1924.

Vampire in RAF colours

The jet fighters of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force formed a major part of the UK's air defences against attack by Soviet bombers during the Cold War. Vampires of another RAuxAF unit - the only one in Wales, Number 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron appeared frequently in the 1950s at the Swansea Air Pageant - the forerunner of the Wales National Airshow.

Group of personnel standing in front of Vampire painted in RAuxAF colours.

In another tribute to the RAuxAF centenary, a Vampire at the South Wales Aviation Museum - housed at the former RAF St Athan in South Wales - was recently painted in the colours of 614 Squadron. The display is Wales' largest free public event and attracts over 200,000 people. It took place on Saturday 6th July and Sunday 7th July and also hosted the Wales National Event for Armed Forces Week.

Six Vampire aircraft in black and white

Members of 614 Squadron also attended the airshow, forming part of the RAF presence at the ground display area which featured flight simulators, fun fairs, static replica aircraft, armed forces vehicles and displays.


"We are really pleased to have our Vampire painted in the colours of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in its 100th year. We did the same for our Vampires in the RAF's 100th year in 2018 and it reflects the close relations between our two countries and the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the RAF. We'll be appearing at several airshows this year in the UK, and we're looking forward to displaying in the colours of Number 502 Squadron." said Ken Aarkvisla of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron.

Red Arrows displaying

“As Officer Commanding No. 502 (Ulster) Squadron, I am honoured that the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron has chosen to paint their Vampire in our squadron’s colours to mark the centenary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force this year." declared Wing Commander McCleery OBE, Officer Commanding No. 502 (Ulster) Squadron

Wing Commander McCleery OBE, said: "This gesture is particularly significant to us as the oldest squadron of the RAuxAF. We are delighted that it will help highlight the rich history and contributions of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force at various events, including prominent displays like the Wales National Airshow in Swansea. This collaboration not only commemorates our past but also strengthens the bonds between our forces, celebrating a century of service and dedication.”

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