Aerial salute to Princess

By Richard Wright

Sunday, August 26, 2012

 

Aerial salute to Princess

The seaplane on its flypast.

FORMER Saunders-Roe workers who contributed to building the Island’s biggest-ever aircraft were among guests of honour marking the 60th anniversary of its maiden flight.
At 12.28pm on Wednesday — 60 years on, to the minute from the maiden flight of the Princess flying boat — a seaplane over-flew the Columbine Yard where the East Cowes workforce had built the largest all-metal flying boat ever produced in the world.
The Princess was recognised then, and now, as a significant British engineering achievement in a town which retains world-beating, cutting-edge expertise.
That was recognised at the waterfront celebrations, launched by the Island Lord Lieutenant, Maj Gen Martin White, where a commemorative plaque was unveiled by former Saunders-Roe Black Arrow rocket designer Ray Wheeler.
A series of talks, exhibitions and tours followed and continue until Sunday.
More information can be found at www.
eastcowestowncouncil.co.uk

Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk

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