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We hope that the Croft Nostalgia event will provide a full days entertainment for your visit with something for all the family. Some of what we expect to be on display is shown below. |
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Wings, Tracks
and Mythical Creatures
Last year, we were disappointed by the cancellation of the Jet Provost display due to the poor weather. We were so close, with the aircraft sitting engine running at Newcastle ready to go. We have confirmation now that the JP will be coming to Croft for the 2012 show. The JP first flew in the mid 1950's and served as a basic jet trainer for almost 40 years. It was the mainstay trainer for RAF fighter pilots up until 1993, being replaced by the Shorts licence built Brazilian Embraer EMB-312 Tucano.
The Northern World War Two Association are also returning to Croft and bringing their German halftrack and motorcycle combination again. Both vehicles are unusual and popular at the events where they are displayed, so we are very pleased to have them returning.
And by mythical creatures, I mean the return of the Rolls-Royce Griffon Aero Engine. Last year, the Griffon gave a number of running demonstrations across the weekend, and despite the roar of the motor racing, was still probably the loudest engine at the circuit! It certainly drew the crowds, and no doubt will do so again.
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Tanks at the
Track We've just had confirmation of attendance for the following two fantastic pieces of armour. The top three pictures are of the M18 Hellcat, Tank Destroyer, belonging to Chris and Terry Till. This will be the first time for the Hellcat visiting Croft. Also returning to Croft is Kev's M24 Chaffee Tank, seen below at the first Croft Military event. |
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| The manufacturer of the M18 was Buick, and they gave it the nickname "Hellcat". It was the fastest tracked armored fighting vehicle during the war, with a top speed up to 60 mph. Hellcat crews used the speed advantage for 'Hit and Run' tactics against enemy armour. Its own thin armour wasn't a match for a shooting fight. Many German Panther and Tiger tanks were destroyed because they could not react fast enough to return fire. | |||
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| The M24 Chaffee was an American light tank used during World War II, and also in postwar conflicts such as Korea. In British service it was given the service name Chaffee, named after the US Army General A. R. Chaffee, Jr., who helped develop the use of tanks in the United States armed forces. The Chaffee entered service in November 1944, but deliveries were slow, and it didn't make a significant contribution to WW2. | |||
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Battle of
Britain Memorial Flight
The BBMF have confirmed a Spitfire display, but this will be subject to weather and servicability. To find out more information about the BBMF, visit their website here - http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/ |
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Jump Jive & Wail 'Jump Jive and Wail', have been booked again and will be performing in the marquee on Saturday evening. Many thanks to JJ&W for the use of their pictures ( http://www.jumpjiveandwail.co.uk/ )
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665 Sqdn Air Observation Post of Karl Edmondson This Auster AOP 5, serial TJ398, was built in 1944. Prior to restoration it had been marked with various identites such as TJ472 and G-ALES, it was later found out the original number of this aircraft was TJ398. |
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Information thanks to www.austertj398.co.uk/ |
The Auster was saved from the Perth Air Training Squadren they had left it in premises soon to be demolished. Having got permission to rescue this aircraft this aircraft was towed 40miles to an unknown location, before the wings were colected the building was demolished on top of them, small repairs were made and a British Aircraft Presevation Council ID number was obtained - BAPC70. The aircraft was later moved to Inverkeithing and stored in a school. |
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1940's Fashion Show Something for the ladies, although it's surprising how many gents turn up to watch! The fashion show will feature many original 1940's outfits from all walks of life, from women working in the factory to high society functions. You can be sure a good number of clothing rations were saved up for these outfits. |
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George Formby Impersonator, Colin Bourdiec |
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Colin
has been in the entertainment industry since the age of 13. And has
been a George Formby
impersonator since 1984. Working all the major holiday centres and
theatres in the UK.
Colin also appeared with late Alan Randall in the George Formby story 'It's Turned Out Nice Again'. He spent 13 years working for P&O Cruises as an Entertainer and reached the heights of a Cruise Director. Colin is an all round entertainer: singer, dancer, choreographer and magician. His website can be found here - http://colinbourdiec.webs.com/ |
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Century Bombers Flying Control Display of Steve Carr
The display represents a typical 'Flying Control' element of any 8th Air Force Bombardment or Fighter Group. The vehicles are marked up in the codes of the 100th Bombardment Group ( Heavy ), based at Thorpe Abbotts in Norfolk during WW2. The name 'Century Bombers' for the display, was taken from the name of the Bomb Group's band. The Jeep and Dodge are sometimes joined by another 78th Fighter Group Jeep owned by Ian McCormack. |
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The converted Dodge Weapons Carrier portrays a typical 'Field Built' mobile Control Tower. These were positioned at the end of the active runway, and marshalled the bombers during take off and landing where they had a better view of the runway than the control tower. 'Follow Me' Jeeps were used to guide aircraft around the maze of dispersals on an airfield, and over the last couple of years, this Jeep has guided Mustangs and Spitfires around airfields during airshows around the country ( Steve Carr ). |
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