Joining the Red Arrows on the Air Asset bill at Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day, is the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Fishbourne Parish Council is sponsoring this element of the event and with good reason. As well as those in the community of Fishbourne with Armed Forces connections, in the Ward itself sits a war memorial on which, several RAF personnel are commemorated. One such individual is Sgt Edmund Eric Shepperd who joined the RAF in 1935. During the Battle of Britain, as a Sergeant Pilot with 152 Sqn, he was credited with the destruction of various German aircraft including a ME109, 3 junkers and a Stuka. Sadly, in October of 1940, he was killed instantly when his Spitfire crashed as he was returning to his base at RAF Warmwell in Dorset. He was buried in the same cemetery as his father, who died during the First World War. All members recognise the significance and importance of this Anniversary, plus what Armed Forces Day represents to the Island and the local community. This display they feel is a fitting tribute to those that gave everything for our freedom and democracy. Event Organiser and Armed Forces Champion Ian Dore
“Last years Spitfire display left an indelible impression on many and you couldn’t have asked for more. Well, we did. The aviation history that the Island boasts is something to be incredibly proud of, especially when it comes to the Spitfire. For this year’s event, we had to go one plane further making it really special. “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) are sending two aircraft to perform a chase display as part of Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day. Like the Red Arrows, this is a full display and feature two classic warbirds, going through their moves one chasing the other. “Essentially the BBMF tail chase display routine is identical to the singleton fighter display, but is flown with a combination of any fighter aircraft, displaying in 100-200ft trail; slightly displaced to avoid prop-wash. It is as dramatic as it is exciting and depending on the aircraft available on the day, it could be two Spitfires or one Spitfire and a Hurricane!.
“When I said we will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with the inclusion into the programme of 2 very special guests, this is what I was referring too. Fishbourne Parish Council appreciate how momentous such a display will be. What it will mean to new generations, what it signifies for past generations; and how it will be warmly welcomed at this year’s event. “War should never be glorified or celebrated, but remembered and commemorated, yes. Along with many others, we are forever in Sgt Shepperds debt. As we look to the skies to catch sight of the display, let us not lose sight of that debt. As they tip their wingtips, let us tip our hats to those that never returned.”
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For more information see www.isleofwightarmedforcesday.co.uk.
Personally, I would love to see a Spitfire/ Hurricane pairing. The latter never seems to get the recognition it deserves.
The photo is of a Hurricane and a Spitfire.
Yes, it is. And an early MK of Spitfire given the shorter nose and lack of clipped wings. My point was in the article it states it could be either 2 Spits or one of each. I was simply expressing my hope for the latter.
Brilliant, thank you for all those who are taking part in this, i can’t wait to see it.
When where what time would be of use!
If its not coming out of their own pockets
Fishbourne Parish Council are NOT sponsoring them
The tax pays are with out first being consulted witch is what the council are good at normally.
So very sad that the original pilots who fought bravely to prevent our country being overrun by outsiders, if alive today would witness an apparently unstoppable invasion.
All current MPs and parties ought to be deeply ashamed imo
“Willy Nilly”, My father was a spitfire fighter hero for British Air Forces, and guess what, he was POLISH. Stop mithering about foreigners they probably contribute more to this country than you do.
Ms Hardy. Not taking anything away from your Father’s actions, yet are you SURE he never fought to protect YOU and his wife and loved ones, ALONG with his own countries freedom by joining the British Air force?
I am sure he understood what the Germans were doing in his native country, and so would likely do his upmost to get back at them.
Whilst we now have to endure certain types raping our children, stabbing, shooting, acid attacking and every other vile crime, and ‘pretend’ its just unavoidable when it is not in many cases.
They fought against hateful fascists like you. You shame their memory.
They FOUGHT because they all knew that their lot in life, would be far far worse under Nazi rule. Many would be executed. So don’t try peddling this rot, ‘they did it for us’.
As for Willy shaming their memory, I suggest it is YOU who is.
For they went to war to stop foreign invaders coming across the channel to destroy the British race and way of life, and to protect their children and women from rape, and attack.
START to SEE the stupidity of your comment NOW? Thought not, be you deep down do, unless completely blinkered, brainwashed or have a family member with a pram full.
Totally agree, and if they had to see what society has become they would be devastated.
Did you know the royal family were foreign? Oops. That must pose a nasty conundrum, even for an historical revisionist like you.
I think you will find the blood of the British has far far greater affiliation to Germany and France than it ever will to non European lands.
So perhaps W/N correctly hasn’t an issue with like minded folk, with similar background and ethics coming here?
Perhaps he feels that those who invaded by superior power and were repelled until over come by the indigenous for doing so, are light years apart from spongers in small craft ruining our land as we ‘seemingly’ can’t do anything to stop it?
Odd why you can’t see or perhaps admit the huge issues such beings bring. Do you have a lot in the family? Many do, is the father still around? Many don’t stay long.
May explain the bitterness?
Armed forces Day this year is to be celibrated on 29th of June. D. Day celebrations is on the 6th of June. What day is your article referring too, as it confusingly names both
Sunday 30th of June , for those unable to use Google.
I look after the CWGC headstone for Edmund Shepperd. So seeing the spitfire at AF Day will make me remember the sacrifice he made along with so many others.