RAF Cottesmore 24th Nov – Special tails and strobes (pics)
Thu Nov 25, 2010 3:56 pm
Well they're history in 15 days or so!
Probably my final visit to RAF Cottesmore , my hope was to get the special tailed examples as they came back from the Boat. I was treated to some of the best light I have seen here and some of the coldest temperatures as well.
First Launch
Strobetastic
Returning from the Boat, the last British Harriers to go to sea
The 1Sqn Special very kindly pirouetted over the 22 threshold for us. I think he knew what his audience wanted.
The Navy special flew two approached finishing with this nice curved one, makes a change from the side on shots.
What I will miss about Cottesmore is how close to the action one can get at the runway 22 end.
In the afternoon the runway was changed to 04. This made things harder but I persisted in the hope of catching the departure of the Navy jets to Yeovilton. Then as quick as a flash they were gone!
My final ever shot of a flying British Harrier, taken from Cottesmore Cemetery looking over the graves of the airmen killed in World War 2. They will be here long after the Harriers are a distant memory, silently watching.
I am still editing my shots from the day, more to follow here and on my Blog. A big thanks to StevieB for keeping me company and Gareth for wearing the comedy hat. Good to meet Vixen1 as well.
So long Cottesmore!
Probably my final visit to RAF Cottesmore , my hope was to get the special tailed examples as they came back from the Boat. I was treated to some of the best light I have seen here and some of the coldest temperatures as well.
First Launch
Strobetastic
Returning from the Boat, the last British Harriers to go to sea
The 1Sqn Special very kindly pirouetted over the 22 threshold for us. I think he knew what his audience wanted.
The Navy special flew two approached finishing with this nice curved one, makes a change from the side on shots.
What I will miss about Cottesmore is how close to the action one can get at the runway 22 end.
In the afternoon the runway was changed to 04. This made things harder but I persisted in the hope of catching the departure of the Navy jets to Yeovilton. Then as quick as a flash they were gone!
My final ever shot of a flying British Harrier, taken from Cottesmore Cemetery looking over the graves of the airmen killed in World War 2. They will be here long after the Harriers are a distant memory, silently watching.
I am still editing my shots from the day, more to follow here and on my Blog. A big thanks to StevieB for keeping me company and Gareth for wearing the comedy hat. Good to meet Vixen1 as well.
So long Cottesmore!
Re: RAF Cottesmore 24th Nov – Special tails and strobes (pics)
Thu Nov 25, 2010 6:05 pm
Gorgeous photos Nick, as ever. I remember spending a happy day at Cottesmore during her TTTE days. That being said, I find it absolutely stunning, and saddening that the RAF Harrier force will be no more in just a few short months, not to mention the de-commissioning of Ark Royal amongst many other deep cuts in the services. It makes you wonder what, if anything, of significance will remain of the British Armed Forces in just a few short years. I can't imagine how damaged the morale must be for those remaining in uniform at present.
Richard
Richard
Re: RAF Cottesmore 24th Nov – Special tails and strobes (pics)
Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:06 pm
Thanks Richard, my first visit to Cottesmore was in the days of the TTTE.
A couple more shots
Bird problem?
Blog now online HERE
A couple more shots
Bird problem?
Blog now online HERE