A poignant fly-past of historic aircraft will take place over Burnham-On-Sea today (Monday, March 30th) in tribute to the former Chairman of the town’s Royal British Legion, John Crosby.
John, aged 87, passed away earlier this month following a courageous battle with cancer, as we reported here. He served as Chairman of the Burnham branch for thirteen years and died on March 12th with his wife, Ruth, by his side.
His contribution to the branch and the wider community has been described as “lasting” and “profound.”
Ahead of his funeral at St Andrew’s Church this afternoon, a formation of vintage aircraft from Westonzoyland is set to fly over the town, weather permitting.
“The plan is a formation will be led by ex‑RAF Harrier display pilot Dave Linney flying a replica WW1 (1918) SE5a fighter,” says Burnham RBL Chairman Simon Orchard.
“Behind him in echelon port and starboard will be a 1942 vintage Auster and a 1944 vintage Auster, both of which saw active service in WW2. An ex‑RAF Victor and Jetstream display pilot will be flying the Auster in echelon port.”
“Martin Buldock, ex‑RN helicopter pilot and airline training captain, will be flying the other Auster in echelon starboard. Behind in line astern will be a replica 1930s Hawker Fury fighter flown by retired airline pilot Gary Priestley.”
Simon adds that as the formation approaches St Andrew’s Church, one Auster will break away to the left, allowing the remaining aircraft to pass overhead in a traditional RAF ‘missing man’ formation — a symbolic gesture used to honour a fallen colleague.
The fly-past is scheduled to take place at 2.25pm, shortly before the funeral begins at 2.30pm.
