Biggin Hill Air Fair 2009 - Press Release

Thrilling air battles of the First World War (1914 – 1918) will be realistically re-enacted at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair during the weekend of 27th & 28th June by members of the Great War Display Team with their nine superb replica aircraft, each presented in the military colours of the era.

The team includes four SE5A single-seat biplane fighters, a type originally built at the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough. Introduced into service in 1917, the SE5A quickly proved to be fast, versatile and a fine gun platform. It was highly successful in combat in the hands of the air aces of the period, pilots such as Albert Ball, James McCudden and Edward Mannock.

One of the team SE5A’s will be flown by octogenarian pilot Doug Gregory, a veteran of WWII when he flew Beaufighter, Spitfire and Mosquito aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for skill and courage in the air.

Another famous British aircraft of the period exemplified by the team is the Sopwith Pup, an agile fighter and originally with a 100hp Gnome rotary engine that was introduced into service in 1916. The superb replica is in the colours of the Royal Naval Air Service whose pilots flew alongside their Royal Flying Corps colleagues with distinction.

One of the formidable enemy fighters of the WWI period was the Fokker Dr 1 Triplane. The aircraft was seen as a response to the Sopwith Triplane that had succeeded the Pup. Armed with two forward-firing Spandau machine guns, the Fokker version was highly manoeuvrable and a favourite mount German aces, including the legendary Red Baron, Manfred von Richtofen, who was shot down in combat flying his all red-painted Triplane.

Other team aircraft are the French-designed Nieuport 17 Scout, the only full sized replica flying in Europe. It was one of the classic marques of WWI and was operated by British, French, Belgian, Italian and Russian air services. This replica was the star of the 2006 film ‘Fly Boys’.

The Junkers CL.1 was a sturdy German ground attack aircraft, well ahead of its time as an all-metal monoplane. It was fully armed with a pair of forward-firing Spandau machine guns and a 3rd gun operated by the Observer from the rear cockpit. Two replicas fly in the team.

The sight and sound of the Great War Team in action will capture the days of early air combat when aircraft were made of wood and fabric, aero-engines were underpowered and often unreliable, yet air battles were fought conclusively by brave and courageous airmen. The thrill of combat is accentuated with smoke trails and a lively commentary.

For further information see www.greatwardisplayteam.co.uk