SHARE THE EMOTIONAL FINAL DAYS OF AN AVIATION GIANT 617: The Last Days of a Vulcan Squadron released on DVD
At the end of 1981 the iconic Avro Vulcan was
withdrawn from service and the famous 617
Squadron faced its final days. Fortunately, these
last weeks of the 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton,
Lincolnshire, were captured on camera.
Now viewers can share these remarkable final
days in 617: The Last Days of a Vulcan Squadron,
new on DVD from Duke.
This fly-on-the-wall documentary, produced by ITV/
Central Television, charts the thoughts and
emotions of the crew and commanders and,
importantly, shows the great aircraft being
prepared and embarking on its final sortie.
The 617 Squadron was formed during the Second
World War for the famous Dambuster raids, led by
Guy Gibson. The legendary name was resurrected
in 1958 as a fitting moniker for those who would
lead Britain’s defence against a new kind of
warfare – the threat of nuclear attack.
This film recalls the history of both the Squadron and the Vulcan,
but its main focus is the countdown to the final flight. viewers meet
the commanding officers, including Squadron Leader Chip
Brunson and Wing Commander John Herbertson, flight crew,
ground crew and other key figures, hear their thoughts about the
Vulcan, share their emotions and travel with them towards the end
of an era.
Mike Kay (captain), Chalie Brakewell (navigator plotter), Austen
Dancey (navigator radar) and Paul Beech (co-pilot), all flight
lieutenants, describe their roles and how they plan a mission, and
viewers see them flying the great machine, with footage from both
inside the aircraft and air-to-air.
With only nine hours of flying before the Squadron is disbanded,
there are the preparations for the final flight, from briefing to take
off, and beyond as viewers share the final chapter in an amazing
story.
Even with the end in sight, the story of the Avro Vulcan is packed
with drama – it is December and heavy fog throws the final sortie
into doubt. However, not even the brutal British winter weather
can prevent the mighty Vulcan taking to the skies - watch in awe
as the aircraft soars over Derbyshire, flying low over the Derwent
valley.
617: The Last Days of a Vulcan Squadron is Out Now on
DVD, priced at £14.99 and will be available from leading video
outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640 000, fax 01624
640 001 or email mail@dukevideo.com. Visit
www.DukeVideo.com online.
