Following just two weeks after Duxford's Warbird extravaganza, the Shuttleworth Trust held its second Military Pageant of the year in the grounds of the Shuttleworth stately home, near Bigglewade. Where Duxford concentrated on WW2 warbirds, the quaint Old Warden airfield hosted a more modest and yet just as enjoyable event. Other aircraft from WW1 dominated the flight line from Avro 504K, to Sopwith Pup, and to a Gladiator painted in Norwegian AF colours. This is Shuttleworth Trusts 75^th Anniversary year, and they will be hosting almost a dozen flying displays this year, a few more than in most years.

Many priceless aircraft and rare aircraft adorned the airfield, none more so than the only remaining Hawker Tomtit and the last one ever built. It served with the RAF in the early thirties before being bought back by Hawkers. It was later donated to the Shuttleworth Collection in 1956.

Shuttleworth regulars were all talking of the LVG C.V1, a First World War German bi-plane. They were looking forward to it taking to the air as this is the last season for this unique aircraft. This is the only German WW1 plane in the world that is still flying, and it is due to go to RAF Hendon shortly, for static display only. When its time came it was towed to the end of the runway, where after some tense minutes its ageing engine finally burst into life. Pilot Trevor Roche display was a little more higher and more sedate than other types flying, and was unfortunately short at only a few minutes due to the aircraft's inherent engine over-heating problems. Following its final flight on October 5, 2003, the aircraft will be dismantled and taken by road to its owners at Hendon. The Shuttleworth Collection are hoping to get some air-air video for posterity prior to its final grounding.

Many of the displays involved multiple selections of the aircraft available, keeping planes in the air at all times. I can't remember seeing two Magister 1's in formation, and on this occasion they were joined by a chipmunk in a similar and again colourful all yellow RCAF training scheme.
Pride of place for me, was the Avro 19 Anson, which looked immaculate in its new silver and pale blue colour scheme. I remember seeing this 'lady' when it started its lengthy re-build up in Scotland at the Strathallen Collection, in the mid 1970's. It is now BAe owned and has been flying from Old Warden for just a year, following its restoration. 

The only non-fixed wing aircraft in attendance was the very smart Westland Scout, resplendent in an Army gloss finish camo' scheme from 1968 and flown by Tim Manna. Pride of place for me, was the Avro 19 Anson, which looked immaculate in its new silver and pale blue colour scheme. I remember seeing this 'lady' when it started its lengthy re-build up in Scotland at the Strathallen Collection, in the mid 1970's. It is now BAe owned and has been flying from Old Warden for just a year, following its restoration. 

It was an excellent day for all the family, with vintage cars and a 'Dads Army' routine thrown in.