June 5th 2024.
Today, the skies over Hampshire will be graced with a magnificent display as the Royal Air Force's renowned Red Arrows take to the air. This aerial performance holds special significance as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy landings during World War Two. Residents of Hampshire will have the opportunity to witness these impressive jets in action today.
The Red Arrows will be flying from Bournemouth, covering a 25-minute loop over the south coast and the Isle of Wight. The highlight of their journey will be a flypast over Portsmouth's Southsea Common at 12:31pm. This is all part of the larger events taking place today to honor the momentous D-Day anniversary. It was on June 6, 1944, that over 150,000 troops launched a massive attack from land, air, and sea, marking the largest invasion ever assembled. This marked the beginning of the Allied forces' efforts, including those of Britain and America, to ultimately end the war a year later.
Typically, the Red Arrows put on their impressive flypasts over London, often to celebrate occasions such as Trooping the Colour, with the royal family joining in from the Buckingham Palace balcony. However, today, they will be heading to the south of England, as Portsmouth and Southampton played crucial roles in the planning and execution of the D-Day landings.
For those who wish to see the iconic planes trailing red, white, and blue smoke behind them, it is recommended to go to Portsmouth or its surrounding areas. The Military Air Shows has released an air restrictions map, outlining the designated route for the Red Arrows and their fellow aircraft display team. They will take off from Bournemouth at 12:17pm, heading south towards the Isle of Wight before turning east towards Portsmouth. From there, they will fly north to South Wonston, over the New Forest, and back to Bournemouth. The entire journey will take approximately 25 minutes, with the flypast itself being the centerpiece of the events in Portsmouth to mark this significant day.
Before their display flight, the Red Arrows will depart from their home base at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire at 9:14am, flying south for 33 minutes until they reach Bournemouth. It was also planned for a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to take place, featuring historical aircraft used during the war. However, due to the unfortunate passing of RAF pilot Sqn Ldr Mark Long in a crash last month, the remaining aircraft have been grounded until an investigation into the accident is completed.
The full display route over Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will last 25 minutes, from 12:17pm until 12:42pm. However, for the main flypast, one should look to the skies above Portsmouth at 12:31pm. The Red Arrows, also known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, consists of Hawk fast-jets piloted by experienced and skilled individuals who have flown operationally in frontline fighter jets such as the advanced Typhoon or Harrier. Since 1965, the Red Arrows have been showcasing the speed, agility, and precision of the RAF through their trademark moves, including the Diamond Nine shape, close formations, and precision flying, all while leaving a trail of smoke in the colors of the Union flag.
For those on the ground in Portsmouth, the Red Arrows display will not be the only highlight of the day. Thousands of people, including D-Day veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and politicians, will gather at the ticketed event on Southsea Common from 10am, hosted by the esteemed Dame Helen Mirren. The event will also feature performances by military musicians and tributes to those who lost their lives fighting to defeat Hitler's forces. Truly, it will be a day to remember and honor the bravery and sacrifices made during the D-Day landings 80 years ago.
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