A CLASSIC CAR dating back to the 1930’s called in at Lossiemouth on Monday as part of a 6000-mile tour of the UK’s RAF’s airfields.
RAF personnel were on hand to meet ‘Chattie’ – a classic 1935 Singer Le Mans sports car that is currently visiting 60 bases.
The car is owned by Elizabeth Halls, daughter of RAF World War II fighter pilot the late Bryan Wild – with whom she wrote a book, Flying Blind, depicting his experiences.
Bryan died in 2012 at the age of 90 – now his daughter, who was at one time the general manager of the English Symphony Orchestra, is undertaking the fundraising journey in his name.
“My tour started in April and will last another few months,” Elizabeth said, adding: “I expect to cover 6,000 miles over 74 days – almost 2,000 miles will be in Chattie, the rest in my Mercedes carrier.
“The reason why I wanted to support the RAF Benevolent Fund was because they were so wonderful to my family when my father developed Parkinson’s disease later in life.
“They provided a stair lift and helped my mother work out the allowances and benefits available. They were there for her when she needed support, so my challenge is also my way of saying thank you.”
Flying Blind – the Story of a Night-Fighter Pilot was written after Elizabeth sorted, compiled and edited a collection diaries and accounts from her father. The book was written with the help of aviation historian and author Joe Bamford.
Mr Wild joined the RAF in 1940 straight from school and went on to fly 14 types of aircraft seeing action over the UK, North Africa the Mediterranean and ultimately Germany.
Elizabeth was welcomed to RAF Lossiemouth by local RAF Benevolent Fund organisers and Sergeant Stuart Smylie of II(Army Co-operation) Squadron before continuing her epic journey.
Follow this link for further information and to support Elizabeth’s RAF Benevolent Fund fundraising bid.