Eyes to the skies! Two RAF aircraft to flyover Wrexham this week

It will be eyes to the skies this week when two military aircraft fly over Wrexham.

The first, a RAF Hercules, will fly over Wrexham on Thursday 23rd August to commemorate the unveiling of an RAF Centenary plaque at the RAF memorial garden in Queen’s Square.

The commemorative event, which will be attended by the Mayor, RAF personnel and Air Cadets, will take place at the RAF Memorial Garden on Queen’s Square at 11:30am and finishes at 12:15pm.

Members of the public are welcome to come and view the ceremony.

The Hercules transport aircraft has featured in tactical operations since it was brought into service in 1999. The Hercules with its distinctive four propeller engine will grace the town centre skyline at midday.

Just a few days later on Saturday 25th August, a Dakota, part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, will fly over the town centre at 3:17pm.

In Wrexham, the Dakota is particularly appropriate as it was the type of plane flown by David Lord, VC, DFC, whose bravery saw essential supplies were dropped over Arnhem during World War II even though his plane was damaged and burning.

His bravery is recognised in a memorial plaque at the Memorial Hall in Bodhyfryd.

Both flyovers feature as part of the RAF100 commemorations taking place in Wrexham throughout the latter part of this week – including the launch of an art exhibition and a day of free entertainment and celebrations.

Coinciding with the monthly street festival, Saturday’s event will see an RAF static aircraft take centre stage on Llwyn Isaf – along with catering and refreshment facilities, armed forces stalls, a flight simulator and a Spitfire instrument panel.

There will also be live music on the bandstand throughout the day.

More information about what’s on can be found here.