This is the moment a farewell flypast by three RAF Hercules planes was captured over Wales in remarkable pictures. The Hercules aircraft were touring the UK to mark the aircraft's retirement from service. Fantastic images captured the moment the planes flew over Wales on their way to RAF Valley.
The trio of C-130s swooped past delighted onlookers before heading across to Anglesey and over the RAF base. They'd departed from Brize Norton earlier. The transport plane has been used by the RAF since the 1960s. It is being replaced by the Atlas A400 and other aircraft. Hercules and 47 Squadron will be stood down on 30 June.
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It was a sad moment for aviation lovers and the military as the Hercules has supported UK military and humanitarian missions all over the world, including the recent evacuations from Sudan and Afghanistan. Warrant Officer Scott Drinkel was part of the crew for both rescue missions and was on board the lead Hercules for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee flypast.
He said: "I have some fantastic memories. There is a huge swelling of pride of being the first aircraft in and last aircraft out of Afghanistan, supporting the humanitarian aid there. Everybody pulls together so well, even very recently when we have been tasked with other operations, such as Polar Bear - the Sudanese effort - very close to the end of the Herc, we are still a valuable asset so I have huge pride in 47 Squadron."
On Friday, the Princess Royal attended a stand-down parade for 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, attended by past and present personnel. The RAF said ground support staff, including engineers and those working in operations and intelligence, would be relocated to other roles. Wing Commander James Sjoberg said: "Whilst the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of the 47 Squadron standard is a sad moment for many of us, I have full confidence that the people of the RAF Air Mobility Force will continue to deliver excellence around the globe."
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