Crowds flock to Wallop Wheels and Wings

Tuesday, 16 July 2024 10:00

By Andy Munns

Saturday saw the return of Wallop Wheels and Wings, the Army Flying Museum’s biggest event of the year.

Now in its fourth year, it is undoubtedly the biggest and best it has hosted.

Making up the ‘wings’ contingent – both fixed and rotary – all three of the UK’s armed services were represented: the Historic Army Aircraft Flight, the Gazelle Squadron display team, Navy Wings and the RAF’s Falcons Display Team which opened the proceedings.

A particular highlight was the mid-afternoon aerobatic manoeuvres of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight’s Spitfire PR.XIX and P-51D-25NA Mustang.

Back on the ground, the ‘wheels’ on show included something for all car and motorbike enthusiasts. The collection spanned both time and geography, with vintage and classic automobiles, American muscle cars, and modern supercars parked on parade or participating in the Concours D ’Elegance drive-by.

There were also more poignant stands, as the 80^th anniversaries of D-Day and Operation Market Garden were commemorated by The Glider Pilot Regiment Society and the Men of Arnhem HQ Troop living history group. Fast forwarding to the present day, an Apache stood watch over proceedings and John Greenache and Mike Peters were on stage to talk about their new book ‘OPS NORMAL volume 1: The Authorised Operational History of the Army Air Corps, 1957-2017’.

In addition to the technology on display, there was also a fantastic array of arts and crafts, activities for children, model kit vendors, local food and drink vendors, community groups, and some mouth-watering international food stalls.

A recent addition to the collection is a retired Apache AH Mk.1, making the museum the only place in the UK to see an Apache on permanent display.

For those interested in army aviation but unable to visit the museum, the website hosts a range of online exhibitions.

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.