Yesterday, we had the immense privilege of welcoming The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to our base at Biggin Hill for a very special day dedicated to veterans, including three remarkable World War Two veterans.
As part of the day, the charity gave Ivan Staines, 99, Alfred Cooley, 100, and Paul Terry, 101, the opportunity to experience something they had never done before — flying in a Spitfire.
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans is a volunteer-led organisation, founded in 1948 by London black cab drivers. The charity organises free day trips, social events and remembrance tours for former servicemen and women from conflicts around the world, helping to combat loneliness and isolation.
We were incredibly honoured to welcome the charity and its members to Biggin Hill, and particularly to meet Ivan, Alfred and Paul and hear their remarkable stories.
Three Veterans, Three Remarkable Stories
Ivan Staines was called up at the age of 18 and joined the South Staffordshire Regiment, later serving in Palestine. Before being called up, Ivan had served in the Home Guard from 1942 to 1944.
Alfred Cooley joined the 5th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry at just 18 years old, signing up on the day before D-Day. Following eight weeks of training, Alfred landed in liberated France.
Paul Terry served with the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and landed in Normandy on D-Day. He went on to fight his way through France, Belgium and Holland, including taking part in Operation Market Garden, with the objective of securing the Nijmegen Bridge.
Three Spitfires Take to the Skies
To make the occasion even more special, a planned three-ship Spitfire formation was arranged, featuring MJ627, TE308 and MT818, accompanied by our Piper Saratoga chase aircraft to capture this unique moment from the air.
With family members, representatives from The Taxi Charity and members of the press gathered on the ramp, the excitement was palpable as the three veterans were strapped into their Spitfires.
Then came the unmistakable sound of three Merlin engines roaring into life.
The aircraft taxied out before taking to the skies over the Kent countryside on a beautiful summer’s day.
Paul Terry flew in MJ627 with Anna Walker, Ivan Staines flew in TE308 with Jeremy Britcher, and Alfred Cooley flew in MT818 with Michael Pickin. Our chase aircraft joined the formation, capturing what was an incredibly rare sight — three Spitfires flying together, carrying three World War Two veterans.
Three Ship Spitfires of Veterans heading out at Biggin Hill
A Day to Remember
After their flight, the three Spitfires returned to Biggin Hill to a warm welcome from family, friends, charity members and the FlyaSpitfire team. All three veterans had thoroughly enjoyed their experience, and there was a wonderful opportunity for our pilots to sit down with them afterwards and hear more about their stories and experiences.
The Taxi Charity had also created a fantastic atmosphere in our hangars, with tables, chairs and catering laid out for everyone to enjoy.
It was a truly memorable day, and an absolute privilege for everyone at FlyaSpitfire.com.
Alfred Cooley, Ivan Staines and Paul Terry with GB News Reporter.
Donate to The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans:
Click Here: https://www.taxicharity.org/