Despite facing a weekend of typical British summer weather – thousands of people braved the grey skies and rain, to attend the 2011 Cosford Air show.

Amongst them, were a group of cadets and staff of 444 (Shoreditch) Squadron. The dismal weather forecast did not dampen spirits, with cadets making the most of the impressive array of indoor exhibits at the RAF Museum at Cosford, as well as watch several flying displays. Amongst these were the Red Arrows, an exciting pyrotechnics air field attack display by a Tornado GR4, and a pair of Lynx helicopters which thrilled the crowds by flying information, within feet of each other during a synchronised display.

Inside the museum, cadets were able to view an impressive collection of research and development aircraft, including the TSR2, a multi-role combat aircraft, controversially scrapped by the Wilson Government and still a point of discussion within the RAF.

In addition to the museum’s latest addition, the Cold War exhibition, there were many historical aircraft on display too, including the only collection of three V bombers (Valiant, Victor and Vulcan) in the same place in the world.

As a working air base, there were also a number of the units currently training at the station who were displaying their skills and equipment, such as the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering, and on show in the hangers was the 1/1 scale model Spitfire built for the TV programme ‘James Mays Toy Stories.’

Although the weather could have been better, the 444 cadets and staff were very glad they came, and will be back next year – fingers crossed for sunshine!

By CI Coralie Young, 444 (Shoreditch) Squadron, London Wing, Air Training Corps.