1903 (What a year) Ride

1903 (What a year) Ride - July 23rd

1903 (What a year)…..Having planned and thought out the ride in meticulous detail, the one thing Road Captain Bernie Cresswell did not factor in was breaking his thumb, making his 2023 ride a stay at home job…Well for Bernie any way! No problem and without hesitation Road Captain Bill Delieu stepped in to take over and lead the ride with myself and Barry Masters as rear support riders.

Without doubt the initial weather forecast for the weekend was a bit grim to say the least and, on that point, Saturday did not disappoint the Ducks that’s for sure! Sunday however, after a bit of a damp start, turned out to be an excellent riding day with 23 members rocking up for the ride.

Setting off from Warrs S.E. we made good progress into the Kent Countryside via our comfort break at junction 8 services and onwards to our destination at the RAF Manston aircraft museums and the NAFFI Café. As the destination was the main focus of our ride, we took a relaxed and direct 75-mile ride into Manston.

It is always a bit of a juggling act for Road Captains when organising a ride in terms of the destination and facilities hosts have to offer, pleasingly most if not all of our group remained upon arrival making full use of both the NAFFI café and the Museum helping to boost their takings on the day.

There are many exhibits within the museum and reporting on each would be an article in itself, however one of notable interest and nestled in the corner was the cockpit section of a Victor Bomber open to sit in and examine closely.

It is easy today to overlook the significant role this aircraft played until 1968 during the post WW2 cold war period, prior to being withdrawn when the U.K. nuclear deterrent was transferred from the RAF to the Royal Navy and the subsequent introduction of submarine launched Polaris missiles.

The Victor did however continue in service in different operational functions until 1993 such was the advance design and capabilities for its time.

Looking at images of the aircraft itself, it is hard to imagine how small and basic the cockpit is with five crew members manning the craft for long missions until you actually climb in yourself! One interesting point of note is that should an emergency arise, the Pilot and co-Pilot both had ejector seats, sadly none were provided for the bomb aimer, navigator and engineer sitting behind.

The consequence of this was the high probability they would not survive should an accident occur and sadly it did occur a number of times. Subsequently The Earl of Kinnoull raised concerns in June 15th 1964 in the House of Lords regarding the number of crew members lost during accidents whilst Pilots losses were very low in proportion.

Quite amazing really that all this significant history and the efforts to keep a nation safe by service personnel during peace time nestles quietly in the corner of a small and unassuming museum in Kent!

All in all it was a great ride by led by Bill and arranged by Bernie, who no doubt if he was able to do so, would give an approving ‘Thumbs Up’

Many thanks to all who turned out for the ride and as ever, Shaun for opening up the store and providing pre ride refreshments.

Dave Mann.

Assistant Director

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