Royal Victorian Aero Club -

17 September 2007

BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATION  

The Royal Victorian Aero Club, “Royal Vic” as it is affectionately known around Moorabbin Airport, has hosted the “Dawn Patrol” annually since its inception in 1980. The brainchild of Dr Paul Matthews, himself a pilot and club member, who gathered together a number of “Royal Vic” pilots who then flew over the “Shrine of Remembrance” to pay tribute to fallen Aviators. Since that first dawn flight the “Dawn Patrol” has continued to grow in popularity and is now an important event on the Aero Club’s Calendar.The “Dawn Patrol Memorial Fly-Past” is always held on the weekend closest to the date of one of the greatest aerial battles of our time, the “Battle of Britain”, which occurred on the 15th September 1940. Whilst the event is timed to coincide with the “Battle of Britain”, it has become a Memorial Flight for all aviators who have made the “Supreme Sacrifice” in all theatres of war.

40 aircraft flew over the Shrine of Rememberance yesterday at Dawn followed by a breakfast of 300 members and guests. The large crowd was priveledged to hear from former Halifax pilot, Flt Lt Edward (Ted) McGindle DFC and Spitfire Pilot, Tony Gaze. Their unique story was shared with interest.

In front of the clubhouse, guests were then treated to a flying display including Pip Borrman in his very exciting Edge 540. Fortunately Pip was in town to display at the Sandown 500 and managed to sneak in a display for RVAC. Fantastic!!