Australian War Memorial G for George celebrations 6 December 2003

The delightful scene on the grounds of the Australian War Memorial on Saturday 6 December 2003. To celebrate the return of the restored G for George Lancaster and the opening of the Striking by Night display the RAAF Air Command Band kept the visitors enthralled with WWII songs prior to the flypast of WWII aircraft. Five years work on George has been well worth the wait - she's spectacular and the Striking by Night display is awesome. A must see for everyone!
HARS Catalina, now in authentic Black Cat markings, flying south to the east of Anzac Parade, Canberra . There was a gasp from the crowd as she was spotted above the trees lining Anzac Parade. A distinct aircraft shape and an important addition to the Australian WWII collection. We have much to learn about the operations of the Black Cats in the Pacific. Visit HARS at Albion Park, NSW.	The Cat has made the turn onto Anzac Parade and the wonderful vista of old and new Parliament Houses in the background. There was a strong cross wind hence the attitude of the Catalina as she flew towards the War Memorial. You see everyone is turned towards the Cat and looking up to take in this 'new' experience. A lot of clapping was hear all the way up the Parade.
HARS Douglas C-47 Dakota turning away above the Australian War Memorial at the end of her pass up Anzac Parade. You can see the crowd is following her progress.	Ex RAAF Douglas C-47 Dakota, still in her service markings, on her pass up Anzac Parade. Your photographer was scanning the sky for the second DAK but only one aircraft flew up the Parade at a time.

The above photographs do not do justice to the event as my camera lense is not large enough. This was a special day as many of the survivors of our Lancaster squadrons were in attendance with their families. Their ages ranged from 79 to 90. Aircraft in the staggered flypast included RAAF marked Tiger Moth, Kittyhawk, Mustang, Catalina, C-47s, Vampire, Canberra and the RAAF Roulettes. The first five aircraft flew alone along Anzac Parade and it seemed to be 5-10 minutes between each aircraft which is not a flypast in the normal sense.

The Vampire and Canberra from Temora Aviation Museum came into view in formation and did a single pass up Anzac Parade before returning to Temora and the weekend fly-in in progress there. The Roulettes finished off the flying by bursting into view from behind Mt Ainslie and over the top the War Memorial. The display was up to the usual high standard and finished with the starburst. The Pilatus PC-9 is not a WWII aircraft but it was a most fitting ending.

Photographs by Wendy Wilson, daughter of a survivor of Bomber Command and pilot of Lancasters. Sadly my father passed away on this day of celebration. He lived to fly and would have been proud to be part of the day.