Tributes paid to former Red Arrow (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Tributes paid to former Red Arrow

THE pilot who first brought the Red Arrows to Kemble Airfield has passed away at the age of 77.

Friends and colleagues have been paying tribute to Ray Hanna, who was leader of the Red Arrows while they were based at RAF Kemble.

He laid the foundations down for them to perform on the international stage and flew Red 3 in 1965 before leading the team from 1966 until 1969.

Kemble Airfield events co-ordinator Glen Moreman told the Standard this week he made many friends locally and was often seen in the Wild Duck at Ewen.

The veteran pilot also set up links with the ladies skittles team at The Tavern in Kemble as well as with the village school.

Glen said: "Ray was always an enthusiastic supporter of Kemble Airfield and was delighted that the future of the airfield was secure.

"All of us were very saddened to learn of his death and have sent messages of condolence to his family."

Crudwell resident Andy Cubin, a Red Arrow Pilot in the 1990s and current Kemble display pilot, also paid tribute to Squadron Leader Hanna.

He said: "Ray was a modest and quiet man, but one of the most gifted fliers I have ever seen.

"The quality of his display flying made other seasoned pilots stop and watch.

"I had the pleasure of knowing the man, and he always had a courteous nod for me when we met at airshows. The man will be sadly missed."

Ray joined the Royal Air Force in 1949 having learned to fly in New Zealand by the time he was 20.

Following training on the Prentice, Harvard and Meteor he flew such piston types as the Tempest V, Sea Fury, Balliol and Beaufighter. In the 1950s, he flew nearly all the early British jets including Vampires, Attackers and Javelins.

He was selected for the newly-formed Red Arrows as No 3 in 1965 and is believed to be the longest serving Leader in the history of the team.

Glen added: "Ray's leadership is widely regarded as making the Red Arrow the world-renowned aerobatics team they ultimately became. He will be sorely missed on the display circuit."

Ray retired from the RAF in 1971 for a new career in civil aviation, and in 1979 he was asked to head a private diplomatic 707 company with worldwide operations.