Daredevils were flying high
Thousands of people in the west of Scotland were suffering from sore necks as a result of a daring show.
It was 1937 and the Empire Air
Day display was held at Abbotsinch Aerodrome, in Renfrew.
The Royal Air Force threw open its doors and invited the ‘man in the street’ in for a good look around, although much of the day was spent looking skywards.
Even the most youthful were welcomed with open arms, and were permitted to wander at will through hangars and clamber over bombers costing thousands of pounds.
The officers of 269 General Reconnaissance Squadron exceeded all expectations with the remarkable variety of fun and exciting activities.
There was something for everyone and a crammed itinerary meant there was always an item of great interest going on at the packed show.
Showcasing Britain’s air strength, the day was an overwhelming success.
Thanks to the generous dimensions of Abbotsinch, joy riding was permissible during the display, and hundreds took advantage of the opportunity to fly over Paisley and district in Northern and Scottish Air Liners and also with the Scottish Flying Club fleet.
Thrilling aerobatics were contributed by Captain J.C. Houston of the SFC and instructors from the Prestwick school.
And the shooting range proved popular as members of the public watched expert gunmen put their skills to the test.
One very engaging item was the model aircraft display by the Scottish Model Aeroplane Flying Club, which was spectacular, to say the least.
In fact, the little aeroplanes attracted almost as big a crowd as the real things!
The sun shone throughout the day, which helped attract a record crowd to Renfrew, with more than 10,000 people entering the enclosure to take in the show.
And as a result of such a staggering turn out, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund benefitted to the tune of £320.