The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fond salute to classic aircraft
The arrival of a Panavia Tornado GR4 with a remarkable RAF pedigree at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre is a moment of sheer poetry for one Craigie reader.
Driven almost 500 miles to Montrose from RAF Marham in Norfolk, the Gulf War veteran was one of the last of its kind to touch down when the combat machine was retired from active service in 2019.
The only GR4 now on display in Scotland, the 1990s-era strike aircraft’s impressive CV has ensured a guaranteed visit from Perthshire air addict Thomas Brown.
He writes: “As an aircraft enthusiast, it was such great news to hear that at Montrose their latest star attraction is a Tornado GR4 Bomber. I wish to praise both this aircraft and the memories I have of all who have flown them over my home patch with my poetic pen.”
Here is To The GR4, Tam’s verse in honour of the iconic Panavia...
“I loved that deep long rumble,
“It was music to my ear.
“The noise of a low jet plane,
“A noise I loved to hear.
“Then between the hills of Glen Garr, “Came an awesome roar,
“My heart it leapt with joy,
“A Tornado GR4.
“From its base at Lossiemouth, “It was on a training flight, “I watched it with excitement, “Until it out of sight.
“I loved all the aircraft, “Yes always wishing more, “But the last low level flyer “Was Tornado GR4.
“Yes, the last I remember,
“It went straight to my heart, “When at Lossiemouth,
“The squadrons did depart. “No more the thunder in the hills, “No more that awesome sight, “The Tornado rise from the glen, “To quickly gain height.
“Yes, such a treat,
“As northward they head,
“Over my Bankfoot home, “And onwards to Dunkeld. “My hills they are silent now, “It’s all a memory,
“I listen just to the birds, “Those times are far away.
“But now at Montrose,
“A GR4 on show,
“Yes, I am sure,
“To there I must go.
“I thank the Tornado crews,
“All of them so brave,
“Who flew low over my Bankfoot home, “Such pleasure that you gave.”