In the Second World War, Les Sayer (91) trained and worked in 811 and 825 squadrons as a telegraphist air gunner – one of a small group of Royal Navy airmen who flew aircraft carried by the ships and managed communications to track down the enemy.
Thursday’s display will bring back floods of memories for the ex-serviceman who regularly flew former air display favourites Swordfish – christened Stringbags after the multiplicity of stay wires holding them together – and Hurricanes and Spitfires.
Orphaned at seven years old, Mr Sayer and his younger brother became Barnado’s boys before being sent to live with a foster family.
After two years of rebellion, Mr Sayer was banished to Watts Naval Training School in Norfolk, before finally joining the Navy in 1931.
Six years later he signed up to a TAG training course, which would shape the rest of his life.
It was on 18 May 1941 that Mr Sayer was drafted from 811 Squadron into the newly formed 825 Squadron.
Operating from HMS Victorious and then HMS Ark Royal, he helped take a Stringbag over the path of the Bismarck.
He is now one of the last people left to have seen the famous battleship at such close range.
