Members of The Haileybury Society enjoyed a truly memorable visit to IWM Duxford yesterday, with the undisputed highlight being our exclusive private tour of the iconic Avro Vulcan. What made the experience even more special was the delightful discovery that our guide was fellow Old Haileyburian, Peter Merifield (A 62), whose own service with the legendary 617 Squadron added an extraordinary authenticity to the tour.
Drawing on his own service and extensive knowledge, Peter delivered a fascinating and highly engaging talk that brought the history of the Vulcan vividly to life. Having served with the renowned 617 Squadron (better known as the famous “Dambusters” squadron) from 1970, Peter offered a rare first-hand perspective on one of the RAF’s most distinguished units. While 617 Squadron is forever associated with the daring Dambusters raid of 1943, it also played a pivotal role during the Cold War, operating the Avro Vulcan as part of Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent. Peter’s personal recollections, combined with his wealth of technical knowledge and enthusiasm, provided a captivating insight into both the aircraft and the remarkable squadron that flew it.
The tour explored not only the Vulcan’s impressive engineering but also its vital role in protecting the United Kingdom throughout the Cold War. Peter’s ability to combine technical expertise with engaging storytelling ensured there was something for everyone, whether lifelong aviation enthusiasts or those discovering the aircraft’s history for the first time. It was a privilege to hear directly from someone who had served with one of the RAF’s most celebrated squadrons, making the experience both informative and deeply memorable.
Following the tour, members had the opportunity to explore the rest of IWM Duxford at their leisure, taking in its world-class collection of historic aircraft, exhibitions and hangars. From Battle of Britain legends and the mighty Concorde to modern military aviation, there was something to capture the imagination of every visitor.
It was a wonderful day of history, heritage and friendship, enjoyed in glorious surroundings and excellent company. The Society extends its sincere thanks to Peter for so generously sharing his time, experience and passion. We would also like to thank everyone who joined us for what was a truly outstanding day out.
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- TELL THE REGIMENT I HOPE THEY DID WELL – 110 years on from the Battle of the Somme
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Unless otherwise stated, all content and images on this website and blog © The Haileybury Society, 2024, all rights reserved