16 Sqn & Mark Hanna Duxford 19th September 1996

On the 19th September 1996, 16 Squadron held its first Reunion for Wartime Members at Duxford. 16 Squadron had been a PR Squadron during the second World War and had operated Spitfire PL965 in 1945. In the late 1980s/early 1990s, the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society (MAPS) had restored PL965 to airworthy condition. Mark Hanna of the OFMC carried out the ground testing and the first three test flights at Rochester Airport between October 1992 and February 1993.
Sadly, all of the 16 Sqn pilots and ground crew who attended the Reunion at Duxford, together with Mark Hanna, have passed away. I originally posted a copy of this video 12 years ago, but have now found the time to upload it again - hopefully with improved picture quality! Enjoy.

[@P61guy61]

I met him in Carrollton, GA when he came to look at Hess Bomberger’s P-51. I immediately recognized him as a genuine person and a gentleman.

[@jopitomnik1396]

Mark we miss you sooooo very much. Meme 30 ans après je me souviens de ce dîner au "red lion" après une visite des hangars de OFMC. Merci pour tout.

[@YellowroadsterJ200]

Just watched thanks. I took my father to this reunion, now like many sadly passed, but can be seen a few times but well in a grey coat at 10 min 25 secs at front with Mark

[@Erictheaviator]

Just to say thankyou to mark and ray hannah. For everthing and 434 etc

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for sharing.

Fantastic footage, sir. Thank you for letting us watch and listen to this unique event. What a memorable day it must have been for everyone involved.

[@DavidSmith-ze2wi]

This was a marvellous display of the Spitfire by Mark Hannah as all the displays he did in other aircraft were. I saw him fly at Duxford quite a few times and you knew you would get a wonderful display from him. He was a consummate professional pilot and treated the aircraft with great care. I couldn't believe he had that awful accident in Spain and shortly passed away. A great loss to the aviation world. Mark Hannah RIP.

[@jordanmather5174]

So good to see you uploading again!

[@rgnvideo]

Thank you for your comment. Yesterday I uploaded my video about the Woodchurch Air Show of 2005. It was an excellent air show and included two very good aerobatic displays. I am biased, but I think that you would enjoy the video.

[@dominicboyle1672]

Mark Hanna was a class act…

[@stevesearle6687]

Thank you

[@Gruntfuttock100]

The greatest generation

[@lukaszraczek4476]

magnificent.

[@jmcallion2071]

He died a week before my ordination as a priest. Hard to think that the date of this clip, he would be dead!