THESE incredible photos show the magnificent moment RAF Valley jets flew over Llandudno to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.
RAF Valley 72 Squadron managed to honour their fly-past commitment to North Wales on Saturday, May 6, despite the disappointment of London main event.
Four Texan T Mk 1 planes of 72(F) Squadron flew from Anglesey to Wrexham. They flew over Chester, the River Mersey to Liverpool and over the North Wales coast taking in Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno. They also passed over Douglas in the Isle of Man and Holyhead on Anglesey.
Just wow! The Four Texan T Mk 1 aircraft of 72(F) Squadron make their way over Llandudno. (Image: Crown Copyright Images taken by SAC (Phot) Emily Muir)
Wing Commander Chris Ball, Officer Commanding 72(F) Squadron - who led the Valley contingent, said "72(F) demonstrated their ability to improvise, adapt and overcome - to deliver on their promise."
He added: "We saw a gap in the weather emerging for the home run - so we were able to keep to this part of the plan.
“While over Wrexham AFC stadium, I stole a glance downwards and it was a sheer delight to see the crowds of Wrexham fans turn up to acknowledge our particular salute to them on their recent success.”
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RAF Valley were disappointed that the weather prevented them from making their own contribution to saluting His Majesty The King. The military flypast over Buckingham Palace, to mark the coronation of the King and Queen, had to be scaled down because of the bad weather.
RAF Valley personnel will march through the town on July 9 in honour of Llandudno giving them freedom of the town.
A spokesperson for RAF Valley said: "We are in the process of naming all our Texan aircraft in honour of Welsh Battle of Britain Aces. Their name will appear on the cockpit cowling to remind our student fighter pilots of their proud Welsh heritage.
"We already give out an award at the end of each wings course called the Sergeant Glyn Griffiths trophy for Best Fighter Pilot on course. This is named in honour of Llandudno born flying Ace Glyn Griffiths."
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