NAVY DAY 1961

NAVY DAY 1961 

In 1961, I found myself in the back seat of the lead T-33 jet during the Navy Day airshow. Flying with my pilot, Lt. Jake Birks, was a genuine thrill; we were leading a four-ship formation of T-birds through a series of aerobatics. As we waited for our cue to Fly up Halifax harbour and put on a bit of a show,

A memorable exchange crackled over the radio:

Shearwater Tower: "T-bird leader, the Banshees would like to know your position, sir."

T-bird Leader: "We are at 500 feet over Chebucto Head... By the way, Tower, where are the Banshees?"

Shearwater Tower: "They’re at 500 feet over Chebucto Head."

At that exact moment, twelve Banshees went screaming past us. Whew!