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Ray Hanna |
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The purpose of this short piece is not to detail Ray’s extraordinary career or to list his many achievements – the press, no doubt, will do that in due course. This is not an obituary. It is a celebration of a life well lived. It is impossible to think of Duxford without thinking of Ray Hanna. There, within the hallowed hangars and ever changing skies the history that he so respected walks arm in arm with the magic of flight that enthralled him throughout his life. No one flew a Spitfire quite like Ray. His displays have been called poetic, heroic, lyrical, dramatic. All these things are true. Ray flew aeroplanes as they were supposed to be flown, safely but spectacularly. His flying could bring tears to the eyes, so keenly did it remind us of heroic deeds once done. Ray had the respect of everyone. He was a kind and humane man with a subtle and often self-effacing sense of humour. Though a natural born leader, he was at the same time humble of manner and more shy than many realised. He did not relish the idea of speaking in public, but when he did so – such as at the annual Tiger Squadron Convention – he did so with great aplomb. A few words from Ray could bring everyone to a fascinated standstill. One reason we divided our members into colour-coded groups for the hangar tours is that had we let everyone accompany whichever pilot they wished, they would all have gone with Ray! I know I can state the latter without fear of upsetting any of the other pilots, such was the respect Ray was held in. Above all, Ray Hanna was a man from whom we can all learn. Never did he waver from the things he held dear. In times of hardship, his was the steady hand on the tiller. In the flush of success, he was modest and thoughtful. He was a constant in our lives, an anchor that enabled and encouraged everyone to feel part of something worthwhile. Being part of something worthwhile was how Ray lived his life - he spent it with the people he loved or admired, doing the things he loved to do. A significant part of Ray lived to fly, always reaching beyond the next cloud into the next patch of brilliant blue. Not for Ray the pipe and slippers of retirement – for Ray the cockpit of a Spitfire or a Lavochkin or a Kittyhawk, and onwards, upwards. His influence on the airshow world and on the warbird scene in particular is beyond estimate, and his peerless flying will be remembered and aspired to forever. The Hanna family have found the messages of condolence and the tributes a comfort at this very sad time, and realise many people would like to pay their respects to Ray. A memorial service for Squadron Leader Ray Hanna AFC was held at St Clement Danes Church, Strand on Thursday, 2 March 2006, at 12 noon.
So farewell then – and onwards into the blue…
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The
O.F.M.C.
TIGER SQUADRON - 10 Years 1996-2006
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