Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (SMGWA) welcomed hundreds to its successful 'Propwash' event last Sunday (July 23), celebrating a love for aviation and flying.

Enthusiasts flocked to the museum to enjoy a day of thrilling aircraft, exciting presentations, and busy exhibitions.

Organisers hailed it a success, with one hangar "packed out" ahead of a talk by best-selling author Ian Castle, presented between two aircraft.

Author Ian Castle gave a talk in a 'packed out' hangar. (Credit: Andrew Critchell)

Later, there was standing room only for the chance to meet RAF Veteran WW2 Mosquito pilot, and Guest of Honour, Jim Dearlove.

CEO Ian Flint said: "To have Mr Dearlove here with us has been an honour and a privilege.

"The weather allowed us to have so many of these wonderful aircraft in the air, too, which was the icing on the cake. With so many aircraft to see, it's no wonder everyone on the site was beaming with smiles!"

Veteran Jim Dearlove recounted his experiences, offering visitors the chance to meet someone who defended Britain during the Second World War. (Credit: Andrew Critchell)

Crowds of supporters gathered at the site, enjoying the chance to get up close to rare and precious aircraft.

In the early afternoon, multiple aircraft performed breathtaking displays. This ranges from the quirky and nerve-shredding Turbulent display, where aircraft play limbo under obstacles, to the acrobatics of the Redhawk RF-4, which left coloured smoke trails across the blue skies. The display closed with eight Tiger Moths in formation, to rapturous applause from the ecstatic crowd.

The Redhawk RF-4 left coloured smoke trails across the blue skies. (Credit: Andrew Critchell)

Propwash was a new event on the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome calendar and is the first of its type totally dedicated to aviation. It featured plenty of attractions for visitors, including the opportunity for up-close-and-personal photo opportunities and to clamber into cockpits.

Visitors enjoyed breathtaking air displays overhead, finishing with eight Tiger Moths in formation. (Credit: Andrew Critchell)

The event was a major fundraiser which supports the work to preserve and protect Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. It features the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps buildings in the world. Stow Maries was the base for B flight of 37 Squadron (Home Defence), Royal Flying Corps, tasked with protecting London from raids by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha heavy bombers.

Visitors to Propwash were also able to explore the fascinating museum exhibitions housed in re-purposed Great War buildings. They learned about the Royal Flying Corps aircraft, and the men and women who helped defend Britain.

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