Joe L'Estrange - Vulcan Pilot

[VRT Southend Vulcan]

I’m sure many of you will have heard of the renowned Vulcan display pilot, Squadron Leader Joe L’Estrange. Those of a certain age may even have been lucky enough to have witnessed him displaying one of the mighty deltas.

Sadly we have to report Joe’s passing last Sunday evening, 14 January 2018, following illness. He had been active up until the autumn but his illness finally took its toll.

Joe had a distinguished career with the RAF. After joining in August 1944, training initially as an Air Gunner on Wellingtons and Lancasters, he went on to retrain as a pilot in 1950. This led him to fly Hornets, Vampires and Venoms, as well as many other different aircraft throughout the 1950s. Joe also flew naval aircraft from the aircraft carriers Ark Royal, Albion, Centaur and Victorious during a two-year exchange posting with the Fleet Air Arm.

In 1962 Joe was posted to 230 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at Finningley to begin his 21-year association with the Vulcan. He joined 35 Squadron at Coningsby in May 1963 and gave the first of many Vulcan displays at RAF Honington in July the following year. After four years as a Vulcan QFI, he was posted to the Vulcan force at Akrotiri in 1969. Returning to the UK with 101 Squadron in 1975, Joe began a second spell with 230 OCU and, in June 1979, led the Trooping of the Colour Flypast over Buckingham Palace, a task he would repeat in the following three years.

Joe was a vastly experienced Vulcan pilot, with 6,102 hours on type. He was renowned as a display pilot, something which put him in demand for air displays and other ceremonies. He flew our own XL426 many times, including displaying ‘426 at 50 Squadron’s disbandment ceremony at the end of March 1984 which marked the withdrawal of the Vulcan from operational service. He also captained Vulcan XM655 for its delivery flight to Wellesbourne Mountford where she is now cared for by the 655 Maintenance & Preservation Society.

After leaving the RAF, Joe continued flying, holding a Private Pilot’s Licence for many years. He continued his connection with the Vulcan through his Honorary Membership of the Trust and was at XL426’s controls for taxy-runs at London Southend Airport on a number of occasions.

Joe was a thoroughly nice man who was always willing to share his memories of his career in the RAF, in particular his time on the Vulcan, with anyone who was keen to listen.

Rich

Richard Clarkson
Trustee - Vulcan Restoration Trust

[jem60]

Thankyou for posting. A very familiar name to us' Air Display oldies'.

[jem60]

Thankyou for posting. A very familiar name to us' Air Display oldies'. A very popular figure with public and aircrew. A full life, and a good one!. Condolences to his family.

[RJ51]

Thank you for the sad information.

I remember Joe displaying a Vulcan at Swinderby (the last show there?) and it was VERY impressive. I am convinced he completed the whole demonstration within the airfield boundary and at what seemed to be a slow speed with plenty of power and a highish angle of attack. It ensured you watched every manoeuvre - superb.

Condolences to the family.

[VRT Southend Vulcan]

Hi All

This is to let you know that Joe's funeral mass will take place on Friday 16th February at 12 noon at Our Lady of Good Council Church in Jermyn Street, Sleaford, followed by Surfleet Crematorium at 2.00 pm.

His family has informed us that anyone wanting to make a donation in Joe’s memory can do so via the Co-Operative Funeral Directors, Duke Street, Sleaford, Lincs. NG34 7DX, with cheques payable to either "Marie Curie" or "St Barnabas at Home".

Rich

Richard Clarkson
Trustee