Red Arrows flypast in Wiltshire wows school pupils

The world-famous aerobatics display team was making the trip to the Channel Islands from RAF Waddington, giving the people of Wiltshire one of their last chances this year to catch a glimpse of them in the skies.

Students at Malmesbury School were particularly excited because in one of the cockpits was former pupil Jasper Neal.

The Red Arrows flying over Malmesbury School (Image: Huw Rees)
Photographer Huwe Rees was at the school on Wednesday morning (September 13) and managed to capture these great images of the Red Arrows in action. 

Jasper's father Michael alerted the school ahead of time when he discovered the route would be flying over his old classrooms and playing fields just after 11.30am.

Head teacher Brett Jouny decided to time a fire drill to take place simultaneously so that all the students could enjoy the spectacle. 

Jasper is an air specialist technician and first joined the RAF in 2015.

He joined the Red Arrows in April 2022 and took part in the team’s recent Gulf and Egypt tour. 

Jasper has also previously worked on Tornado GR4 jets and Voyager Airbus A330 air-to-air refuelling aircraft.

The whole school were incredibly proud to see one of their own fly in the iconic aircraft. 

Head teacher Brett Jouny said: "It was a great treat for us all. 

"We had planned a fire drill practice as we start the new year and term, and were made aware by Jasper's dad, and ex-teacher at the school, that the Red Arrows would be flying overhead today on their way to a display in the Channel Islands.

"We took the chance to make sure the fire drill coincided with the flypast, so all students and staff could enjoy the spectacle. 

"It was brilliant and they even gave us the classic smoke display as they went past in formation. 

"We are very proud that a Malmesbury School alumni was in the cockpit and helped make this happen."