Smooth operators: Spectacular sight of parachutists landing on HMS Queen Elizabeth
You know in those old gangster movies, where the private detective says, in a voiceover, something along the lines of:
"It was quiet, too quiet. Something was going to happen", and then something dramatic does happen?
Well, that was the feeling around the edges of Portsmouth Harbour. A sense that the dramatic was suddenly going to play out right in front of us.
Of course, I did know something was going to happen. The King's Harbour Master had announced, to those who read such announcements, that a singularly remarkable event was about set to take place, between 11:00 and 11:30.
The event in question – three members of the Royal Navy Parachute display team would jump from a light aircraft and land on HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Those in the know assembled Gosport side of the harbour, for a great side-on view of the magnificent ship.
The light aircraft came overhead and circled. Again, it circled. Once more.
Until, on that third circuit, a tiny black dot could be seen falling from the plane.
After what seemed like too long, a parachute unfurled, followed by, below the legs of the parachutist, a white ensign.
The same happened twice more, until three were flying, a trail of smoke behind each, before, with great skill, each landed on the aircraft carrier.
Those watching were thrilled. They told each other so.
I was pleased Lewis Bartley, my camera operator for the day, had got some lovely pictures (as you can see above!).
It was a great display. We asked the Royal Navy why it happened. They've not told us, yet. Still, it was nice, whatever the reason!
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