Fellow pilot hails low-level-loving daredevil who co-founded the Red Arrows
Tributes have been paid to one of the founding members of the Red Arrows who was known for his exceptional flying skills - especially at very low level.
Squadron Leader (Retired) Henry Prince, who died at the age of 90, was part of the team that got the Red Arrows off the ground alongside Lee Jones.
Former comrade John Galyer, who is also a retired squadron leader, told BFBS Forces News he was an exceptional pilot, a great boss and personal friend.
The first time he met Sqn Ldr Prince – who spent a lifetime with the RAF – involved his infamous low-level flying, one of the things that put the Red Arrows on the map.
"He introduced himself by flying above our heads just a couple of feet. Very fast speed and frightening us quite a little bit," he said.
Sixty years later the Royal Air Force aerobatic team continues to wow crowds around the world.
Henry was Red 7 on the first team in 1964.
"He would go lower than most people would think of... safely," Sqn Ldr Galyer explained.
The pair got to know each other when Sqn Ldr Galyer was stationed at RAF Leeming as an instructor.
After leaving the Red Arrows, Sqn Ldr Prince took over another display team, which his friend was also part of - The Geminis.
With his previous experience, he grew the new and upcoming team.
In March, at the Red Arrows 60th-anniversary event, Sqn Ldr Prince told BFBS Forces News what it was really like to be part of the Red Arrows.
"I don't think you could better it really", he said.
"I mean if you like flying and you enjoy aeorobatic flying, then [that's a] combination you can't beat.
"Anybody who hasn't done it has missed out!"
A Folland Gnat aircraft was scheduled to fly over as Sqn Ldr Prince's funeral takes place.
The Gnat was used by the Red Arrows back in the 1960s and 70s before being replaced by the Hawk in 1979.
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