PETER VACHER PRESENTED WITH PRESTIGOUS HAA “CONROD TROPHY”

Aircraft restorer Peter Vacher was presented with the Historic Aircraft Association’s prestigious Conrod Trophy at the Annual Meeting and Forum at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon on Saturday 15th March. Peter was presented with the award in recognition of his outstanding efforts in locating, rescuing and resurrecting to flying condition, Hawker Hurricane Mark I, R4118, a unique survivor of the Battle of Britain.

The Conrod Trophy was originally presented to the HAA by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to recognise outstanding contributions to the preservation and safe operation of Historic Aircraft. Previous recipients have been the RN Historic Flight; Andy Sephton, Chief Pilot of the Shuttleworth Trust; Squadron Leader Paul Day of the BBMF and Elly Sallingboe, for her work in keeping the B17 Flying Fortress “Sally-B” in the air.

Vacher, from Abingdon in Oxfordshire, discovered the remains of the Hurricane in the grounds of a college in Benares in India. The aeroplane had lain there for over 50 years, after having being donated to the university for use by its engineering students in 1947.

Peter initially started negotiations to buy the remains in 1996. In 2002, after more than six years of committees, red tape, Indian Air Force involvement and much patient lobbying, Vacher was given just 24 hours to remove the aircraft. Then the truly difficult process began. Four years and 32,000 hours of restoration later, the Hurricane flew again, becoming a living memorial to one of the most important periods of British history.

“I’m delighted to present the award to Peter at the RAF Museum” said HAA Chairman Wally Epton at the presentation ceremony. “The Hurricane is a remarkably complex and demanding restoration project, and the quality of the finished aeroplane demonstrates the skill and tenacity of Peter and his team. The presentation of this trophy is a positive statement by the Association each year in the promotion of safe historic aircraft operation and the preservation of our heritage. I can’t think of a more worthy recipient.”