Farewell to Victor K2 XH 673 at RAF Marham

The Victor K2, the air-to-air refuelling conversion of the strategic bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, left RAF service in 1993.  One example was preserved as the "Gate Guardian" outside Station Headquarters at RAF Marham.  Sadly, the state of the airframe has to deteriorated and the RAF decided to dispose of this old warrior.  It looks likely to be scrapped but, hopefully, will provide some valuable training for aircraft recovery specialists on the way.  There was an opportunity to visit the aircraft for the last time on Saturday 10 October and we decided to incorporate nostalgic farewell with a weekend in Norfolk.

Thanks to RAF Marham for showing us round and to the Heritage Centre for an interesting tour afterwards.

It was rather sad to see that good old XH673 had deteriorated to such an extent.  Apparently, anything worth salvaging had long ago been removed, the cockpit was inaccessible and it was deemed dangerous to stand under the wings.  However, with a little help from the magic of Photoshop, I thought this was a rather flattering obituary:

 XH 673 - last flown by me on 17 October 1985