The Story of the Black Arrows - In Their Own Words

[ilovemywife34]

Any news on its production? My 2nd Cousin was Flt Lt Stanley (Timber) Wood who died over RAF Wattisham during practice in 1960!

[vitmedia]

Thanks for getting in touch. I'm afraid the issue of copyright has proved a tough hurdle, with several agencies wanting to gouge me for literally tens of thousands for the right to use certain archive footage. Having said that, I think I am close to a resolution so with a bit of luck it shouldn't be too much longer. The film is in good shape and (if I can use all the material I want) it runs to 2 hours, which should satisfy fans of military aviation history!

[vitmedia]

On a personal note, I meant to add that the reason I am making this film is because my uncle, Ross Colwill, was in the Black Arrows. You may be interested to know that he was Stanley's opposite number in the team and was in the air when the accident happened. Although I don't mention the two fatal accidents in the film out of respect for surviving family I am dedicating the film to Stanley and Fl Lt Dave Garrett, who died several years earlier, also in a training accident.

[upforlastnameleft]

Amazing documentary - I wish you luck with it's completion!

[vitmedia]

Still making good progress with the edit of the film, but sadly we are being held up waiting for copyright clearance on a number of items. Until they are sorted out we can't release the film :-(

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[vitmedia]

OK, looks like the thumbnail has changed. It now shows a shot taken while interviewing 'Boss' Topp at Wattisham, standing in front of the actual aircraft he flew when leading the 22 aircraft loop at Farnborough in 1958. XG194 is being restored by the good people at Wattisham Museum.