The 70^th anniversary of the first helicopter landing on deck of the River-Class HMS Helmsdale frigate was celebrated at Yeovilton with a fly in of historic naval helicopters. Alan Bristow was the pilot of the Sikorsky Hoverfly K969 that made the first landing.

He would never have realised the importance of that flight as it became the precursor to helicopters joining the Royal Navy. Alan’s widow, Heather Bristow attended the anniversary and presented the Fly Navy Heritage Trust with a cheque for £5000 in memory of her late husband.

Alan was the founder of Bristow Helicopters, which also celebrates 60 years of heritage this year, reports Navy Wings.