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Belvedere helicopter JLP01_08_062441c
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Belvedere helicopter JLP01_08_062441c
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL, PRIORY STREET, COVENTRY. RAF Belvedere helicopter hovering above tarmac just to the north of Coventry Cathedral, while a serviceman is attaching a hoist to the underside of the helicopter. A Laing worker is watching from the foreground and a crowd can be seen watching from the Pool Meadow Bus Station in the background.
The photograph was taken during Operation Rich Man a joint project involving Royal Air Force staff and Laing staff. This involved a RAF Belvedere helicopter hoisting in to place the 80ft bronze spire on to the new cathedral. The part of the operation to lower the 1/2 ton cross that sits on top of the spire had to be postponed due to windy conditions
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23993834
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Aircraft Building Site Cathedral Construction Helicopter
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous event in the history of Coventry Cathedral. The iconic RAF Belvedere helicopter hovers gracefully above the tarmac, just north of the cathedral, as a serviceman diligently attaches a hoist to its underside. In the foreground, a curious Laing worker observes this extraordinary sight with awe. Meanwhile, in the background, a crowd gathers at Pool Meadow Bus Station to witness this remarkable feat. The photograph immortalizes Operation Rich Man, an ambitious joint project between Royal Air Force personnel and Laing staff. Its objective? To raise an 80ft bronze spire onto the new cathedral using the power of flight. This incredible endeavor showcased both human ingenuity and technological prowess. However, Mother Nature had other plans that day. As windy conditions prevailed, it was decided to postpone lowering the 1/2 ton cross atop the spire for safety reasons. Nevertheless, this snapshot serves as a testament to human determination and collaboration amidst challenging circumstances. Taken during construction in the swinging 1960s era, this image not only highlights architectural progress but also showcases aviation marvels like never before seen on such a grand scale within Coventry's city limits. With its historical significance and striking composition capturing multiple elements - from construction site dynamics to aerial machinery - this print is truly an invaluable piece of Coventry's heritage.
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