Why a military jet flew over West Sussex village – and why it was different from planned

The flypast had been announced in advance by Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, which warned residents to expect a sudden burst of noise at around 2.20pm on July 20. The aircraft were expected to fly relatively low and loud, with the warning issued to help prevent distress among vulnerable residents.

However, the display was slightly different from the original plan. The museum said that two aircraft had been scheduled to take part, but one became unserviceable before take-off.

The museum also explained that the aircraft was not cleared for the anticipated low pass at the last moment, meaning it flew higher than some spectators had expected.

Responding to comments from some disappointed residents afterwards, the museum said: “Yes, there were supposed to be two, but one became unserviceable before take-off. They were also not cleared for a low pass at the last moment, which was why it was a bit higher than anticipated. We hope you still enjoyed it.”

The brief appearance prompted a range of reactions from local residents online.

One joked: “What was all the fuss about? I have been waiting all weekend for that.”

Another Facebook user commented: “Well they were bang on time. I was expecting them to be a lot louder.”

And a third local person summed up the experience for some spectators, saying: “I blinked, missed it.”

The flypast formed part of a special day at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.

A Facebook post explained: “On 20th July 1951, a young test pilot named Neville Duke climbed into the cockpit of Hawker Hunter WB188 for its very first flight. Two years later, that same aircraft would streak from RAF Tangmere to become the fastest thing in the sky – the World Air Speed Record holder, taking off and landing right here at Tangmere.

"This Monday 20th July, we're marking 75 years since that first flight with a special day at the museum.”

At 1pm, residents were invited to hear from a volunteer, who told the story of WB188 and its record-breaking flight – ‘how it happened, what it meant, and the man behind the controls’.

All day, people have been able to ‘come face-to-face with WB188 itself’ , on display in the museum, along with a collection of Neville Duke's personal artefacts.

The museum also teased, in reference to the flypast: “We may have another special surprise in store to celebrate the 75th anniversary.

“It's a fitting way to mark three-quarters of a century since this great aircraft made history. We'd love to see you there.”