WHEN Flying Fortress Sally B roars over Bournemouth seafront this summer, the gathered Air Festival crowds will witness a piece of history.

The United States Air Force bomber marks two special anniversaries this year – its 65th birthday and its 35th year of flying in the UK.

In fact, it is the only example in the country that is airworthy.

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress operator Elly Sallingboe keeps her in the air thanks to a small team of volunteers.

She said: “It’s impossible to think of how we’ve done it. I just cannot believe it’s so many years.”

For all the mid-air wizardry of teams like the Red Arrows and the Blades, witnessing airborne history is a dazzling experience too.

The late Ted White brought Sally B to the UK and named her after Elly, his long-time companion, who said the third Bournemouth Air Festival was already a favourite on her calendar.

More than a million visitors are expected to flock to the town for the four-day spectacle in August.

Elly added: “It’s special – we love doing Bournemouth. I’ve never in my life seen so many people. It’s such a fantastic place to have an air show because of where it is and the people.

“The organisers have somehow found a niche there and the whole team is brilliant. Bournemouth is very special to us because of the feeling of friendliness, excitement and nostalgia.”

The bomber came into service in June 1945, a month after VE Day, and was later converted into a training plane.

“She operates as a memorial to those who gave their lives flying daring bombing missions in identical Flying Fortresses from British bases.

The bravery of those young crews is something that was famously captured in the film Memphis Belle, in which Sally B starred.

Keeping her in the air is a mission in itself – it is down to volunteers, members, donations, sponsorship and souvenir sales, a remarkable achievement over 35 years.

  • Funds are constantly needed. To find out more, visit sallyb.org.uk.