A flypast to mark the forthcoming retirement of the Hercules from RAF service will take place across all four nations of the United Kingdom, and will skirt across the top of the Isle of Wight.

It will happen on Wednesday, June 14.

There will be three aircraft.

The first Hercules arrived at Marshall’s of Cambridge in December 1966.

Since entering RAF service, originally with 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, it has operated across the globe in support of UK military and humanitarian relief operations.

Isle of Wight County Press: The flypast routeThe flypast route (Image: Royal Air Force)The transition to the 22-strong Atlas (A400) fleet and other air mobility aircraft has been ongoing for some time.

47 Squadron and the Hercules will continue to deliver on operations supporting UK defence objectives until June 30.

The expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities will be transitioned across to the other flying platforms in RAF service.

This includes ground support staff who will be relocated to similar roles around the RAF.

Timetable for the flypast

1000    Depart RAF Brize Norton

1025    National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas

1034    RAF Cosford

1122    RAF Valley

1148    FS Aldergrove

1251    RAF Lossiemouth (with Typhoon escort)

1408    RAF Leeming

1410    RAF Topcliffe

1423    Beverley

1435    RAF Waddington

1438    RAF College Cranwell

1458    Cambridge Airport

1504    RAF Mildenhall

1515    Colchester Garrison

1622    MOD Boscombe Down

1625    Salisbury Plain (West Down Camp)

1632    MOD Lyneham

1636    Royal Wootton Bassett

1639    Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham

1643    Dalton Barracks, Abingdon

1651    RAF Halton

1655    RAF High Wycombe

1705    RAF Brize Norton