Swordfish Mk-I

Swordfish Mk.I W5856 Confirmed for Headcorn International Airshow 2026

Headcorn International Airshow is delighted to announce that the world's oldest airworthy Fairey Swordfish, W5856, will be displaying at this year's event on 27-28 June 2026.

The World's Oldest Flying Swordfish

W5856 represents a rare opportunity to witness genuine Second World War naval aviation history in flight. As the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world, this remarkable aircraft continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its distinctive biplane silhouette and powerful radial engine.

Wartime Service and Mediterranean Operations

First flying on Trafalgar Day (21 October) 1941, W5856 was built by Blackburn Aircraft at Sherburn-in-Elmet and delivered to 82 Maintenance Unit at Lichfield on 20 October 1941. Shortly after, she was transported overseas to Gibraltar, where she served with the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet throughout 1942.

Based at North Front, Gibraltar, W5856 conducted patrol operations over the strategically vital Straits of Gibraltar during some of the most intense periods of the Mediterranean campaign. After a year of active service, she returned to Fairey's Stockport factory for refurbishment during winter 1942/43.

Training Duties and Post-War Years

Following refurbishment, W5856 was assigned to advanced flying training and trials before being transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944, where she continued in a training capacity. After the war ended, she was placed in reserve storage and eventually disposed of into civilian hands.

A Remarkable Survival Story

W5856's survival is nothing short of miraculous. After military service, she passed through at least two civilian owners, including a farmer who reportedly planned to convert her into a crop sprayer. This fate was narrowly avoided when Sir William Roberts purchased the aircraft for his Strathallan Collection in Scotland. She arrived in crates in August 1977, though decades of neglect had left her severely corroded.

Restoration and Preservation

British Aerospace acquired W5856 in 1990 and undertook a complete restoration to flying condition. Following successful test flights at Brough in May 1993, the aircraft was gifted to the Royal Navy Historic Flight. In 1996, she was adopted by the City of Leeds in recognition of the local companies that built Swordfish components during World War II. The City's coat of arms now adorns her port side, just forward of the pilot's cockpit.

Overcoming Modern Challenges

By 2003, serious wing spar corrosion grounded W5856, threatening her future. BAE Systems rose to the challenge by manufacturing an entirely new set of wings, delivered in 2012. Thanks to a major grant from the Peter Harrison Heritage Foundation, W5856 was fully restored and returned to flying condition in 2015.

Current Display Configuration

Today, W5856 flies in the colours of 820 Naval Air Squadron during the famous attack on the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941, one of the most celebrated operations in Fleet Air Arm history. This authentic scheme honours the Swordfish crews who played a crucial role in crippling the mighty Bismarck.

The Fairey Swordfish Legacy

The Fairey Swordfish, affectionately nicknamed the "Stringbag," became one of the Royal Navy's most successful and beloved aircraft despite its seemingly obsolete biplane design. From the devastating attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto to anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection duties, the Swordfish proved itself time and again throughout World War II.

See W5856 at Headcorn Airshow 2026

Experience the sight and sound of this legendary torpedo bomber as she takes to the skies over Kent. W5856's appearance at Headcorn International Airshow offers a unique opportunity to witness over 80 years of aviation history in action—a living connection to the brave Fleet Air Arm crews who flew these remarkable aircraft in combat.

Don't miss this chance to see the world's oldest airworthy Swordfish display at one of the UK's premier airshow events.