Havering Taxi Drivers’ Unforgettable Flight in Wartime Dakota Honours Veterans.

Three Havering taxi drivers were given the flight of a lifetime after taking to the skies in a historic Second World War aircraft, in an emotional and unforgettable experience celebrating service, remembrance and dedication to veterans.

Roy, Mike and Mick, all Havering taxi drivers and members of the British Legion, joined a group of ten drivers from across London for a once in a lifetime flight in a Pegasus Dakota WWII aircraft. The men, who spend much of their time raising money for veterans, travelled to North Weald Airfield before taking off in the historic plane, flying over Lakeside and Bluewater.

The Dakota, a powerful symbol of wartime bravery, is similar to the aircraft used in the film A Bridge Too Far and was deployed during Operation Market Garden, where it was used to drop troops into France. For the men on board, the experience was both humbling and deeply moving.

Speaking to The Havering Daily, Roy described the flight as unforgettable.
“It was an incredible experience. I’m not a good flyer and yet I never felt uneasy at any time,” he said.

He also spoke of what it felt like being inside a genuine wartime aircraft.
“It was like sitting in a tin can. The job those pilots did was incredible.”

The group are part of Taxis for Veterans, a dedicated network of taxi drivers who raise funds and awareness for veterans across London. Their commitment to supporting former service personnel has earned them widespread respect within the community.

For Roy, the flight carried personal meaning.
“It’s something I can now cross off my bucket list,” he said. “Even my children want to go up in one.”

Taking off from North Weald Aerodrome, the experience was not just about flying, but about honouring history, remembering sacrifice, and celebrating the incredible work these men continue to do for veterans. For Roy, Mike and Mick, it was a powerful reminder of why they give so much of their time to others, and a moment they will never forget.

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