Robert John Rudhall 1951 - 2003

Robert Rudhall died on 12th December 2003. Yesterday, at Duxford aerodrome,
England, his family and friends attended a memorial service to celebrate his
life.

Robert was well known in the warbird preservation world, in particular
during his time as assistant editor of Flypast Magazine. He wrote books on
the history of the B-17 and P-51, and in particular, the making of the film,
The Battle of Britain. Robert was the acknowledged master of this latter
topic, and was renowned for his talks on the subject.

The service at Duxford was conducted by the local chaplain, Peter D Smith,
and was attended by his wife Joyce, and his mother, Vera. In addition, many
of his friends were there including Ken Delve (historian and past editor of
Flypast Magazine) who did much to organise the event.

During the afternoon, a further short service coincided with Robert's ashes
being scattered in the way that he had wished, from the Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight's Lancaster, PA474.

As a further tribute to Robert's contribution the warbird scene, his name is
to be added to the Roll of Honour painted on the rear fuselage of B-17 Sally
B.

Graham Salt