TRIBUTES have been paid to a “true gentleman” RAF veteran who was the “most illustrious” supporter of Southend’s Vulcan Restoration Trust. 

Flight Lieutenant Hugh Prior, who served onboard a Vulcan XM607 as an air electronics officer during the Falklands War, passed away last week at the age of 87.

According to the Vulcan Restoration Trust, which has cared for the XL426 bomber since 1993 at Southend Airport, he was a “great friend who was always eager to share his memories and knowledge” of the Vulcan at their many events.

Echo: Supporter - Hugh Prior speaking at the Vulcan Restoration Trust's Operation Black Buck Twilight Taxi-Run event on May 21, 2022Supporter - Hugh Prior speaking at the Vulcan Restoration Trust's Operation Black Buck Twilight Taxi-Run event on May 21, 2022 (Image: Jason Gore)

Richard Clarkson, a trustee of the organisation, said: “Hugh was a great friend of ours. We first met him in 2002 when he signed some souvenirs to help raise funds for Vulcan XL426 at the airport.

“He later appeared as guest speaker at our members’ events and was a special guest at our Operation Black Buck Twilight Taxi-Run in May last year when we commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Falklands.

 “He was back at Southend a few months later when he gave one of the welcoming speeches when we rolled the Vulcan into its new hangar.

“Sadly, that was to be the last time we saw him.

“Hugh was an absolutely charming man, a true gent. He always had time to speak with anyone and was always happy to talk about his experiences and share his knowledge of the Vulcan.”

Echo: Event - Hugh posing with volunteers in front of the XL426 jetEvent - Hugh posing with volunteers in front of the XL426 jet (Image: Jason Gore)

Southend resident, Will Parker, had the honour of meeting Mr Prior at Southend Airport at a previous event. 

He added: “Blue skies to him. Very lucky to hear his recounting of serving on a Vulcan at Southend last year, amazing to hear. A lovely gentleman to boot as well.

“RIP Mr Prior.”

Mr Prior served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) for 37 years and flew two missions in the Falklands conflict as the air electronics officer, responsible for the jet’s radio communications and its protection from enemy radars.

Known as operation Black Buck, the missions were flown from Ascension Island, in the mid-Atlantic, to bomb the runway at Port Stanley, on the Argentine-occupied islands.