George Bacon has, over a lengthy aviation career spanning more than 50 years delivered an extraordinary contribution to the civil and military aerospace industry. His career began with the RAF before becoming an Army pilot in 1981. He left the military to become a specialist in manned airborne surveillance projects around the globe for Britten-Norman and consultant to the wider defence industry before returning to Army Aviation as a Fixed Wing specialist and Air Displays Manager. He also found time to be Head of Recruiting, Pilot Selection and Displays for the AAC and a CAA Air Accident Investigator. Throughout this time he has also been a stalwart of the UK airshow scene where he remains a very popular commentator and Flying Display Director (FDD).

Perhaps his most defining achievement was the salvation and reinvention of the Army’s Historic Aircraft Flight. Faced with the imminent threat of its disappearance after defence funding was withdrawn in 2012, George undertook a monumental effort to preserve this unique fleet of aircraft. Through several years of tireless determination, extensive engagement with the Ministry of Defence, and a clear vision for its future, he masterminded the transition of the Historic Flight from the military into a charitable trust, formally established in 2015 and known as the Historic Army Aircraft Flight (HAAF).

Starting with just five grounded aircraft in a hangar at Middle Wallop, George built a flying organisation from the ground up. He recruited ex-AAC aircrew and engineers to get the Auster AOP9, Beaver, Sioux, and Scout flying and developed a compelling mixed fixed- and rotary-wing display routine, seen across the UK’s airshow circuit. By 2019, the HAAF had become a thriving, volunteer-run veteran operation with a full flying programme, deeply embedded in the UK’s air display community. This resilience, built by George, allowed the HAAF to withstand the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue its important work.

His foresight in aligning the HAAF’s charitable objectives of Heritage, Veteran support and Public Engagement with Army Aviation and the wider aviation environment has ensured its relevance and sustainability endures. Thanks to George, the legacy of the AOP squadrons, the Glider Pilot Regiment, and all those who shaped modern Army Aviation is preserved and shared with new generations.

George’s influence can also be felt through his 15-year tenure as the founding CEO of the British Air Display Association (BADA), during which time he played a pivotal role in professionalising and supporting the UK’s air display industry. Concurrently, he contributed over 20 years to managing the AAC Blue Eagles, ensuring it remained at the forefront of professional rotary display teams in Europe.

Through five decades George’s enduring enthusiasm and commitment to every aspect of aerospace, from nurturing young people into all areas of the industry, ensuring its heritage is celebrated, to being a cornerstone of the air display world is truly outstanding. Even now, he remains a central figure in UK aviation. He is an active pilot, a busy and sought after FDD, an active Aerobility ambassador and one of the most recognisable airshow commentators in the country. His contributions to events like the Bournemouth Air Festival and the Army Flying Museum’s Wallop Wheels and Wings continue to bring all aspects of aviation to life for thousands.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to General Aviation George Bacon is awarded the Sword of Honour.

1972/73  J C Ward Esq

1973/74  Gatwick ATC

1974/75  Edward Day Esq 

1976  not awarded

1976/77  Captain E Thurston

1977/78  R D Campbell Esq

1978/79  John H Blake Esq

1980  not awarded

1980/81  Giles Kershaw Esq

1981/82  H G Pattison Esq

1982/83  Dick Smith Esq

1983/84  The Royal Flying Doctors Service of Australia

1984/85  John Thorpe Esq

1986  not awarded

1986/87  Miss Eve Jackson

1988 - 1989   not awarded

1989/90  Captain J G Green

1991  not awarded

1991/92  Frank E Young Esq

1993   not awarded

1993/94  Hugh M Kendall Esq

1994/95  The Royal Queensland Aero Club

1996 - 1997   not awarded

1997/98  (Roland) Lovat Fraser Esq

1998/99  Brian Lecomber

1999/2000  David Ogilvy OBE

2000/01  AVM Bertrand 'John' Brownlow

2002   not awarded

2002/03  Government Flying Services of Hong Kong

2003/04  Captain David Staveley

2004/05  David William Jupp

2005/06  WO1 Ronald Jack Watkins

2007  - 2009   not awarded

2009/10  Paul Bonhomme

2010/11  David Hamilton

2011/12  Gerald Charles Hackemer

2012/13  Peter Moxham

2013/14  John and Martha King

2015   not awarded

2016  Frederick O Marsh Esq

2017  awarded twice:
      National Police Air Service
      Stephen Grey

2018   Gerry Hermer AFC

2019   not awarded

2020   General Aviation Safety Council (GASCo) Regional Safety Officers

2021   Stuart McKay

2022  Past Master Robert Pooley MBE

2023  Francis Donaldson FRAeS

2024  not awarded