The aircraft chosen was XX894. (A Gulf war veteran.) Painted in high gloss navy blue, also in identical markings to those illustrated on the Limited Edition Print (even down to the code on the nose '020') she was a credit to the lads in the paint shop.
Many a tear fell as the final 'Diamond nine' flypast, of which '894' was a member, took place at Lossiemouth during the 'FAREWELL BUCCANEER' weekend held on the 26th-27th March 1994.

Flying over the once naval airfield in those splendid Royal Navy colours, obviously brought back many memories for the specially invited guests, many of which had served with the Navy and had travelled great distances to see these venerable aircraft fly for the last time.

The final flight of the 'Navy Jet' (as it was, by now affectionately known), was to become even more historic, as the last man ever to fly XX894, was none other than the 'Boss' himself, Wg Cdr Nigel Huckins, the Officer Commanding 208 squadron.
The aircraft, callsign 'Blackburn Last Of The Few', took-off from RAF Lossiemouth at 0900 hrs on the 7th April 1994 lead aircraft of four Buccaneers. All in-bound to RAF St Athan in Wales.

Onboard.....
Wg Cdr Huckins and Flt Lt JJ Parsons at the helm of this very British jet, knowing only to well they were taking the 'old lady' on her last flight. A last flight of many. After all....It was not so long ago when XX894 thundered along the runway at Muharraq, Bahrain, to make her contribution in Operation Granby'. (An element of 'Desert Storm.') A full war load slung beneath her, ready to spike targets, not only for the Tornado GR-1's but for herself. Self designating a 1000 lb LGB (Laser Guided Bomb) on at least one occasion.

On approach to St Athan, wheels down lights ablaze. 'The Navy Jet', first of the four Buccaneers to land, touched down at 1020 hrs to a mass of press and a film crew, all ready to record the historic moment.....
As history was made once more, the four Buccaneers, XV352, XW527, XX899 and of course XX894, on an incredibly wind swept St Athan dispersal, taxied-in, lined-up adjacent to one another and simultaneously shut down their engines for the last time.

The ear-splitting thunder of the eight Rolls Royce Spey Mk 101 Turbo fans reluctantly winding down in harmony, ending with their usual high pitched whine, will, I'm sure remain with the eight aircrew, the numerous ground crew and myself for many years to come. As the turbo fan blades came to their inevitable stop. The aircrew posed for pictures, and gave interviews to the local television news team, to be shown later that evening.