Growing up with a dad from RAF regiment stock meant stories of daring pilots and audacious flights were part of the soundtrack of my childhood. But one tale stood out — the legendary “Hawker Hunter Tower Bridge incident” from April 5, 1968.

Picture this: Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock, a fearless RAF pilot, was none too pleased that the bigwigs weren’t planning a proper fly-past to celebrate the RAF’s 50th birthday. So, in true rebellious style, Pollock decided to take matters into his own hands — no permission needed.

He soared his sleek Hawker Hunter jet low over the Thames, skimming past the Houses of Parliament, until he reached the iconic Tower Bridge. And then, in a move that sounds more like a stunt from an action movie than a military exercise, Pollock flew underneath the bridge’s walkway! He later confessed that it was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision when the bridge suddenly loomed large ahead of him.

The aftermath? Pollock was promptly arrested upon landing and discharged from the RAF on medical grounds — without even a chance to explain himself in court. But for my dad, and many others, Pollock’s daring flight was less about rules and more about spirit — a bold salute to the RAF on its milestone birthday.

It’s the kind of story that reminds me how sometimes, a little rule-breaking can become the stuff of legend.