THE figure that left the flying boat just a few minutes after it landed on Southampton Water back in January, 1950 was unmistakable.

For years he had inspired the nation, seen the country through its darkest hours and finally led Great Britain to victory. And now as he waved his walking stick and raised his hand in the famous V for victory salute, everyone knew that Winston Churchill had arrived.

The Conservative Party leader was back in the country as the lead-up to a General Election was gathering pace.

There had been concerns that his Aquila Airways flying boat might not have been able to touch down at the entrance to Southampton Water because of a swirling blanket of thick fog.

As the flying boat headed towards Great Britain from Madeira – a favourite holiday spot of the former wartime Prime Minister where he enjoyed his hobby of painting – emergency plans were put in place to divert the aircraft to Pembroke Dock, the RAF base in South Wales.

On board Mr Churchill, together with the rest of the 12 passengers, was unaware of the consternation the weather was causing as chief steward David McInroy served him first with a traditional English breakfast and then lunch.

Stewardess Audrey Feavyer also made sure that Mr Churchill, who was said to have chain-smoked his trademark cigars throughout the journey, had a constant supply of refreshments before he settled down for a sleep on a specially installed bunk.

An hour before the flying boat was due, visibility was just 15 yards but just when it seemed that the aircraft must be diverted, conditions began to improve, and arrangements were made for the plane to land at the mouth of Southampton Water.

At Calshot RAF station a guard of honour was summoned and preparations were made for Mr Churchill to go ashore at the base.

The politician’s car was intercepted on arrival in Southampton and sent over to Calshot while customs officers and airport officials raced towards the RAF station.

Then the weather unexpectedly got even better, the fog cleared and the pilot, Capt Andrew Evans of Glenfield Avenue, Bitterne Park, Southampton, announced that he would arrive at the normal place at 50 berth in the Eastern Docks.

The welcome ceremony was immediately put into reverse; cars were sent back to Southampton, customs and airport officials returned by high-speed launch and everyone managed to be at 50 berth in time.

“Providence was on our side all the way, and the fog lifted at just the right time,” the flying boat captain told the Daily Echo at the time.

As Mr Churchill entered the passenger terminal he said: “I heard there was going to be a General Election, so I thought I had better come back in case I was needed.”