2-847-574 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

A RAF Belvedere helicopter hovering above tarmac just to the north of Coventry Cathedral, while a serviceman is attaching a hoist to the underside of the helicopter. A Laing worker is watching from the foreground and a crowd can be seen watching from the Pool Meadow Bus Station in the background. The photograph was taken during 'Operation Rich Man' a joint project involving Royal Air Force staff and Laing staff. This involved a RAF Belvedere helicopter hoisting in to place the 80ft bronze spire on to the new cathedral. The part of the operation to lower the 1/2 ton cross that sits on top of the spire had to be postponed due to windy conditions.