 "XA897" was the first Vulcan bomber delivered to the Royal Air Force; after arriving at RAF Waddington, the aircraft was loaned to C-in-C Air Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst and Squadron Leader Donald "Podge" Howard for a round the world trip to showcase the aircraft's advanced design.Between 9 September and 1 October 1956, "XA897" flew to Australia and New Zealand and was accompanied by three Avro Shackletons containing ground-crew and parts to service the Vulcan.Leaving Australia, the Vulcan flew to RAF Khormaksar in Aden.