The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Photo by Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Their aircraft include a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks and a Dakota. Most of these aircraft can be seen at air shows throughout the country during the summer months.
Why not have a guided tour around the BBMF visitors centre which will give a rare opportunity to see some of the aircraft on their home territory and sometimes view the technicians working on these magnificent aircraft.
For admission fees and opening times.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Website
The Aircraft
Avro Lancaster Mk BI PA474 'The phantom of the Ruhr' - One of only two air worthy Lancasters in the world. PA474 was built in 1945 and was assigned to photo reconnaissance in Africa. After returning to this country and being used for a variety of duties, she was due to be used as an exhibit at the RAF museum, but was flown to RAF Waddington under the control of 44 Squadron. The aircraft was given a complete restoration and eventually joined the Battle of Britain flight in 1973.
Photos by Bob Franklin
Douglas C47 Dakota DC-3 ZA947 - Douglas C47 Dakota DC-3 ZA947 Was built in 1942 and spent most her operational life with the Royal Canadian Air force. The Aircraft was eventually purchased by the Royal Aircraft establishment in Farnborough, and was used for a variety of trials work before being put up for disposal in 1992, and being issued to the BBMF in March 1993. As well as crew training for the Lancaster, the Dakota is regularly displayed at Air shows throughout the country.
Photos by Bruce Martin
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 - was built in 1941 and served on the front line for nearly 4 years. On 14th February 1945 AB910 took off from Hibaldstow airfield with a member of the ground crew sitting on the tail plane and carried out a short circuit and landed back safely. The aircraft was donated to the flight in 1965.
Photos by Chris Cannon
Supermarine Spitfire Mk LFIXe MK356 - was built in March 1944 and allocated to 443 (Hornet squadron) part of 144 Canadian wing, which was commanded by Wing Commander (Johnny) Johnson. After the war MK356 was used as a static exhibit before being refurbished and flown for the first time in 53 years.
Photos by Bob Franklin and Ross Cannon
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIA G-AWIJ P7350 - is the oldest Spitfire in the world, and the only Spitfire still flying today to have fought in the Battle of Britain. She was sold for scrap in 1948 for £25 and later presented to the RAF museum in Colerne, then restored to flying condition for the Battle of Britain film and later presented to the BBMF.
Photos by Ross Cannon and Bob Franklin
Supermarine Spitfire Mk PRXIX PM631 - Built in 1945 as a high altitude photo reconnaissance aircraft and fitted with a Griffin engine. The aircraft joined the historic aircraft at Biggin Hill in 1957. PM631 has remained in flying condition and is the BBMF's longest serving aircraft.
Photos by Chris Cannon and Bob Franklin
Supermarine Spitfire Mk PRXIX PS915 'The Last' - PS915 'The Last' entered service after the war and was used for testing new types of cameras. She was also used for flying strategic reconnaissance sorties in Europe, and for nearly 30 years served as gate guardians around the country. She has been modified to take a Shackleton Griffin 58 engine.
Photos by Bob Franklin & Ian Bracegirdle
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc LF363 - was first flown on the 1st of January 1944 and was on continuous service in the RAF until a crash landing 1991 at RAF Wittering. LF363 was completely rebuilt over a four year period before rejoining the BBMF.
Photos by Ian Bracegirdle
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc G-AMAU PZ865 'The Last of the Many' - The last Hurricane ever built, it was used by Hawker's for a variety of uses over the years, and after a complete overhaul was donated to the Battle of Britain flight and flown to Coltishall.
Photos by Chris Cannon & Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press
de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunks WK518 & WG486 - Two de Havilland Chipmunks are operated by the BBMF, both painted in black with white stripes and are used to convert new pilots onto tail draggers and continuation training. They are also used for the delivering and collection of pilots from air shows. Both aircraft were built in 1952 and had long careers in the training role before joining the BBMF.
Photo by Denis J. Calvert Inter-Air Press and Ross Cannon
The BBMF's new Boss - Thursday 5th November 2009
Squadron Leader Ian Smith and Squadron Leader Al Pinner
Photo Lincolnshire Echo
Squadron Leader Ian Smith took over the command of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on Thursday 5th November 2009. "Smithy" as he is known joined the RAF in 1983. He has flown Chinook helicopters, Jaguars and been a member of the Red Arrows. Also spending time in Saudi Arabia as team manager to the Saudi Hawks Aerobatic team, returning back to the UK in time for the retirement of the last Jaguar Squadron at RAF Coningsby. His last posting was to RAF Cranwell where he commanded 16 (R) flying training Squadron, flying the Grob Tutor.
Smithy has flown with the BBMF for the last four years as a volunteer fighter pilot, and was picked as the replacement for Squadron Leader Al Pinner some time back. 2010 is going to be a busy year for the BBMF celebrating the 70th anniversary of the greatest Air battle known to man, The Battle of Britain.
Lincs-Lancs Association 2009 - Sunday 27th September 2009
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hosts one of the last Aviation events of the year, which this year 2009 was attended by over 2000 members of the LLA (Lincs-Lancs Association). The majority of the BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) Aircraft were positioned out on the apron giving wonderful Photo opportunities.
The Lancaster, Dakota, two Hurricanes and three Spitfires all flew later in the day. Flypast's carried out by the Aircraft included tail chasing with two Spitfires and Hurricane, a formation of all the Aircraft together and the Lancaster, followed by a Mk 19 Spitfire flown by Squadron Leader Al Pinner who carried out a stunning display as the Lancaster landed.
Later on everyone was treated to an appearance by the only airworthy Vulcan, which carried out several flypasts to finish the show. The LLA day is a fantastic opportunity to meet the Aircraft at close quarters and mix with the Air and Grounds crews and other staff as well as meet WWII veterans who flew and operated some of these fine Aircraft types.
A fantastic day out with the opportunity to see and hear a collection of vintage Aircraft, lovingly flown and maintained by a dedicated team of people.
Images courtesy of Chris and Ross Cannon
Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association Website
BBMF Engineering
The last major event of the season for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association display at RAF Coningsby. It is a spirited display with most of the flights Aircraft taking part.
Soon after this event the Aircraft which are staying at Coningsby are parked in the BBMF's Hangar for the winter where they will undergo deep servicing and repairs over the next few months ready for another busy season next year.
Images courtesy of Chris Cannon