Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Photo by Ross Cannon
The Lincolnshire Lancaster Association (LLA) was formed from the Lincolnshire Lancaster Committee who were a group of like minded people, who joined forces when the Lancaster was moved from RAF Waddington to RAF Coltishall in 1973. They collected over 17,000 signatures to get the Lancaster moved back to Lincolnshire. Eventually it was announced that the Memorial Flight was moving back to Lincolnshire at RAF Coningsby.
The LLA has taken an active part in fundraising to help with projects within the BBMF, including the mid-upper turret on the Lancaster.
The LLA's most recent project is fundraising to help with the rebuild of the BBMF's Supermarine Spitfire TE311, which is well underway.
The LLA owns two Avro Aircraft, Avro Vulcan XM594 and Avro Shackleton WR977, these Aircraft are on display at Newark Air Museum and along with the Avro Lancaster were designed by Roy Chadwick. The Association has over 6,000 members Worldwide and it's long-term aim is to help keep the Lancaster flying and keep it's home in Lincolnshire, as a tribute to the thousands of bomber command Aircrew who lost their lives during World War II.
Why not join the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association and help to keep the Lancaster and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight alive.
Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association Website
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Website
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