Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

There are many private operators of historic aircraft in the UK, however the Royal Air Force still has Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Lancaster on charge still retaining military serial numbers. The organisation responsible for keeping these machines in the air is of course the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The BBMF is a flying memorial to the thousands of Royal Air Force personnel who died to secure Britain's future, and is seen throughout the summer months displaying around the country at events and at many airshows. Thankfully the BBMF has survived the numerous defence cuts inflicted upon the RAF over recent years, although a good deal of the money comes from outside fundraising sources such as the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association. 

The BBMF was formed at Biggin Hill on 11th July 1957 and was originally known as the Historic Aircraft Flight. The HAF was made up of three Spitfire PR XIXs (PM631, PS853, and PS915), and one Hurricane Mk IIc (LF363), these arrived at Biggin Hill from Woodvale via the still operational RAF Duxford. 

There have been many changes in the line up of aircraft available to the BBMF over the years with both PS915 and PM631 leaving for gate guard duties and the addition of three Spitfire XVIs following moves to North Weald and Martlesham Heath. One of the XVIs is now on display at the Smithsonian Institute, the other two suffered landing accidents and were grounded, although both were subsequently restored to flying condition and found their way to the United States.

The early years were rather nomadic. After being based at Horsham St Faith in Norfolk (now known as Norwich Airport), the flight moved down the road to RAF Coltishall in 1963 and remained there for 13 years, temporarily relocating to RAF Wattisham while maintenance was carried out on Coltishall's runway. Soon after their arrival at Coltishall, PS853 made its return to the flight. Another Spitfire, this time a Mk V (AB910), joined the flight in 1965 followed in 1968 by a Mk II (P7350) donated by the makers of the film "The Battle of Britain" in which the aircraft played a starring role.

Spitfire P7350 holds the very rare accolade of being a genuine Battle of Britain veteran, flying with 266 Sqn and 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn RAuxAF, she was shot through the engine during a fight with Messerschmitt 109E's and had to made a forced landing. Despite this, she was returned to flight in just three weeks, however the repaired bullet holes through her right wing are still visible to this day.

In 1972 another Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc (PZ865) joined the flight at Coltishall. PZ865 was the last Hurricane to be built, and spent much of its career as a chase plane at Hawkers. Lancaster PA474 came along in 1973, just as the Historic Aircraft Flight was re-named the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The final move to RAF Coningsby was made in 1976, where the BBMF have remained ever since.

The flagship of the BBMF is the iconic Avro Lancaster PA474. PA474 had been restored by personnel from 44 Squadron at RAF Waddington where it operated for a short time. This aircraft is one of only two Lancaster's flying in the world today, the other being operated in Canada. Although PA474 was delivered too late to see service during WWII, she stands as a lasting memorial to more than 55,000 allied aircrew who lost their lives in Bomber Command during the Second World War. Over the years the BBMF have worked hard to return PA474 back to a wartime fit, right down to the original WWII radios, though these are not actually used due to modern day communications requirements.

Other aircraft are operated by the BBMF most notably the Douglas Dakota ZA947, which replaced the flight's De Havilland Devon (VP981) as the crew ferry aircraft which was sold in 1998. The Dakota also performs as a multi engine trainer for the Lancaster crew, and is a display aircraft in its own right.

To keep the fighter pilots current on "tail draggers", the flight also operates the De Havilland Chipmunk, the last two examples of this aircraft in RAF service. 

Spitifire XIX PS915, returned to the flight after a major refurbishment in 1987, but sadly four years later Hurricane Mk IIc LF363 was badly damaged in an accident. To fund the re-build of this valuable aircraft, one of the Spitfire PR XIXs (PS853) was sold to Rolls Royce, who still operate her. Another Spitfire this time an LF IXe (MK356) arrived after a re-build at RAF St Athan, and for many years flew in the markings of 443 Sqn RCAF, the unit in which this machine served during its operational career. This was  followed in 1998 by the return of Hurricane LF363 as good as new.

The BBMF are kept very busy over the year, for example the 2009 season saw the flight tasked with 950 individual appearances at 612 separate events. The fact that this hectic schedule can be achieved is due in no small part to the dedicated team on the ground that maintain these aeroplanes to the highest standard.

The majority of the maintenance work is carried out by RAF personnel, however in the last few years some of the work has been contracted to the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford, who have a vast amount of experience in maintaining warbirds. 

The BBMF Visitors Centre is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm, but is closed for weekends, bank holidays, and two weeks over the Christmas period.

Guided tours of the BBMF hangar are also available from 10am-3:30pm (3pm Nov-Feb) For further info call the visitors centre on 01522 782040, or visit the website link at the top of this page.

Current BBMF Aircraft 

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