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, six 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 - One of only two airworthy 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.
Photo courtesy of RAF Waddington Heritage Centre/Crown Copyright
PA474 was given a complete restoration and eventually joined The Battle of Britain Flight in 1973 at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk. After several years at Coltishall 'The Flight' moved over to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Photo courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
Lancaster PA474 with Hurricane PZ865 and Spitfire AB910 - Photo courtesy of Martin Bowman
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.
Douglas C47 Dakota DC-3 ZA947 Kwicherbischen - Photo courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
Photos by Bruce Martin
Photos by BGR Collection
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 - was built in 1941 and served on the front line for nearly four years. On 14th February 1945 AB910 took off from Hibaldstow Airfield with a member of the ground crew sitting on the tailplane and carried out a short circuit and landed back safely. The aircraft was donated to the Flight in 1965.
AB910 JQJ, P7350, LF363, PM631 & PS853 BBMF 1973. Crown Copyright
Photo courtesy of Philip Stevens - www.targeta.co.uk
AB910 QJJ Mk Vb 92 Sqn Farnborough 10th Sept 1966. Photo courtesy of The Adrian M. Balch Collection
AB910 SO-T Mk LF.Vb 145 Sqn Boscombe Down 18th Mar 71. Photo courtesy of Adrian M. Balch
AB910 XT-M Mk LF.Vb 603 Sqn Biggin Hill 15th May 82. Photo courtesy of Adrian M. Balch
AB910 EBJ Mk Vb 41 Sqn & Hurricane IIC LF363 Lyneham 16th Sep 90. Photo courtesy of Adrian M. Balch
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.
MK356 12th April 2007. Photo courtesy of Stuart Thurtle www.aircraftimage.zenfolio.com
MK356. Photo courtesy of Bob Franklin
MK356 September 2011. Photo courtesy of Stuart Thurtle www.aircraftimage.zenfolio.com
MK356 new colours. Photo courtesy of Jamie Ewan
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIA 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 Griffon 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.
Photo courtesy of Adrian M. Balch
Photos by Chris Cannon and Bob Franklin
Supermarine Spitfire Mk PRXIX PS915 - PS915 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 thirty years served as gate guardians around the country. She has been modified to take a Shackleton Griffon 58 engine.
Supermarine Spitfire PS915 - Photo courtesy of Martin Bowman
Photos by Bob Franklin & Ian Bracegirdle
Supermarine Spitfire Mk LF XVIE TE311 - TE311 was built at Castle Bromwich and taken on charge by the Air Ministry on 8th June 1945. The aircraft was used by the Empire Central Flying School and later for ferry pilot training at Aston Down and Benson. Over the years TE311 has been a gate guardian, a static exhibit at air shows and a non-flying aircraft in the Battle of Britain film. In 2009 TE311 arrived at RAF Coningsby as a spares source for the Battle of Britain Flight's aircraft. After an inspection by the Flight’s engineers it was decided that the aircraft was in such good condition it would be possible to restore it. Eventually it was decided to start work on the restoration using BBMF engineers in their spare time.
On October 19th 2012 after a twelve year restoration TE311 took to the skies again, in the capable hands of Squadron Leader Ian Smith. It just goes to show what a dedicated team of volunteers have achieved over the last few years and no small mention of their wifes and partners support throughout this time. Also of note is the support from the Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association over the long years of this project.
TE311 Seen here in 1968. Photo courtesy of Alec Moulton
TE311 under restoration. Photo courtesy of Chris Cannon
TE311 engine runs. Photo courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
Photo courtesy of Gaz West - Click here for more Gaz West photos
Hawker Hurricanes LF363 & PZ865
Photo courtesy of Martin Bowman
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc LF363 - was first flown on 1st January 1944 and was on continuous service in the RAF until a crash landing in 1991 at RAF Wittering. LF363 was completely rebuilt over a four year period before rejoining the BBMF.
Photo courtesy of Philip Stevens - www.targeta.co.uk
Photo courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
Photos by Ian Bracegirdle
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc PZ865 'The Last of the Many' - The last Hurricane ever built, it was used by Hawker 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.
Hurricane Mk IIC HW840 EG-S. Image courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc PZ865. Photo courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc PZ865. Photo courtesy of Colin Smedley/Oscarpix Imaging
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 on to taildraggers 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. Flypasts 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 flight's 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