Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flights resumed

[dewoitine]

After months of uncertainty, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), the Royal Air Force’s commemorative unit based at RAF Coningsby, announced on March 14, 2025, news that will delight aviation enthusiasts: The unit’s Merlin-powered Spitfires and Hurricanes are again permitted to fly.
This decision marks the end of a break of almost ten months for these mythical hunters, triggered by the tragic accident on May 25, 2024. On that day, the Spitfire Mk IX MK356 crashed into a field near RAF Coningsby, killing its pilot, Squadron Leader Mark Long (see our article).

The BBMF is now planning a full 2025 season with demonstrations planned to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 80th anniversary of the victory in Europe and Japan.

Reprise des vols pour le Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – L’Echarpe Blanche

www.lecharpeblanche.fr

 

[rohan]

Beautiful photo . . .

 

[hairyspin]

Beautiful photo . . .

LF Mk.XVI, the last of the Merlin-engined airframes, although these were mainly license-built Packard Merlins. They’ve been announced as coming to our local air show again this year, huzzah!!

 

[Priller]

The most beautiful Spit IMHO.

Priller

 

[Jorge]

Just saw a news clip here in the States that the very last known pilot of the RAF who fought in the BOB in Aug-Sep '40 just passed away at the age of 105.

I remember a PBS broadcast when I was a kid in the '80s of a British program called "Piece of Cake" which covered a fictional squadron based on the book.

I'm sure there are still ground crew personnel still alive from both sides, though, though probably in smaller numbers.

Jorge
Miami, FL