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Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

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2006 News Stories.

Dakota Reunion with Newark Veterans.

The Parachute Regimental Association (Newark Branch) organised a Branch outing to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) on Wednesday 15th November 2006. As nine of the Newark ‘boys’ that had actually parachuted from the Dakota in the Second World War were on the outing, special permission was granted to allow them to board the BBMF Dakota ZA947. Once inside the aircraft the years disappeared, with a twinkle in their eyes, tales of ‘In Flight’ experiences were retold and they were once again young men who proudly had served their country. Other members of the Association also enjoyed the visit which was very appropriate to the Branch as the BBMF Dakota currently wears the livery of 267 ‘Pegasus’ Squadron and the Pegasus is also the emblem for the Parachute Regimental Association.

28 November 2006

We will remember then.

On 1st November 2006 the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight had a visit from Morley Primary School, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. There were seventeen extremely interested pupils aged from seven to nine years old , accompanied by staff and Headmistress Mrs Pykett. Before they left the children left a bouquet of flowers at the Visitors Centre in remembrance of all who have given their life in service to their country.

10 November 2006

Lest we forget.

The Diary of Sgt. Bernard Clark RAFVR -Nov 30th to Dec 20th, 1943

By kind permission of a loving son Mr David Clark.

He was 35 when he volunteered for the RAF and was nicknamed 'Granddad' by his fellow crewmembers. He was lost in action in January 1944 whilst returning from a bombing mission over Berlin in Lancaster Bomber DV400 QR-Y.

Crew List: Sgt Bernard (Bunny) Clark. Flt/ Sgt Phil Brander. P/O Frank Langley. F/O Alan Beetch. P/O LLoyd Cumming. Sgt Bill Warburton. F/O Bob West.

Orders to pack and be ready to move by 1600hrs. Everybody binds away at moving in the evening, especially as we know the conditions that exist where any NCO has to report after ordinary duty hours, nobody wants you, nobody cares, it’s each man for him self. At 1630 hrs after a very hurried tea we climb aboard an ordinary RAF truck bound for Skellingthorpe, No. 61 Squadron.

The WAAF MT driver informed us that she did not want the job as she has a date in Lincoln so we had better hold on, and away we go. By Jove we did go! Slung from one side of the lorry to the other, Bob shot a bit of a line and sat up front with the WAAF.

We reported to the guardroom about 5pm. Just as we surmised nobody expected us or had any idea we were on the way. Bob and Allan went to the officer's mess to try their luck and find out if the orderly officer was available, but instead they found Squadron Leader Moss, actually our CO. He was very decent and having a few minutes to spare (ops had been scrubbed) he fixed us up with billets. Back to the old nissen!

The boys Phil, LLoyd and Bill went to the ENSA show, Alan and I made the 2 mile journey to the nearest telephone box to make our whereabouts known to our respective Ball and Chains! Of course Audry was pleased to hear me once again or at least she seemed to be.
So, back to the Sgt's mess for me, and the officer's mess for Alan. After a reasonable supper we made our way back across site 3, through the woods and across a field to our site 4. I had an interesting chat with one or two of the inmates, all members of 61 Squadron and so to bed.

Dec 1st
We had breakfast and met Bob, Alan and Frank, all walked up to the 61 Sqdn flights and checked in OK. I reported to the signals and met all the boys and signals officer F/Lt Newbound, quite an enthusiastic Australian, unfortunately he is posted to go away Friday. After lunch we all had an interview with the squadron leader Moss (our wing commander is away on leave) he gave us quite a pep and gen talk and quite an interesting description for what to expect whilst on ops.

Frank and I went into Lincoln and saw the pictures "5 Graves to Cairo", and of course, we had to call in one of the locals for an odd one, night cap!!

Dec 2nd
Reported to signals at 0930 we went out to one of the planes and did a DI; had quite a lot of interesting new gen. After lunch we all (the crew) caught the camp bus to Waddington (main station) to visit pay accounts etc arriving back at Skelly for tea. We played cards in the billet, LLoyd, Bill, Phil and I and by heck did I catch a cold!!

I couldn't do anything right, anyway I managed to hang out till suppertime without being too much in debt. Had a very primitive bath after supper in fact I was almost as dirty by the time I managed to get dressed owing to the layers of mud on the bathroom floor!
We finished the evening up with a game of table tennis and snooker. All the boys were away- Berlin! There was hardly anyone in the mess at all.

Dec 3rd
Reported at 0930 again, did a DI on M for Mike. M had been to Berlin but was in good shape (no faults). Changed my flying boots for new type, very good idea (new boots I mean). Reported to section after lunch and had a nice job of reading all the standing orders. I see they have copped me for group exercise tomorrow nice and early, Phil was down on the list for operations with another crew but the aeroplane was u/s. Bill has been detailed as F/E stand by, Bob fixed up with his 2nd dicky trip and Alan has had to practice the flight plan just as if he was going on the trip. Frank and LLoyd have disappeared into town, so I have spent most of the evening trying to get our stove alight with wet wood: what a job!! Had supper and so to bed.

Dec 4th
Boys all still landing at 8am from Leipzig Bob got back ok and had quite a good trip. My watch let me down. Instead of 7.15 getting up I didn't get going until 8am, had to report to signals by 8.20 for group W/T exercise. Hell of a cold morning lots of frost. Fortunately, I managed to get a lift up to Flts.

Didn't do too well on exercise, too cold and too many people talking and interfering. Did the usual DI afterwards on E for Easy, had lunch and collected my laundry, back up to the flights by 2pm. We all got ready for our cross-country take off 8.45 put forward to 6.45, we managed to wangle sandwiches from the mess and all filled our flasks.

After waiting all evening and eventually getting out to the aircraft, the exercise was scrubbed. Aircraft u/s and the weather closing in too quickly. We all sat in the crew room and ate up the food, finished up the tea and enjoyed Bobs talk on his experience over Leipzig. We managed to get to bed about 1030.

Dec 5th
Another white frosty morning and some fog. Took boots in for repair and did a DI on E for easy again. We got down for lunch early, as we were going to fly first after lunch.

Fog clamped down again so flying scrubbed. We spent a good 2 hours getting lots of new gen. All had tea, then Bill and I walked to the phone at Swanpool, got through to Audrey ok, and had quite a chat for 4-5 minutes, then back to our billet-chorus when we walked in -where the heck have you been? Bob Alan LLoyd and Phil playing bridge and waiting for Bill and me to play Poker! There goes my last financial means; I nearly always loose. We didn't play after all; the bridge game was too exciting for them to leave, anchored down about 10.30.

Dec 6th
Real bull inspection Adj and Squadron Leader Moss came round at 9am everything ok. Too foggy (to) fly again so the usual DI and the dinghy drill complete with Mae West and Harness in W for William. We walked down to the mess for lunch. A very stormy mess meeting at 13.15 due to bad food and general conditions in the mess and the dining hall.

Back to the flight for general discussion group for the topic- Will bombing win the war? Some bright ideas put forward and quite a good show. Walked back to the mess had my haircut at the camp barbers- quite a good job for a change. Had tea with Bill all the others changed quickly and went into Lincoln (still very foggy). Bill and I spend the evening in the billet, good fire and a good book.

Dec 7th
Up at the usual time 7.30, breakfast improved (after the mess meeting) did the usual DI and then lecture for all of us. After lunch too foggy for flying again and had short lecture on RDF, then met Alan, Frank and Bob, caught the camp bus into town. Did a bit of shopping, not much in the shops although thousands of people about. We went into Boots for tea, in came LLoyd and then Bill so we all had rissoles and chips and welsh rabbit, bread and butter, tea and mince pies. We all went to see the good old film 'The Four Feathers' still very enjoyable, we all had a drink or two afterwards before catching the bus at 10pm. What a struggle, lots of fellows left behind to walk 5.5 miles; And so to bed ; at 11pm.

Dec 8th
Still too thick to fly did the usual DI, nothing doing, so a spot of dinghy drill with our complete clothing on. After lunch another lecture and down for tea at 4.30. Bob and Alan came along and we played poker and for once I won 5/8pence to be exact. Bed about 10.30. Phil made a few snares and set them in the wood behind the hut.

Dec 9th
Phil and I up a bit earlier to have a look at the snares, but no luck. Fog not so bad, prospects of flying! Did the usual DI, and then did a spot of painting in the helmet room.

Had lunch and got back to the section ready to fly, all dressed up in Mae West, harness, boots etc. Gunners in their electrical suits and in the bus ready to go out to the aircraft. Met sent an urgent message cancelling the trip, as the fog was closing in too fast, so back we go cursing the weather etc. Took a photo of the whole crew, but the camera stuck, hope I can have it done ok. Tea about 5pm, then Bob and Alan came along for poker and chess I actually won 3/8 pence - wonders will never cease. Went along to supper about 9pm dogs and bread! And back to bed 10.30.

Dec 10th
Up at usual time DI. on M with Phil and Frank. Lectures after lunch, changed and went to Lincoln with Frank. After tea we went to the pictures 'China' (not too bad). Popped in for one or two and caught the bus back to camp 10pm. Phil, Bob and LLoyd played cards all evening and so to bed.

Dec 11th
Up in the morning at the usual time. Up to the flights, find we are down for our cross country take off 3pm. Did the usual DI. Collected food after lunch for the boys and got out 'R' Rodger. It seemed to have quite a lot of hold ups and there were lots of ground staff fellows working on it.

Airborne at last 3.30 climbed up to 22,000 only 37 deg. below but lovely and warm in our cabin. Stood and looked out of the astrodome. The sunset was really marvellous, all the colours of the rainbow, and layers of snowy clouds far below us looked like deep snow everywhere. Our route was from base, Upper Hanford, Wales, up the Irish Sea in between the Isle of Man and across Scotland down to Doncaster then out to Winglet. We could not do our bombing as the R T packed up on us.

I sat down on a box; the plane was bouncing all over the place due to our flight just under the clouds. I couldn't fix the TX so we packed up and went back to base, soon got down and then we dived into the sandwiches and tea. After taking off flying clothes we all went down to the mess for supper, jumped into bed about 10.30 pm.

Dec 12th
After breakfast we went up to the flights and did the usual DI. Took my boots in for repair, cleaned up the helmets and Mic's after yesterday's trip as oxygen always makes them wet with condensation etc.

After lunch finished of the helmets and cycled down to the billet; did a spot of mending socks etc. Afternoon lecture over, back to tea at 4pm, and down to billet, played cards and so to bed.

Dec 13th
Met Bob and the others after breakfast, then up to flights. We were down for fighter AF but after hanging about all morning vis too bad.
After lunch Bill, Frank, Phil and I went out to 'Y' our new plane, just gave her the once over, seems ok. After tea Bob rang up we go out to fly at 5.30pm practice bombing trip take off at 6.30 for about 2 hours Wainfleet range.

We used Vis Rdf for the first time; it seems wizard, Frank and Phil ok at Gunnery. Had supper and went to bed at 10pm.

Dec 14th
Awful morning, fog and frost walked out to 'Y' did the DI, all the others did their stuff too. After lunch went back to the billet and mad up ye old stove and cleared up a bit. Phil caught his victim in a snare. Problem now is how to cook the same. Lectures in the afternoon and back to the billet. After tea wrote a couple of letters, in the mean time Phil cleaned the rabbit and skinned it all ready for the pot, so on it goes. In bed about 10.30.

Dec 15th
Not too good again, so up to the flights, did runners job to ops room and orderly room. Went out to 'Y' did a spot of cleaning up, as W/Commander had an inspection of all aircraft in the afternoon we buzzed around until 4.15. After tea Bob and Allan joined us in a game of poker until 8pm. All went across to supper and back to bed at 10.30

Dec 16th
Better morning as regards weather, did the usual DI. Bob and Allan came up to 'Y' Good news, ops on. Checked everything up ok, back to the flights for briefing, low and behold, Berlin for our first op!! Transport to the mess for the ops meal egg and bacon, bread and butter and coffee.

Bill, LLoyd, and I dashed off to change into long underwear. Phil collected coffee and orange, we were transported all of us back to the crew room and final briefing then out to the aircraft with half an hour to go to zero. All excited , engines revved up and down the taxi path with a full load of cookie and incendiaries nickels etc. Quite a crowd to cheer us off, then off we go 6.40pm, climbing up and up then the first snag, Monica packs in on one side.

I go back to check up and find the fuselage door open, the wind pressure was terrific I can only just close the door but cannot fasten it, so back comes Bill with a piece of rope and ties up the door. I manage to get M on the go and everything seems grand with first contact with base. Next thing we are over the enemy coast near Amsterdam tons of cloud and some flak bursting, on to Berlin at about 21,000 ft.
Not very cold we appear to be well on time and in the stream ok, in between Bremen and Hanover right on the markers and bang on track. Lots of flares but cloud too thick for SL. Up comes target right on time. Frank calls back on the intercom to say he is in trouble with the oxygen and feeling awful. Bob asks him to hang on till off the target if possible and on we go. Lloyd espies the target markers and we fly level on to them and zump! Bombs gone!! Ok from Lloyd. My thoughts as I felt the floor of the aircraft jerk when the cookie went were: take that one and those and share between you!

Faint call for help from Frank and lots of gurgles over the intercom, so Bob asked me to see what I could do for him. Armed with a potable bottle (oxy) I went down the back with the aid of my torch. The back door was open about two inches and by Jove the wind came through like a knife. I managed to open Frank’s doors in his turret putting my hand and arm under his arm, I stretched up and tried to break ice from his oxygen mask, I could see lots of flares and lights outside; talk about November 5th!! Just then some tracer shot by us, below and behind (luckily) Frank, although almost out, turned his turret in the direction of the tracer on the port beam, so I was trapped by my arm in between the turret and the rear of the fuselage. I felt scared because I only had 2mins left in my oxygen bottle, I struggled out after what seemed to be ages and then I dropped my torch and lost it make matters worse. After what seemed an age I plugged my oxygen tube into the elsan spare and recovered my breath a bit, it was hellish cold although it was only 25 degrees below on the gauge. I struggled back to my place forward and told Bob how hopeless things were with Frank (we were still well in the flack and flares area in fact a flare just whizzed by our tail, a near thing for us) Bob gave me a long oxygen tube (spare) and taking two or three portable bottles and another torch I went down to see Frank, he was just all out. I got his doors open again and pulled him flat on his back on the wooden plank (from his turret to the tail cross-member) then I pulled his oxygen mask off, plugged the spare one onto the elsan oxygen and popped the new mask on his face. After a bout 5 or 6 minutes he began to flicker his eyes about and try to sit up but I made him lay still and told him to take his time and then get back into his turret leaving the door open, still using the spare mask. I then went up to the front and started work again. All this time we were getting away from Berlin and just missed Rostock and on to Denmark, across Denmark and out over the North sea. Lots of flack on the Danish coast, but although Bob had come down several thousand feet to help Frank, we dived through the barrage ok.
Frank gradually got back to normal except his electrical suit did not work and he was very cold, we carried on until we got just off the coast nr Cromer. Cloud only 700 ft high so we kept it there until we got back to base. Base Gave us no 7 position and in we came to make a wizard landing about 12.39 midnight. The ground crew cheered us in and we soon got down to breakfast after interrogation, we eventually got into bed at 2.45 am.

So ended our first operational trip, Bob had already had his baptism of fire before at Leipzig. Glad to say Frank soon felt better; but was quite sick due to rushing about, I think without oxygen etc.

Dec 17th
Foggy again, we got out of bed, 12-15, lunchtime and LLoyd was actually awake first! Wonders will never cease! After lunch went out "Y" and cleaned her up inside and then Alan and I went into Lincoln to do some shopping; unfortunately by the time the bus came and we got to town the shops were already closing, we were unlucky.

We had some tea in Boots' cafe; it was quite nice, Welsh Rabbit and chips. Phil came in and we all went to the Ritz to see "Batann", which was quite a blood thirsty picture. Afterwards we just popped in for a quick drink and then met Frank before catching the bus. We all managed to climb on the bus at 10-15, it was always crowded and everyone trying to get on, it was terrible. We finally arrived back at camp around 11pm and fell into our beds.

Dec 18th
Thick fog again, no flying. Did the usual D I on "Y", checked all the helmets and had a look at the results of the raid. Quite a good concentration on the target, although we lost 30 bombers in the process. Our photograph was quite good, another Lanc was flying quite a long way below us and it came out pretty good in the photo.

It rained like blazers in the afternoon, came down form the flights at about 3pm. We all played cards for the rest of the afternoon and then about 5pm, Phil, Bill and I scrounged off to the mess. We managed to get a good supply of bread and butter and piping hot tea for our flasks. Back at the billet LLoyd supplied us a spread from out of his Canadian parcels, smashing, we had toast and sardines and there was spam aplenty. We finished it all off with a wizard fruit cake, stiff with fruit and nuts.

We continued to play cards until 10 o'clock and I had amassed the princely sum of six shillings before we had finished. The weather has been awful this evening, wet and windy. I wonder whether it will be ops tomorrow. Our passes have all gone in to the orderly room, ready for our leave. And so, off to bed.

Dec 19th
Fine morning but very cold. Went up to the flights and did the usual DI. Fixed up to go to Waddington. Stopped for an early snack before boarding the 12-30 bus to Waddington. I had a very nice lunch in the Sergeants' mess and then on to pay parade at 2pm.

(Lord Nuffield 5/- per day whilst on leave) just what the doctor ordered! And two weeks pay! Caught the bus back to camp, had tea, met Bob, Alan and Frank and off we went to Southwold, roughly a two hour trip and we arrived at approximately 7-30. We got back in the mess for supper and then on to the billets for bed.

PPS...Did manage to ring Audrey from Waddington and when I got back a letter from her was waiting for me in the mess with the news about Brown being killed.

Dec 20th
Up to the flights, very cold strong wind, did the usual DI in "Y". Rumour circulating that ops were on. Complete panic, ops are on, rush to check everything and then down for lunch. Briefing at 12-45 and then we had bacon and eggs before we went back down to site for change underwear. Back for business, Frankfurt the target! Early take-off, all out to "Y" in good time. We have 13,000 lbs of destruction on board, 1 cookie, 4x 1000lbs and the rest incendiaries. Take-off okay, what a relief to get off the deck, gained height and set off. Had some bad luck, three or four minutes had passed when the inner engine started bumping, M and G very jumpy so Bob decided couldn’t go any further.

Out to sea, jettisoned the bombs and bought back the incendiaries. Turned round, heading back towards port all the time loosing height rapidly. Landed early, we then had supper and got ready for leave. We heard that Frank was grounded by the MO, so we had young Chapman in the rear turret (his 19th op). We were very disappointed, although it was better than pranging over there. Leave tomorrow, we hope. 12-30, bed.

December 20th was the last date recorded in Dad's diary.

He then went on leave for Christmas. After his leave he completed 7 more operations. The first two were taken from his log book; the remaining five were taken from squadron records:

1-1-44 OPS Berlin
2-1-44 OPS Berlin
5-1-44 OPS Stettin
14-1-44 OPS Brunswick
20-1-44 OPS Berlin
21-1-44 OPS Magderburg
27-1-44 OPS Berlin….. FAILED TO RETURN *

Crew list of Lancaster Bomber DV400 QR-Y - F/O R.A. West (Bob) Pilot - F/Sgt A.P. Brander (Phil) AUS Air Gunner - P/O F. Langley (Frank) Air Gunner - F/O A.V. Beetch (Alan) Navigator - P/O L.W. Cuming (Lloyd) CAN Bomb Aimer - Sgt B. Clark (Bernard) Wireless Operator - Sgt W. Warburton (Bill) Flight Engineer

10 November 2006

BBMF on the road.

One to watch out for en-route to displays is the new Battle of Britain Memorial Flight LDV. The vehicle is ideally designed for the Flight, to allow both ground crew and equipment to travel to airfields and display areas. The Flight’s LDV is very recognizable with 3 of our aircraft, the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, pictured on the van.

10 November 2006

New Cans for PZ 865.

For many years, the BBMF Hurricanes and the Mk IIa and Mk Vb Spitfires have had 6 stub exhausts on each bank of the engine. As the number of spare ejector stubs was dwindling it was decided to reequip the aircraft with the authentic exhausts. Ormonde Aircraft engineers fabricated the set of hand-formed flame-damper exhaust stubs using original patterns to ensure the correct shape and performance were maintained - the design is common to both Hurricanes and Spitfires.

Once installed on PZ865 the exhaust stubs were subjected to both ground running and flight trials to ensure emissions and cockpit gas levels were within specification and permitted operational levels. Now Hurricane IIc, PZ865 once again resembles her original configuration when manufactured at Langley, Bucks in the summer of 1944.

Squadron Leader Al Pinner, OC BBMF took PZ865 up for a test flight with her new cans fitted and afterwards he made the following comments, “She looks and sounds fantastic. It is great that she appears to be authentic again. The cockpit noise is down to a much more comfortable level – truly a delight to fly.”

We look forward to reconfiguring the exhausts on LF363, P7350 and AB910 to original specification next year.

10 October 2006

The RAF Events Team.

As part of an ongoing process to improve RAF engagement with the public, a new team called 'The Events Team' has been set up. In order to bid for BBMF to take part in your event and indeed other RAF participation, please write to:

June Austin
RAF Events Team (Events and Concepts)1
Adastral House, PO Box 100,
RAF College Cranwell,
Sleaford,
Lincs,
NG34 9GZ.

Tel 01400 266328
Fax 01400 266394

Bids should be received by the end of October for the following year.

10 October 2006

Mickey’s Last Flight!

2 October 2006 was a special day for Lancaster PA 474, as it was the last time it flew in the colours of EE176 ‘QR-M’ (Mickey the Moocher) of 61 Squadron, when it flew to Coventry for planned major maintenance. ‘Mickey’ is believed to have flown between 115 and 128 missions against targets including Berlin (15 missions), Cologne, Dortmund, Brunswick and the breakout at Caen. The original ‘QR-M’ survived the War but like so many other Lancaster Bombers that had served their country well was unceremoniously scrapped.
The aircraft was first displayed in the colours of ‘Mickey’ in 2000 and has flown several ‘special’ missions with BBMF such as the poppy drop flights to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day in 2004 and the national commemorations of the 60th anniversary of VE/VJ Day in July 2005. In June 2006 ‘Mickey’, flanked by four of the BBMF fighters, led the impressive 49-aircraft flypast to celebrate the Queens 80th birthday.

The nose art features ‘Mickey’ pulling a bomb trolley and 112 bombs as shown on a wartime photograph.

The Lancaster will be away from RAF Coningsby until April 2007 when it will return in different squadron colours. Fans will be pleased to know we intend to bring them periodical updates from the engineers on how the maintenance is progressing, including photographs of the aircraft with the nose section removed. So keep reading your favourite site!

04 October 2006

The best!

The 24 September 2006 was another exclusive Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association(LLA) annual Open day, to see BBMF at work both on the ground and in the air - or was it? Actually, it was described as the best ever LLA day including a formation of the original aircraft of the Flight, Hurricane LF363 (Sqn Ldr Ian Smith) and three MKXIX Spitfires PM631, (Gp Capt Russ Allchorne) PS915 (Sqn Ldr Al Pinner) and PS853(The Rolls Royce Spitfire, flown by Phil O’Dell). Stunning last ever displays with BBMF by Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley in the MK LFIXe Spitfire and Gp Capt Bob Judson in Hurricane PZ865. The Bomber aircrew made their presence known, masterfully displaying the Dakota (Captain Flt Lt Mike Leckey, Navigator Sqn Ldr Jeff Hesketh , Air Loadmaster Sgt Steve Duncan). Last but certainly not least with the biggest cheer of the day was Lincoln’s own Lancaster (Captain Sqn Ldr Stuart Reid, Co-Pilot Flt Lt Jim Baddeley, Navigator Flt Lt Dave Chadderton and Flight Engineer Flt Sgt Andy Davies). Many of the LLA members have said that it was the best Open day ever but who knows what next year will bring!!!

Below are a few memories of the day:

The Lancaster makes a flypast low over the hangar.	It has been decades since the Lancaster has been in formation with six fighters. The fighters were appropriately led by OC BBMF Sqn Ldr Al Pinner.	Kathryn Reid (Age 88) who traveled from her home in Torquay. Kathryn was a WRAF Flying Controller and served at Cranwell, Waltham, Swannington , Oulton and Church Fenton during her RAF Career.	Cpl Mark Crosby (Bing) with another happy BBMF customer.

04 October 2006

We'll meet again.

The family of a Jersey pilot killed in action over Germany in 1944 have met one of his crew for the first time. Flying Officer Philip Picot died at the controls of his Lancaster as it returned from bombing Essen in the early hours of 12 December. Five of the seven crew, who would become prisoners of war, managed to bail out after the aircraft was hit by a German fighter, its bullets piercing the fuel tank. Despite giving the order to abandon the aircraft, Mr Picot fought to bring the four-engined bomber under control. His efforts failed when a flaming wing was ripped off. Earlier this month Stuart Boynton (83), the Lancaster’s navigator, came to Jersey to meet Mr Picot’s family, including his two daughters and three sisters.

It was the first time Mr Boynton, a Yorkshireman, had been in contact with his former pilot’s family since 1945, when he made a fleeting visit to the Island to meet Mr Picot’s widow, Adèle. It was an emotional week for all involved, as Mr Boynton, detailed the last weeks, days and seconds of Mr Picot’s life – a man of whom his two daughters, Jackie (65) and Betty-Claire Rive (62) have only hazy memories. ‘He was a great friend, a perfect gent and a first-class pilot,’ said Mr Boynton or ‘Curly’, as he was known at the time. ‘Our crew had trained together since May 1944 and we had bonded, but Phil and I had chummed up more than the others. We would go down to the Oswald pub in Scunthorpe together and Adèle stayed at my house when she came up to Doncaster. I didn’t drink at the time – but I’ve made up for it since then!’ ‘Pic’, ‘Curly’ and their crew flew ten missions over Germany, and each one seemed to require a new aircraft, such was the flak damage when the bomber limped home to Doncaster. ‘Ironically, in terms of flak, the tenth mission was very gentle,’ said Mr Boynton, ‘but we were late so were exposed when we turned towards home after dropping our bombs over Essen. I heard the rear gunner saying we had a fighter on the port side and about five minutes later he cried: “We’re on fire!’’. Phil ordered us to abandon aircraft and as I left I remember saying: “Cheerio Phil, see you downstairs”.’ The last moments of Mr Picot’s life were passed on to Mr Boynton by the Canadian mid-upper-gunner, who was the last to jump.

Apparently the rear-gunner accidentally deployed his parachute inside the aircraft, rendering it useless. Refusing to jump without him, Mr Picot tried – unsuccessfully – to keep control and land the plane. ‘He died a hero’s death,’ recalled Mr Boynton. The family of Mr Picot have always known about Mr Boynton but he had remained just a signature on a hand-written letter penned to Adèle in August 1945. The navigator and his pilot’s loved ones have recently been united thanks to Gary Godel, who as well as director of enforcement at the Financial Services Commission is an aviation history enthusiast. He contacted Mr Boynton, who was a turf accountant for many years, in East Yorkshire when researching Mr Picot’s life. Following a Temps Passé appeal in the Jersey Evening Post in April, Mr Boynton found the family with whom he had lost contact and was very keen to find. ‘We are finding out all sorts of anecdotes about dad,’ said Mrs de Gruchy, who remembers becoming upset each time her father had to go on a mission. ‘Mr Boynton was always just a letter to us, but it is wonderful to meet him in person.’ Mrs Rive was just ten months old when her father was killed, but she has a clear image of him via the many photos he took before his premature death. Their mother remarried after the war and while he became ‘dad’ to them, the girls were always aware of their father’s war-time heroics. This week, 62 years after the event, they are more aware than ever. Mr Boynton watching the air display and had a special visit on board the BBMF Lancaster Bomber hosted by Sqn Ldr Ian Morton the Flight Engineer. By coincidence, his granddaughter, who is in the RAF, was also on the Island to support the event.

Many thanks to the JERSEY EVENING POST (Tony Pike) for allowing us to use this article.

28 September 2006

New Look At The Church Of The Holy Spirit

Thanks to a generous donation from Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association (LLA), a stained glass window commemorating the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been placed in the Church of the Holy Spirit at RAF Coningsby for the appreciation of future generations. On the 30 August 2006, Padre Jonathan Beech invited Mr Stuart Stephenson ,LLA Chairman, and Sqn Ldr Al Pinner to the church to view the finished window in situ. A service of dedication will be held on 26 November 2006.

28 September 2006

Well done, Arnie!

Congratulations to Sgt Mark Arnold (Arnie) who received an Operation Service Medal for his tour in Afghanistan September – December 2004 when he was serving on No IV(AC) Sqn, a frontline Harrier GR7 Squadron. Arnie is seen receiving his medal from RAF Coningsby Station Commander, Gp Capt Bob Judson.

28 September 2006

Past, Present and Future?

A group of Air Cadets from N.Ireland, were attending a week summer camp at RAF Waddington recently visited the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. By a lucky coincidence the Captain of the Lancaster that day, was Flt Lt Mike Leckey who is also originally from N Ireland. He met the cadets and chatted to them about his career in the RAF including his voluntary duties as a pilot on the Lancaster and Dakota at BBMF. The Flight also had a special visitor that day, former Lancaster navigator Mr Douglas Hudson DFC who also spoke to the Cadets and told them of his experiences on two Operational Squadrons of Bomber Command, separated by a period of two and a quarter years as a prisoner of war in three North African Prison Camps. The Cadets were proud to have their photograph taken with the aircrew from the past and present and left hoping that they would be part of the future Royal Air Force.

18 September 2006

BBMF salutes the veterans of Dieppe

On 19th August 1942 a small mixed force of 5,000 Canadian and 1,000 British troops participated in the disastrous Raid in Dieppe France. Within hours 4,000 men were killed, wounded or captured.

One of the many Canadian Regiments which sustained heavy losses that day was the Essex Scottish. The current Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment, based in Windsor, Ontario launched “The Dieppe Memorial Project”, committing to build a monument in Canada, to be shipped to Dieppe to honour to the fallen. The monument which incorporates a “moment in time” sun element was designed by an 18 year old University of Windsor, Art Student, Rory O’Connor. It was unveiled with a dedication ceremony on August 19th 2006 at precisely 1300 local time.

The BBMF Mk Vb Spitfire, AB910, was on the books of No 133 Eagle Sqn at RAF Biggin Hill. During that day in 1942 she flew 4 sorties providing air cover shooting down one Dornier 217 and being credited with another probable. In the air over 106 allied aircraft were shot down, including 62 Spitfires; the worst day ever for Spitfire losses. Six pilots from Biggin Hill died that day.

Spitfire AB910 flown by OC BBMF Squadron Leader Al Pinner, performed a Victory Roll over the parade. Al said “It was an honour I will cherish for many years. Having had an exchange tour in Canada from 96-99 I leapt at the opportunity to pay tribute to those brave men who died on that day. It was only later that I realised the full significance of sending AB910 to the ceremony, in that 64 years prior to the day she had flown 4 times over Dieppe from Biggin Hill and achieved a kill in support of that operation.”

Mr. S. Michael Beale, Delta Coy. member of the Dieppe Memorial Project committee said “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight victory roll over the ceremony moved many to tears. To have a Spitfire that was actually there that day return after 64 years in triumph was so very moving. Words cannot express our thanks to the BBMF for such a kindness shown to our few remaining Essex Scottish Veterans, the current Essex and Kent Scottish Regimental family, and in remembrance of those who are buried in that quiet cemetery in Hautot-Sur-Mer”.

18 September 2006

Lincoln honours the men of wartime Bomber Command.

To the exhausted pilots who nursed their badly damaged aircraft back from wartime sorties over enemy territory, the soaring central tower of Lincoln Cathedral was a beacon of hope that told them that they were nearly home. This has always been in a sense 'Bomber Command's Cathedral', and it is the magnificent setting for a new memorial to the command's aircrew, which is to be unveiled on August 27.

Night after night at their bases - Scampton, Woodhall Spa, Coningsby and countless others - hundreds of young men steeled themselves to climb into their Lancasters, Stirlings and Halifaxes, and brave the fighter and flak defences of the Third Reich. Yet the survivors of Bomber Command’s wartime campaign, during which 55,888 aircrew gave their lives, have with some justice tended to feel that the strategic air offensive of 1939-45 has not been fully recognized.

The effectiveness of the bombing campaign in those years was noted verbally from the "other side" - Hitler's armaments and war economy minister, Albert Speer, who recorded in his Diaries: "The real importance of the air war consisted of the fact that it opened a second front long before the invasion in Europe. That front was the skies over Germany. . . no one has yet seen that this was the greatest lost battle on the German side."

But thanksgiving for lives given for our deliverance will be uppermost in the minds of those who gather to dedicate the monument, set in the floor of the cathedral near the Airman's Chapel, on Sunday the 27 August 2006, with a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster PA474 at 1505. 'Scotty' Scott's, a 1970s electronics officer with the Vulcans of 617 Squadron, initiative has led to the Lincoln Cathedral memorial.

This elegant memorial, in Lincoln silver bed stone, carved by the 30-year-old Hampshire mason Michael Morris, will, appropriately, be unveiled by two veterans. They are Douglas Hudson, DFC, aged 90, a navigator on Lancasters, and Sylvia Watts, a wartime Bomber Command WAAF, whose 84th birthday this will be.

Peter Davies (Permission to use this article kindly given by Times Newspapers).

25 August 2006

Geraniums from Dresden, Germany, to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in England.

The internationally known pelargonium breeder, Elsner pac Jungpflanzen (young plants), of Dresden has been pleased to send some of their red geranium plants, PAC Anthony, to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire to help brighten up the grass area surrounding the Visitor Centre and hangar.

Mr. Wilhelm Elsner, grandson of the founder of the company, that started in Dresden in 1889, said “I am delighted that we have been able to arrange that these plants are sent as a gift from Dresden to such a special location such as the BBMF in the UK. I hope, in a small way, they will serve to strengthen our ties and friendship even further.”

The company, in its history, has undergone two world wars and a period of time under state control of the former German Democratic Republic. Their international plant breeding has special strong ties with the UK and Mr. Elsner is a great admirer of English gardens and gardeners.

Squadron Leader Al Pinner said “The blood red flowers look striking outside the Visitor Centre, serving to remind us to remember all those who fell on both sides. We thank Mr Elsner for this lovely and poignant gift and we hope one day he can visit us in person.”

Picture shows left to right Mr Rod Saunders (BBMF Vistors Centre Manager), Mr Anthony Andrews (Agricultural Consultant) and Sqn Ldr Al Pinner (OC BBMF) with the Geraniums from the Elsner family of Dresden.

17 August 2006

Traveler’s tales - Sunderland Airshow 29-30 July 2006

The Flight has flown every year at the Sunderland Airshow since the show began, however, on Saturday the 29 July 06, there was a double disappointment when the Lancaster could not appear, as it required an engine change, and the weather at RAF Coningsby prevented a safe take off for the fighters. Ironic of course as the weather at Sunderland was marvelous!! The crowds were entertained by the ground crew who quickly traveled across from Middlesborough Airport to meet the public, tell them about life on the flight and sign a few posters. See photos below!!!

17 August 2006

Louise Bloor (Aged 8¾ )

The following is a letter received from Louise Bloor after watching a Spitfire Flypast at Cockburn Art College on the 30 Jun 06. The event was to commemorate The Battle of the Somme and also to present a plaque to the college in memory of Flt Sgt Ernest Bloor.

"On Friday 30th June 2006 I didn’t go to school. Instead I went with my dad to Cockburn High School, Leeds, to see the presentation of a plaque to the memory of my great uncle Flt Sgt Ernest Bloor who was a former pupil and a Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot, he was killed in action in August 1941. The whole school was assembled on the school playing field. After a short service a wreath was presented to the school by the Deputy Lord Mayor. After a minutes silence a bugler played ‘The Last Post’. At 2.10pm exactly an aircraft was heard and suddenly a WWII Spitfire AB910, sent by the BBMF was overhead. It Flew very low and fast and nearly took the roof off the school! It flew past three times before waggling its wings in ‘Goodbye’. It was great!! Later at home my mum, dad and I watched highlights on BBC Look North.”

Ernest joined the RAF on leaving the college, then Cockburn High School, in 1930 at the age of sixteen. He started as an apprentice Aero Engine Fitter at RAF Halton passing out in 1933 as AC1 and gained promotion to LAC in 1934. In June 1935 he volunteered to be trained as Airman Pilot and commenced training in September 1937 with 11FTS at RAF Wittering. On passing his pilots exam he was promoted to Sgt and posted to 29(F) Squadron, RAF Debden, flying Hawker Demons. In December 1938 the Demons were replaced with Bristol Blenheims and the Squadron was trained in night flying.

In 1940 he was posted to 46 Squadron and on 3rd September he was shot down whilst attacking a Dornier 17Z over Essex, he successfully bailed out of his Hurricane P3024 suffering slight facial burns. In January 1941 he was posted to 59 OTU at RAF Crosby-on-Eden and then posted to 1 Sqn ,RAF Tangere, with temporary promotion to Flt Sgt. 1 Sqn were engaged in night fighter patrols with the infamous Havoc Turbinlites , also searchlight co-operation flights and occasional daylight intruder sorties over northern France. An interesting fact is that one of Ernest’s fellow pilots was Flt Sgt Karel Kuttelwacher better known as ‘The Night Reaper’ whose Hurricane BE581 ‘JX-E’ is currently represented on BBMF. Unfortunately on the night of the 27 August 1941, Ernest was flying a searchlight operational flight when his aircraft Hurricane IIc Z3843 developed an engine fault, his aircraft crashed into farmland north of Horsham, Sussex. A road on the housing estate now built there is named Bloor Close in his memory – Lest We Forget.

17 July 2006

A Gathering of Eagles

The Eagle Squadron Association held a gathering, rather than a reunion, to coincide with Duxford Airshow on the 9th July 2006. This is to be followed by the last ever Eagle Squadron Reunion in their spiritual home, San Diego, in California 2006. Of the original 244 American airmen who found their way across the Atlantic in the early months of World War Two who joined the Royal Air Force before the United States had formally entered the war, fewer than 20 pilots still survive. The Duxford Gathering was an opportunity to be reunited with their former ground-crew who were British by and large. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was pleased to fly Spitfire AB910 to Duxford, part of the pre-planned Display, as this aircraft had actually served with 133 Squadron in 1942.

On the Saturday morning Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley and Wg Cdr Russ Allchorne met with the Eagle Squadron Association and took pleasure in showing fellow fighter pilot Lt Col Wilson (Bill) Edwards and Ted Hayes, ground crew, around the Mk V Spitfire AB910.

The photographs show Sqn Ldr Rowley and Wg Cdr Allchorne with Lt Col Wilson (Bill) Edwards and Ted Hayes and a group photograph of the 133 Eagle Squadron Association with Spitfire AB910.

12 July 2006

Diamond Flypast

By a lucky coincidence the Lancaster and two Spitfires of the BBMF were en-route back to RAF Coningsby from the Waddington Air Show when they overflew the village of Scopwick, where Ex WW2 Pilot Syd Walker and his wife were celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. The Walkers, from Billinghay, were attending a party at their daughters home and had already received a congratulations card from Her Majesty the Queen and thought that the ‘special flypast’ was the crowning glory to a wonderful day. We at BBMF had no idea the event was happening, but we are delighted to have added an extra-special touch to their celebrations and wish them all the very best.

12 July 2006

Flt Lt Jack Hawkins

Flt Lt Jack Hawkins has been awarded a Commendation from the Commander in Chief Strike Command in this years Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for meritorious services to the RAF. Jack is generally the first point of contact for all the flying event organizers and is dedicated to ensuring the detailed planning on the operational side of the flying runs smoothly. He joined the BBMF as the Operations Officer/Adjutant in 1998.

OC BBMF, Sqn Ldr Al Pinner, said - ‘Jack has made an outstanding contribution to the smooth running of the BBMF operations and is largely responsible for the high regard in which we are held by the event organizers out there. He is the lynchpin of BBMF and I am delighted his staunch and loyal work has been recognised’.

The whole of BBMF is proud of Jack and send him their congratulations!

30 June 2006

Clive’s Long Haul

The 10th June 2006 was a special day for Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley as he completed over 500 hours flying on BBMF Fighters. This is a remarkable achievement given the restricted flying hours on the aircraft each season. This is Clive’s eleventh display season with the BBMF since joining the Flight as a Fighter Pilot in 1996, including two years as Officer Commanding from 2004. On reaching his normal RAF service retirement point in January 2006, he became a Full Time Reservist, and is the Station Flight Safey Officer while retaining the role of BBMF ‘Fighter Leader’ and Chipmunk QFI.

Appropriately, Clive made this memorable flight in Spitfire PR XIX, PM631, BBMF’s longest continuously serving aircraft and the Spitfire that he most enjoys flying.

30 June 2006

Shaun looks after 'Old Girls' on work experience week

Shaun Pettigrew had his dream come true when he was selected to work at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for his Work Experience at RAF Coningsby. Shaun aged 15 lives in Tattershall and attends Gartree School. He spent his week looking after some very special elderly 'ladies', the eleven aircraft on the Flight are unique within the modern Royal Air Force and represent the last piston powered 'tail-draggers' in regular military use. Shaun was assisting the engineers as they performed routine tasking on the aircraft and worked on the Lancaster Bomber, Dakota, Spitfire, Hurricane and Chipmunk aircraft types. When asked what he hoped for his future Shaun replied; "To complete my education to A level and then join the RAF as an engineer." Can’t have been a bad week’s experience!!!

22 June 2006

Smithy's let lose in a Spitfire!

The 12th June 2006 was a special day for Sqn Ldr Ian Smith as he completed his first solo flight in a Spitfire. Smithy is in his first season with the BBMF and his conversion training started in the Flight's De Havilland Chipmunk in October of last year. Smithy started flying the Hurricane in April, and following 15 hours of successfully displaying – and more importantly landing - the Hurricane, Sqn Ldr Al Pinner sent him off for his first solo in the Spitfire. Smithy said "It was my childhood dream come true to fly this iconic British fighter". He completed his successful first solo sortie in Spitfire Mk Vb, AB910.

14 June 2006

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Honours Arnhem Veteran

Tuesday the 23 May 2006 was a special day for 84 year old Arnhem veteran Harry Lingard. It was 62 years since Harry donned his red beret and had flown in a Dakota. In recognition of past services to his country Harry was hosted by Flt Lt Ed Straw to a flight over the Lincolnshire countryside, in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Douglas C47(DC3) Dakota ZA947.

Harry’s story, like many of his war time colleagues, has remained untold. He was in the 1st Airborne Air Landing Light Reg. R.A and was a Dispatch rider and Signaler. On 18th September 1944 along with four other men, a jeep, a motor bike and ammunition he was loaded into a Horsa glider at R.A.F. Broadwell and towed off behind a Dakota to Arnhem where they had a perfect landing in the dropping zone. Harry followed the jeep containing Captain P.A. Taylor and the other men and proceeded to a point near to the Hartestein Hotel on the outskirts of Arnhem.

On about the third day at Arnhem Harry witnessed the Dakota that was being used to drop the provisions was on fire, nevertheless continued to carry out its mission until the damage was so great it crashed. Harry later learned that for this completed mission the pilot, Flt Lt Lord, was awarded a posthumous V.C. for his bravery.

Harry’s fighting in Arnhem came to an end whilst out with Capt Taylor in the jeep, they came under heavy mortar fire and crashed into a tree stump completely wrecking the vehicle. They retreated to nearby woods and dug in with other troops and it was here that Capt Taylor received fatal shrapnel injuries to his chest and Harry was hit in the upper leg. He was taken to a nearby Church and laid on the floor with other injured soldiers, however, on the 10th day of the conflict all walking wounded were withdrawn leaving the others in the Church. After several days they were found by the Germans and they were carried to the local railway station, put in a rail cattle wagon and taken to Stalag 11B at Falingbostel in Germany where they remained from September 1944 –March 1945. On recovering sufficiently the men were being moved on foot by the Posum (Home Guard). Harry and some mates took the opportunity to run from the column of marching P.O.W.s and made for some woods where they then found an old railway carriage on a disused railway line and made it ‘home’.

They slept during the day coming out at night to find food and water. One day they heard English voices and did not dare to move for fear of being mistaken for Germans, remained in the carriage, but were later discovered and the voices belonged to American troops. Some time later after medical treatment they were flown back home to England in a Dakota arriving on 28th April, 1945.

Harry supports the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in its objective to keep their historical aircraft airworthy as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of the many that have either been wounded or killed in the cause of peace and security. – Lest We Forget

09 June 2006

Ludwik Martel

Ludwik Martel is believed to be the last surviving Polish pilot to have flown in the Battle of Britain. He served with 54 Sqn and 603 Sqn during the Battle. On the 25th October 1940, while serving on 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn, Ludwik was forced down in Spitfire IIa P7350 by a ME 109, suffering a shrapnel wound to his left leg. After recovery, he joined 317 Sqn and served on this Polish squadron from 1941 until 1943 when he was posted to North Africa. The Historical Aircraft Collection’s Spitfire Mk Vb BM597 is also painted in Ludwik's markings (JH-C of 317 Sqn) in tribute to the brave Polish airmen who served on during the war.

In acknowledgment of Ludwik’s contribution, it was decided to temporarily paint the Flight’s Spitfire Mk IIa, P7350, in the markings she wore when Ludwik was forced down in her – XT-W. It was hoped to fly P7350 to Duxford on the 20th May 2006 to reunite Ludwik with both his aircraft but unfortunately due to ill health he was unable to attend.

31 May 2006

On Saturday 13 May 06 a BBMF '3 ship' comprising Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire was to perform a display at the Northwest 200 motorcycle race in Portrush, Northern Ireland. This event is the 'largest' in the Northern Irish sporting calendar and attracts crowds in the region of 120000.

The plan was to pre position the formation at Blackpool on Friday 12 May 06 to facilitate an early arrival at the venue on Saturday. The crews arrived for 'met brief' at Coningsby on Friday at 1300hrs, the usual 2 hrs before the planned take off time. The weather forecast for our planned route to Blackpool was not straightforward. The temperature had just risen sufficiently to trigger thunder storms along our route and it was clear that we were going to have to dodge large, threatening cumulonimbus clouds on our way north. The forecast for Saturday was no better. A frontal system was to move south overnight and stagnate in the....... Blackpool area, bringing low cloud and rain and potentially preventing us from getting to NI the next day.

After a quick discussion it was decided that, in order to achieve our goal, we would have to pre position to the north of the front. Prestwick appeared to be the logical destination, so our admin team (Jack and Di) were tasked with finding hangarage for the fighters and accommodation for the crews - in that order of importance! Both tasks were achieved with their usual efficiency and after a rapid re-plan by the Lanc navigator, Jeff Hesketh, 'plan B' was a goer. This however, was not good news for all of the crew members.
A transit sortie is considered to be wasteful of valuable flying hours therefore OC BBMF had arranged a Photo Shoot with a 100 Sqn hawk. As a thank you for the use of one of his aircraft, OC 100 Sqn was offered a seat on the Lancaster. His wife had agreed to drive to Blackpool to meet the aircraft and as there was no way OC 100 was going to give up a trip in the Lancaster, the prospect of ending up at Prestwick had potential to generate a little marital discord.

Despite OC 100's misgivings, the aircraft launched as planned at 1500hrs and had a successful sortie in front of Geoff Lee's lens, despite having to weave around many dark, ominous clouds. (Look out for the results in next year's brochure). The formation landed at Prestwick at 1640hrs and received the usual warm welcome. OC 100 was last seen wandering towards the terminal muttering
something about trying to hire a car.....

After a pleasant overnight stay in a local hotel we departed for NI early next morning. The previous day's forecast had been accurate and we successfully completed our display in front of the road racing fans. We then landed at Aldergrove to refuel the fighters for the return journey to Coningsby. However, this was not going to be easy. The front that had caused us to change our plans on Friday was to frustrate us again today. It had stagnated and now lay from Blackpool in the west, to Teesside in the east. We needed to get through to carry out our planned flypasts and to get back to Coningsby. 'Met' was consulted again and we decided to delay our return, in the hope that the cloudbase would lift sufficiently to let us through. Unfortunately this meant cancelling our events at Hawksworth, Elvington and East Kirkby. 3 hrs later not much had changed and I started to get excited at the thought of a night 'at home'. The other 10, non Northern Irish members of the crews were slightly keener to get back to the mainland, so after another discussion it was decided that we should try and make it back to Coningsby. If this failed we could divert to somewhere a little closer to base than Aldergrove.

At 1500hrs we got airborne and 10 minutes later coasted out at Whitehead, giving the fighters the shortest track across the Irish Sea. As we approached the Solway Firth the sky started to darken and the visibility and cloudbase both dropped. We descended to remain clear and started routing towards the low ground around Penrith. As we started a gentle climb, following the A66 towards Brough, it became aparent that we weren't going to make it over the Pennines. This necessitated a turn through 180 degrees back towards the lower ground. As the worst of the weather was forecast to be south of us, we thought we might have a better chance of getting to the east coast by heading further north. This we did and we made it over the high ground past Haltwhistle and Hexham. As we turned south the weather started to deteriorate again and with the fighters getting low on fuel we diverted to Teesside. This time Jack and Di were not here to help us but fortunately we parked outside the North East Police Air Support Unit. The local bobbies were very hospitable and offered us tea, coffee, comfortable chairs and hangarage. We were all getting on very well until they issued a certain Jonny Biggles a fixed penalty notice for causing an obstruction in his Hurricane! They agreed however, to waive the fine if we showed them round our aircraft.

After an unplanned night away in Darlington we made it back to Coningsby on Sunday morning, in time for the Lancaster to be turned round and refuelled for it's planned events that afternoon. Fortunately not all weekends at BBMF are as difficult as this one, but even though one ends up tired and with a little less family time than expected, there is a certain sense of satisfaction to be gained from the knowledge that a lot of people have enjoyed the sight and sound of our fine aircraft.

Mike Leckey.
Lancaster Captain.

14 May 2006

On 27th April, past scholars and current candidates for the award of flying scholarships from the charity 'Flying Scholarships for the Disabled' were hosted by OC BBMF, Sqn Ldr Al Pinner, on a visit to the flight. Flying Scholarships for the Disabled (FSD) is a charity dedicated to helping disabled people to discover their true potential through the mental and physical stimulation of learning to fly a light aircraft. The challenges they face and overcome will enable them to find new confidence and self esteem in rising above their own personal life difficulties and help them view the future with greater self-assurance.

The charity was set up in 1983 in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, CBE, DSO, DFC, FRAes, DL. After losing both legs in an accident, Sir Douglas persisted in his efforts against all odds to resume his flying career with the Royal Air Force, going on to achieve fame in World War II as a fighter pilot and gifted leader.

Al has been involved in the selection process for FSD for the past 4 years and is a keen supporter of this tremendously worthwhile charity – more details of which can be found at http://www.toreachforthesky.org.uk.

06 May 2006

On the 26th April BBMF carried out AOC’s PDA in preparation for the forth-coming season. During the morning event BBMF were honoured to receive a visit from Sqn Ldr Gerald ‘Stapme’ Stapleton DFC, DFC (Dutch). After meeting the crews he was driven to the Air Traffic Control Tower in a recently restored Ford GPW Jeep, owned by our very own Gerbs. After casting an expert eye over our displays he returned to the flight where he was introduced to AVM Walker AOC 1Gp. Through lunch in the VIP crewroom, Stapme chatted with AVM Walker and we believe he convinced the AOC that BBMF were flying well enough to be permitted to display in front of the public.

26 April 2006

Public Display Approval for BBMF’ s 2006 Display

On 26 Apr 06 RAF Coningsby played host to AVM D Walker CBE AFC, Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, for the annual Public Display Approval (PDA) for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The aim of PDA was to prove to the AOC that the display pilots have achieved the highest levels of flying skills, airmanship and judgement required to demonstrate these wonderful aircraft to the best possible effect in front of the public.

The weather behaved itself, presenting us with almost ideal conditions of blue skies and a 15 knot wind down the strip. That morning, all 5 BBMF fighter pilots and the 6 bomber pilots put on a flying display lasting just short of one hour and a half. Both the Lancaster and the Dakota displayed 3 times each showing these evocative aircraft off to great effect and the sky over Lincolnshire literally purred to the beat of 4 Merlin engines at high power as the Lancaster flew back and forth.

On the fighter side we wanted to present 3 types of display for approval. Firstly we have made some minor changes to our standard show incorporating a topside pass and an oblique 360. Secondly we showed the AOC our synchro display – where 2 fighters, either Hurricane and Spitfire or 2 Spitfires, display concurrently by flying a mirror image show.

Finally we wanted to show for the first time a Hurricane/Spitfire tailchase display where one aircraft follows the other at around 100-150 yards. The tailchase display presents a wonderful opportunity to contrast and compare the different sizes, shapes and sounds of the Hurricane and the Spitfire. Similarly, when 2 Spitfires are displayed, the differences between full-span and clipped wing planforms and especially the contrasting notes of the smooth, purring Merlin and the more guttural grunt of the Griffon engine.

The AOC was delighted by the events of the morning and was highly complementary about the professionalism and ability of the crews who displayed in front of him. After a short debrief, when he presented each member of BBMF with a PDA certificate, the AOC lunched with BBMF and the other Strike Command crews who were to perform in the afternoon. Afterwards, Air Vice Marshall Walker watched the Hawk and Tornado GR4 displays and then sat in the backseat of Sqn Ldr Matt Elliot as he put the Typhoon through its paces.

The AOC had the following comments on his day:

"My visit to RAF Coningsby, to grant the Public Display Approval for the Number 1 Group display crews for the 2006 air show season, was extremely enjoyable and I witnessed some excellent airmanship coupled with some genuinely exciting displays. As a real fan of vintage aircraft, I was particularly impressed by the all round professionalism of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). It was a privilege to authorize their sequences for the season and I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing their efforts again in the skies during the year."

26 April 2006

First Public Events of the Season.

Having lost out on a couple of sorties prior to the Season, BBMF have at last flown their first events. On 23 April the Lancaster, accompanied by a Hurricane and Spitfire flew to Pollington Airfield Memorial Garden for the annual commemoration of the wartime exploits of 51 Sqn and 150 Sqn. Many veterans were gathered in the crowd to see the stirring sight of these 3 venerable aircraft in close formation. The Hurricane, LF363, was flown by Sqn Ldr Ian Smith on his first productive sortie on BBMF – he was suitably overwhelmed by the occasion.

Al Pinner, then flew on to Pailton near Rugby in Spitfire PM631 for a commemoration service at the village memorial. In attendance were 3 Battle of Britain pilots, Wg Cdr Ken McKenzie, Sqn Ldr Tony Pickering and Flt Lt Ken Wilkinson, and a tunnel maker from the ‘Great Escape’, Reg Cleaver.

The following was sent back by the organisers which underlines why we are here:

"Words cannot describe how people were absolutely overwhelmed by the flying display. It will be something that will live forever with both the young and old. All three Battle of Britain pilots were moved to tears. Wing Commander Ken McKenzie DFC.......is well over 90years old now and I can tell you the atmosphere was electric he was shaking with emotion. Many thanks to the pilot and for the three passes. Thank you all very much."

Lest We Forget.

24 April 2006

The Dakota has returned from a successful servicing carried out by Air Atlantique in Coventry. Bomber Leader Sqn Ldr Stu Reid conducted the air test on 13th Feb and it was returned to Coningsby on the same day. Over half of the Bomber pilots have now been cleared for practice displays to 100ft.

Sqn Ldr Clive Rowley has shaken Spitfires PS915 and P7350 down during their post-winter maintenance air tests, so coupled with Hurricane PZ 865, we have sufficient fighters to work the pilots up to Public Display Approval on 26th April. Gp Capt Bob Judson and Wg Cdr Russ Allchorne have also completed their conversion onto the ‘big spits’ enabling them to display the full compliment of the Flight’s fighters.

The newest member of the Flight, Sqn Ldr Ian Smith, has spent the winter gaining hours in the Chipmunk and on 6th April, he completed his first flight in Hurricane PZ 865. He is now current on the aircraft and is already worked down to 100ft.

Hurricane LF363 has been at Duxford for most of the winter undertaking a major service and re-paint. It now wears the colour scheme of Air Vice Marshall Harold ‘Birdy’ Bird-Wilson’s aircraft that he flew on 17 Sqn during the Battle of Britain. On 6th April, Sqn Ldr Al Pinner brought her home in company with a current 17 Sqn Typhoon – more details below.

Work continues on the rest of the aircraft and the Lancaster is ready for airtest as I write. With 725 individual appearances already scheduled the Flight is almost ready to begin another busy season – the skies of Lincolnshire are once again ringing to the wonderful sound of Merlin engines.

11 April 2006

On 6 April 2006 Hurricane IIc LF363 emerged from major servicing at the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford and flew to her home on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. As part of her servicing she was repainted to represent the Hurricane Mk 1 P3878 (YB-W) of Harold ‘Birdy’ Bird-Wilson, then a 21year old pilot serving at RAF Tangmere on 17 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Nowadays, 17 Squadron is the Operational Evaluation Squadron of the RAF’s latest fighter the Typhoon, also based at RAF Coningsby.

She was flown home by Squadron Leader Al Pinner MBE, Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and during the sortie home, she rendezvoused with a Typhoon of 17 Squadron, flown by Squadron Leader Al Seymour, for some Air to Air photography.

Al Pinner said ‘I am really pleased with the job ARCO have done on her. She looks tremendous, flies beautifully and it was an honour to bring her back home in her new livery commemorating the late Air Marshall Bird-Wilson. It was also very special to have the opportunity to put these 2 wonderful aircraft together in the sky, bridging the gap from the 20th to the 21st century - the one being the workhorse of Fighter Command during WW II and the other the most capable fighter the RAF has flown demonstrating the latest in cutting-edge technology.’

Click on the images for a bigger picture.

11 April 2006

OC BBMF, Sqn Ldr Al Pinner met Daniel Webb, of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Alford, as he started his 100 mile cycle challenge around eleven WWII airfields in Lincolnshire on 21 Feb 06 from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Royal Air Force Coningsby. Daniel, along with other students from his school, are hoping to raise £1300 to finance a trip to Sri Lanka this Summer to help build a school, post the South East Asian Tsunami.

Project Sri Lanka will give teams of UK students both the opportunity to visit the country and meet inhabitants in the South of the country and work on projects in schools in the area most affected by the Tsunami where they have been left with no resources. The work, which will provide direct aid to these children, will range from manual; renovating playgrounds or painting schools to social which involves teaching English and running sports events. Rebuilding the lives of these people will take years – most have lost family members, 1100 children are orphans. Within 5 minutes on the 26 Dec 05, 35,000 people died, 500,000 became homeless, 70,000 houses were destroyed and 50% of the fishing fleet was destroyed.

Pledges of support for this worthwhile cause can be made to: pwebboffice@onetel.net. Telephone number 01507 451217

25 February 2006

Welcome to a new feature of the BBMF website for 2006. On this page you will find the latest news stories about the Flight as the season goes on, what happens behind the scenes with both the crews and the aircraft during our flying displays as well as any other general items of interest. The latest news story will appear at the top of each page, so check back regularly during the season. I hope you enjoy both this new page and the 'Enthusiasts Photos' page.

Sqn Ldr Al Pinner
OC Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

12 February 2006

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