Battle of Britain memorial flight returns to airshow

14 hours ago

Katy Prickett

News image — It is 90 years since the first Spitfire took to the skies, and it is best remembered for its role in the Battle of Britain

Darren Harbar/Crown Copyright BBMF Spitfire P7350 flying across a blue sky with white clouds. It is side on and painted in camouflage colours with a yellow, blue, white and red circle on its die. There is one pilot in the cockpit. — It is 90 years since the first Spitfire took to the skies, and it is best remembered for its role in the Battle of Britain

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will return to the skies as part of an annual seaside airshow, marking the Spitfire's 90th anniversary.

A Spitfire, Hurricane and C‑47 Dakota are currently expected to feature as part of the display on both days of the two-day event at Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.

Ivan Henderson, from organiser Tendring District Council, said: "The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight never fails to capture the imagination of our audiences."

The RAF Red Arrows has already confirmed its attendance on both days of the airshow, which will take place on 27 and 28 August.

Darren Harbar/Crown Copyright BBMF Hurricane LF363 flying through the air against a blue sky. The aeroplane is painted in camouflage colours with RF on its side. There is one pilot in its cockpit. — The Imperial War Museum in Duxford has described the Hurricane as "the unsung hero" of that battle

The Spitfire is one of the most iconic of all the World War Two aeroplanes and first flew in 1936.

It was considered the most advanced fighter plane of its time during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, and its mission is to keep historic aircraft airworthy as a living tribute to those who served during the war.

Its fleet includes five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Dakota, the world‑famous Lancaster bomber and two Chipmunk training aircraft, flown by regular and reserve RAF aircrew.

Darren Harbar/Crown Copyright BBMF Dakota plane shot from above with its nose towards the bottom of the image. It is painted in blue and cream camouflage colours. Beneath it are brown fields. — The Dakota is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history and was used on the eve of D-Day, according to the RAF

"To see these aircraft flying together in the year marking 90 years since the Spitfire's first flight makes the moment even more powerful," said Henderson, who is the council's cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and tourism.

"The unmistakable sound of those engines along the seafront creates a truly special atmosphere, offering spectators a rare and unforgettable close‑up view of living history.

Also confirmed for the event is the RAF Grob Tutor T1, the aircraft used to train RAF pilots.

Henderson said: "With the Red Arrows confirmed for both days, we're shaping up an exceptional programme, with even more exciting additions still to be announced."

Tendring District Council A large crowd of people watching the show on the seafront in Clacton. They are either standing above the concrete sea wall or sitting on camping chairs on the beach. — Crowds lined the beach last year to watch an array of aircraft take flight

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