BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT

BBMF visit Ireland for the Irish Air Corp 100th Anniversary.

In July, the BBMF took part in a very special visit to Ireland to take part in events planned for the 100th anniversary of the Irish Air Corps.

Arriving in Ireland despite troublesome weather on UK soil, the BBMF Lancaster and Hawker Hurricane were met in the skies above Dublin by the Silver Swallows Aerobatic Display Team, flying in an iconic formation over the River Liffey.

Upon arrival into Casement Aerodrome, 103-year-old war veteran Group Captain John “Paddy” Hemingway, the sole surviving member of “The Few”, was reunited with the Hawker Hurricane – his office during the Summer of 1940. Speaking about the events in Ireland and of meeting Paddy, OC BBMF Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden said “To meet any veteran is an honour, but to reacquaint Paddy with his beloved Hurricane and “his office” was one of those moments I will never forget. Arriving in the Republic of Ireland, greeted by the Silver Swallows, was an incredible moment and a BBMF first. The centenary celebrations and meeting a national treasure will always be a standout moment during my time on BBMF.”

BBMF Annual Members Day.

On Saturday 1st October, the BBMF ended the 2022 display season with their annual Members Day event. The event is a way to thank members of the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association and the Memorial Flight Official Club for their invaluable support to the flight and its activities.

The event was attended by over 2500 members, who were treated to static displays of the Flights aircraft as well as the Typhoon Display Jet and a Mustang from Rolls-Royce. The 2 and a half hour flying display included the iconic Spitfire and Typhoon combination, followed by a Typhoon Display by 2022 Display Pilot Flt Lt Adam “Paddy” O’Hare. The BBMF’s 2022 displays wowed the crowds and included a thrilling Tailchase by the Spitfire and Hurricane, and the Rolls-Royce Mustang and Spitfire also performed displays. On the ground, there were also classic car displays and 20 exhibitor stands showcasing everything from the Flights new Spitfire Simulator to sales of classic art and aircraft memorabilia. A fantastic day was had by all, and the event has been heralded a complete success!

BBMF PR Team attend 13 Events during the 2022 Display Season.

During the 2022 display season, our team of dedicated volunteers from various roles around the RAF attended 13 events around the UK. This included major air shows such as RIAT, Eastbourne and Bournemouth as well as supporting local events such as the Woodhall Spa 1940’s Festival. They also attended educational events such as the STEAM event for 10,000 children at Thorpe Park.

Every member of our PR team has an exceptional work ethic, and their passion for the Flight and our historic aircraft shows with their dedication seeing them travel the length of the country and working extremely long days to provide the public face of BBMF. The flight cannot thank our volunteers enough for everything they do throughout each display season!

BBMF Personnel join George Dunn to celebrate his 100th Birthday.

This year, World War 2 bomber pilot and veteran, George Dunn, turned 100 years old. Personnel from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight were honoured to be able to celebrate his special day with him at a birthday party organised in his home village of Rottingdean, Brighton.

The Flight’s Admin Officer Diane Law-Crookes spoke of the BBMF’s relationship with George, saying “It is always wonderful to catch up with our good friend George, but to be able to celebrate his 100th birthday with him was a very special event and it meant a great deal to us all to be invited along”.

The BBMF have a very special relationship with George, who regularly visits the flight. He has held numerous talks for personnel at RAF Coningsby and attends our veterans’ events. He also joined our PR team at Eastbourne Airshow this year, where he enjoyed the Spitfire display flown by OC BBMF, Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden and took part in our Virtual Reality Lancaster experience.

RAF Coningsby Station Commander Matt Peterson and Bomber Pilot Neil “Faz” Farrell Fly BBMF Aircraft for the last time on Members Day.

The BBMF Annual Members’ Day was a resounding success this year, but the day was also tinged with an element of sadness as it marked the final flight both with BBMF and in the RAF for Station Commander Group Captain Matthew Peterson, and the final flight with the BBMF for Bomber Pilot Flight Lieutenant Neil “Faz” Farrell.

Upon departing their respective aircraft for the final time, both Gp Cpt Peterson and Flt Lt Farrell were greeted by their families, OC BBMF, fellow BBMF Aircrew and a team of engineers who led a round of applause and offered their congratulations and thanks for everything they have done during their time on the Flight.

Everyone at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight wish Gp Cpt Peterson and Flt Lt Farrell all the very best in their next ventures!

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