Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (RAF BBMF), known at first as the Historic Aircraft Flight, was founded at RAF Biggin Hill, the famous Battle of Britain airfield in Kent. When it began on July 11, 1957, it only had three PR Mk XIX Spitfires and the RAF’s last airworthy Hurricane, LF363. (Three of these aircraft still serve with the BBMF today.)
In the years since, the BBMF has seen many changes and the Flight has evolved from being a small, entirely volunteer unit without any official funding into a regular, supported
RAF unit, funded by the Ministry of Defence and manned by established, full-time Service personnel to maintain its remarkable collection of 12 historic aircraft.
With a team of two full-time RAF pilots (the Commanding Officer and the Operations Officer), 37 RAF engineers, and five administrative staff, the BBMF operates six Spitfires, two Hawker Hurricanes, an Avro Lancaster four-engine bomber (one of only two airworthy examples in the world), a C-47 Dakota, and two DH Chipmunk training aircraft. All the other aircrew are carefully selected RAF personnel who volunteer in their own time to fly with the BBMF.
At the heart of the Flight’s ethos is the long-term preservation of its authentic, historic aircraft in airworthy condition. The BBMF personnel believe passionately that these aircraft should be kept where they belong, in the air, as a living memorial to those who have gone before.
The Flight’s commemorative role is perhaps its most important. For many people the sight and sound of the BBMF aircraft has long been a tangible demonstration of respect and gratitude for those who designed, built, maintained and crewed the RAF aircraft during WW II, reminding all who see them of the debt we owe to those who paid the ultimate price in the service of their country, fighting to preserve the freedom of others. Although the BBMF was originally formed to commemorate the RAF airmen who died during WW II and particularly during the Battle of Britain, it now flies in tribute to all those who have lost their lives in service with the Royal Air Force or its predecessor, the Royal Flying Corps, from 1914 up to the present day.
The BBMF symbolizes excellence, dedication and service, and promotes the Royal Air Force and its heritage by displaying its aircraft on the ground and in the air on as many occasions as possible, while hoping to inspire all those who see them fly.
The BBMF Visitor Centre provides a gateway to the
Flight’s hangar at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England, and allows visitors to see the BBMF aircraft at rest and under maintenance, on guided tours of the hangar.