BBMF – Aircraft histories – Current aircraft.

 BBMF – Aircraft Histories – Current aircraft. – Updated 28th September 2019.
PA474 – Taken at RAF Coningsby 25th April 2011.

_MG_2091

 BBMF – History.

To mark the 60th year of the BBMF I have put together a page on the history of the unit and it’s fleet of  very unique aircraft. The histories of all the BBMF fleet are being added to all the time, If you can add or amend the data please drop me an e-mail at kevin_good123@hotmail.com
The early days.
Mid 1957 the Biggin Hill station commander Wg Cdr Peter Thompson DFC had one of the last Hawker Hurricanes left in the RAF based with the station flight, he asked if he could keep the Hawker Hurricane IIc LF363 to form a flight so the right aircraft types used in the Battle of Britain could be represented in flypasts and displays, Permission was granted but the servicing had to be done on a voluntary basis at no cost. the unit was to be called the Memorial Flight.
13th June 1957 three ex Thum Flight Spitfire PR XIXe were delivered to RAF Biggin Hill from RAF Woodvale for use by the new flight, of the three Spitfires only one PM631 would be retained,PS915 was wfu and sent to RAF West Malling on gate guard duty, PS853  was used to guard the gate at RAF West Raynham.The flight replaced 2 of it’s three PR XIX Spitfires with three Spitfire F.XVI’s TE330,TE476 and SL574
Over the years the flight has had it’s up’s and downs with the Spitfire LF XVIe’s proving to be problematic  they were retired, TE330 was presented to the USAF Academy in exchange for a P-51D  Mustang ,  The second TE476 went to the gate at RAF West Raynham and the third SL574 was sent to guard the gate at RAF Bentley Priory. This left the flight at this time with just two aircraft Spitfire PR XIX PM631 and the Hurricane IIc LF363.
April 1964 Spitfire PR XIXe PS853 re -joined after being returned to flight.
1965 Spitfire Vc AB910  which was donated by Vickers Armstrong.
September 1968 following the end of filming the movie “Battle of Britain ” in 1968 Spitfire IIa P7350 was donated to the flight, This Spitfire flew in the real battle of Britain.
March 1969 the flight was renamed as Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
29th March 1972 marked the arrival of  Hurricane IIc PZ865 the last Hurricane built,this was donated by Hawker’s.
November 1973 Lancaster BI PA474 was added after being flown by 44Sqn at Waddington with the aircraft being coded KM-B.
1976 – BBMF moved to RAF Coningsby the flight established themselves for life in South Lincs.
April 1983 – Chipmunk T10’s  WK518 and WP855 arrived  for training pilots on the art of flying tail Draggers  before they get there hands on a Hurricane or Spitfire,
April 1985  The unit aquired DH104 Devon C2 VP981 in the April of 1985 as a support aircraft to operate when aircraft were operated away from Coningsby.
April 1987 Spitfire PR XIXe PS915 re-joined the fold after being returned to airworthy status by BAe at Salmesbury.
September 1991– A major blow to the flight was the crash landing of Hurricane IIc LF363 at Wittering in  while en route to the Channel Islands. The Hurricane was severely damaged by the pursuing fire,
April 1993 a Douglas Dakota III was transferred from Boscombe Down to replace the DH104 Devon which was later sold. The Dakota was sent to Air Atlanique’s  base at Coventry and had it’s “Raspberry Ripple” paint scheme replaced with WW II marks and coded YS-DM/248Sqn. The Dakota is used to train the Lancaster Crew and is also used to display at many airshows, The Dakota is also used for para dropping and support of the flight, the codes were changed to YS-H then ‘AI ‘/267Sqn marks. The currant Sqn marks on the Dakota  are  of  UK/233Sqn.
17th February 1995 – Spitfire PR XIX PS853 was sold to Euan English at North Weald  to raise the funds needed to rebuild the Hurricane IIc LF363.
1995 Chipmunk T10 WG486 arrived in an all white scheme from service with RAF Germany, this replaced WP855 .
1997 saw the arrival of another Spitfire this time a clipped winged LF IXe MK356  a WWII veteran with a good pedigree. this wore it’s 441(Hornet)Sqn RCAF marks that it wore when based at RAF Digby in April 1944. This was fitted with the clipped wings from Spitfire SL674.

IMG_4033_edited

October 2001 marked the arrival of two Spitfires XIV’s TE311 and TB382 for reduction to spare parts, Only TB382 became spare parts while TE311 has spent eleven years being rebuilt before it’s first flight  , This is the same Mk LF XVIe type of Spitfire that flew in the early days of the BBMF at Biggen Hill in 1957.
2007 – 50th Anniversary season – the original four aircraft, LF363,PM631,PS853 & PS915 flew again together.

IMG_4546 (2)

October 2007 MK356 was sent for overhaul to ARC at Duxford, The clipped wings were returned to standard elliptical shape during this time and the Spitfire was painted to represent “MJ250” in the Silver scheme of 601(County of London) when it operated in Italy in 1943 coded UF-Q.
29th October  2012TE311 had an eventful first flight after 11 year rebuild when being flown by OC BBMF Sqn Ldr Smith could not get it’s undercarriage down , after a fair few passes it eventually retracted and landed in one piece.

The loan of a T-6 Havard  is also used to train pilots just as it did in World War 2.

HS1A4885

Bases used 1957 –  Current.
RAF Biggin Hill                            July 1957  – March 1958
RAF North Weald                        March 1958  – May 1958
RAF Martlesham                          May 1958 – November 1961
RAF Horsham St Faith               November 1961 – April 1963
RAF Coltishall                              April 1963  – March 1976
Barkston Heath                            Based between 2002 – 2004 when RAF Coningsby runway was being rebuilt. Regular                                                                  Chipmunk flights  using the grass runway as the Admin stayed at Coningsby.
RAF Coningsby                       March 1976  – Current.

The BBMF for the 2017 season have a very special display with the Lancaster and four Spitfire and the Lancaster with two Spitfire and two Hurricane, First flown on the 10th July it is a fitting tribute to the crews that paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Lest we forget.

HS1A1575

PZ865,TE311,LF363,P7350 & AB910 line up outside on the BBMF ramp. – June 2017.

HS1A7309

2018 season is the 100 year anniversary of the Royal Air Force, The BBMF have put a new flying program together as the Trenchard formation with the Lancaster, Dakota and as many as five fighters flying in close formation.

This display has been a big hit with the public at both RAF Cosford in June and the RIAT at RAF Fairford in July. The end of season brings  the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association event at the end of September, this is normally on a Sunday but due to the cancellation of the event due to bad weather it has been moved to Saturday 29th this year, This was the last display for the OC Sqn leader Andy “Milli” Millikin and he chose AB910 to do it. The Lancaster , two Hurricane’s and two Spitfire’s were used in good sunny weather. Sqn leader Mark “Disco” Discombe AFC has become the new OC of BBMF.
LLA day 2018.
Lancaster B1 PA474.

Hurricane IIc LF363 & Hurricane IIC PZ865

Spitfire Vb  AB910 & Spitfire LF IXe  MK356


The Fighters

cropped-MG_18302.jpg


Hawker Hurricane IIc : LF363
C/N : 41H/469290
Status : Airworthy
History :
First Flight, January 1, 1944.
Delivered to RAF, January 28, 1944– Accepted by 5 MU at RAF Kemble.
Allocated to 63Sqn  Based at RAF Turnhouse Scotland.  30th March  – 23rd May  1944
Allocated to 309 (Polish)Sqn/WC-F  Based at RAF Dram in Scotland. 23rd May 1944
Allocated to 63Sqn  Based at RAF Turnhouse Scotland. 2nd November 1944
Allocated to  26 Sqn.  Based at RAF Trangmere. –  August 1944 – December 1944.
Allocated to 62 OTU Based at RAF Ouston  December 1944 – 20th August 1945
Allocated to 146Sqn   renamed 63Sqn Based at RAF Middle Wallop20th August 1945  –  21st June 1947
August 1947 – Allocated to Fighter Command Communications Sqn Based at RAF Northolt – Wore a silver scheme with red spinner
6th February 1948 – Allocated to RAF Thorney Island Stn flt . 
15th September 1948 – Air Vice Marshall Sir Stanley Vincent DFC AFC  led the Queens birthday flypast over London  on loosing a panel he landed at RAF West Malling for temporarily repairs before returning to Thorney island.
29th October 1948 – Flown to Hawkers at Langley for  overhaul.
20th April  1949 – On delivery back to Thorney Island from Langley LF363 made a wheels up landing, the repairs were done at Thorney Island.
13th June  1949Re -allocated to RAF Thorney Island Stn flt   
27th June 1949 – LF363 was painted Blue with a Red spinner for use as the personal mount of Air Vice Marshall Sir Stanley Vincent with his crest and 11 Fighter group badge on the side.
September 1949 – LF363 lead the Battle of Britain flypast over London flown by Air Com  Stanley Vincent.
28th November 1949 – LF363 was flown to Hawkers at Langley for storage.
August 1950 – Hawker’s returned LF363  back to flight status.
1st September 1950 –  Allocated to RAF Waterbeach Stn flt,
May 1951 – Flown to 19MU at St Athan for servicing, This found LF363 was needing mods and remove the cannon tubes in the wings..
Flown to Hawkers at Langley for mods and painted in Camo markings with a water based paint.
July 1951 – Flown to RAF Kenley Stn flt  for use in the movie “Angel One Five” marked as P2615 coded US-B.
18th September 1951 – Returned to Hawkers for re-fitting of the Cannon tubes and return to Blue marks.
Allocated to RAF Biggin Hill Stn flt
6th November 1951 delivered to RAF Waterbeach Stn flt.
1955 – Appeared in a BBC television series –  The War In the Air.
August 1955 – Returned to RAF Kenley Station Flight for use in the movie Reach for the Sky.
September 1955 – LF363 was returned to Hawkers at Langley for a major overhaul and repaint to overall silver marking..
10th June 1957- Allocated to RAF Biggin Hill Stn flt.
Transferred to the Battle of Britain Flight as it’s founder member, It’s first BoB duty was 15th September 1957 leading the Battle of Britain flypast over London.
Allocated  Camo marking with a red spinner.  1957  – 1968
1957 – Flown to RAF Northolt for use in the filming of “The one that got away”.
1968 – Appeared in movie “Battle of Britain Film” ,marks used in the film codes were   F, MI-A, MI-D, MI-H, KV-C and serials  H3420, H3421, H3422.
1968 – Returned to the Battle of Britain flight
Allocated marks 242Sqn/LE-D (thin) –  Gp Cpt D.R.S Bader marks  – 1969 – 1972.
Allocated marks 242Sqn/LE-D (Thick) – Gp Cpt D.R.S Bader marks – 1973 – 1978.
Allocated marks 249(gold coast)Sqn/GN-F Gp Cpt J.B.Nicolson’s V.C  marks  1979 – 1982.
Allocated marks  85Sqn/VY-X  Black marks  1983 – 1986. ( Slide taken at Coningsby 23/3/83 )
Allocated  marks 79Sqn/NV-L                           1987 – 1989.
Allocated marks 249Sqn/GN-A                         1989 – 1991.  ( Slide taken Fairford 7/90 )
Crashed and burned at RAF Wittering after engine failure, September 11, 1991.
Remains stored at Coningsby                             1991 – 1994
Rebuilt to airworthy by Historic Flying Ltd  – 1994-1998.
RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight  September 29, 1998.
Allocated marks  56Sqn/US-C                           1998  – 2005   ( Slide taken at Coningsby  7/01 )
Allocated marks  17Sqn/YB-W                           2006 – 2013

_MG_5781

Fabric recovered at BBMF Coningsby  – Painted in silver undercoat  – Photo  taken – May – 2014

IMG_0331

_MG_2428

Allocated marks  1(F)Sqn/JX-B  – 2014 – 2017

HS1A0920

LF363  1(F)Sqn/JX-B with the prop and blue spinner loaned from PZ865-  4th May 2017 – 12th May 2017.

HS1A9158

Reverted back to Black spinner 13/5/17, this was taken 28/5/17.

HS1A5376

LF363 Allocated dual marks late May 2017 – starboard GN-F/249Sqn  & Port  SD-A/501Sqn – marks f/f 3/6/17  2017 – current.

HS1A5904

HS1A5930
LF363 returned to it’s 1(F)Sqn makings coded JX-B for the 2019 season.
LF363 returning after sunset 19th September 2019.
.

Hawker Hurricane IIc : PZ865
Last Hurricane built.
First flight, Langley, July 22, 1944.
Hawker Aircraft Ltd, Langley  August 1944-1946 used for trails.
Hawker Aircraft Ltd, Langley  Open stored   1946 – 1950.
Hawker Aircraft Ltd, Dunsfold, May 1  –  1950-1972.
Registered as G-AMAU. Blue and gold  marks : Race No.41.
Flew in movie Battle of Britain in 1968 using the codes . H, MI-C , MI-D, MI-G, KV-A, KV-M, and the serials
H3421, H3423, H3424 and OK-I.
Allocated  Camo   “Last of the many”                        1968 – 1972
RAF Battle Of Britain Flight –                                     March 29 1972- Current
Allocated marks  257Sqn/DT-A                                  1972 – 1977
Allocated marks  111Sqn/JU-Q                                   1978 –  1981
Allocated Camo “Last of the many”                           1982 – 1988      ( Slide taken at Wyton 16/7/83 )
Allocated marks  303(Polish)Sqn/RF-U                  1989 – 1992.      ( Slide taken at Mildenhall Show   92)
Allocated marks 261Sqn/ J  -Desert Camo              1993 – 1998       (Slide taken at Duxford  UK1-30-212A)
Allocated marks  5Sqn/Q   SEAC  marks                  1999 – 2004      ( Slide taken Coningsby 5/00 )
Allocated marks  1Sqn/JX-E                                       2005 – 2010      (Slide taken Coningsby 4/05 )

PZ865 (2)

To ARCO Duxford  for Major overhaul   –  15 November 2010 – 2012
Allocated 34Sqn/EG-S  SEAC marks            2012 – 2019.
HS1A8460
.

Spitfire F IIa : P7350
C/n : CBAF.14
UK Civil Registered :  G-AWIJ 29/2/1968 – 29/2/1984
Status : Airworthy.

HS1A3266

History:
April 12, 1938 – Ordered as part of contract B981687/39,
1940- Built by Supermarine at the Castle Bromwich factory Birmingham. 14th Spitfire built here.
Rolls-Royce Merlin XII Engine -fitted. f/f 9th August 1940.
13th August 1940 – Delivered to Royal Air Force as P7350 – To 6 MU  at  RAF Brize Norton by Alex Henshaw.
6th September 1940 Allocated to 266 (Rhodesia) Sqn/UO-T : Based at RAF Wittering, The 266 Sqn moved to Matlesham Heath then to Collyweston
17th Oct 1940 – Allocated to 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn/XT-W ?  : Based at RAF Hornchurch, .
25th Oct 1940 –Force landing near Hastings after combat damage from a Bf109. Repairs to  Cannon holes still in evidence until major service in 2008.
31st October 1940 Sent to 1 CRU for repair  at Cowley Oxon,
December 7 1940 Allocated to 37 MU  at  RAF Burtonwood for storage .
March 18 1941  Allocated to 616 (South Yorkshire) Sqn RAF Tangmere.
April 10 1941  Allocated to 64 Sqn : based at RAF Hornchurch .
August 1941 –  Damaged in a Landing accident .
August 5 1941 – To Scottish Aviation at  Prestwick for overhaul & repair.
January 29 1942 Allocated to 37 MU at RAF Burtonwood,
Spitfire IIA was withdrawn from front line operational flying.
April 27 1942 Allocated to Central Gunnery School Based at RAF Sutton Bridge.
Suffered- Cat B damage in landing accident at Sutton Bridge.,
February 4, 1943 –Sent to AST at  RAF Hamble for repairs
March 20, 1943 -Repaired and ready for collection at Hamble.
March 23 1943 – Allocated to 6 MU at  RAF Brize Norton, .
March 31 1943 – Allocated to 57 OTU Based at RAF Eshott,  –
April 22, 1944.CAT  B damaged when another Spitfire taxied into P7350 at RAF Eshott
April 30 1944 – Sent to AST at Hamble  for repairs.
July 13 1944 – Repaired and awaiting collection from Hamble.
July 24 1944 – Delivered to 39 MU RAF Colerne. Stored.
July 8 1948 – Declared non-effective stock and sold for £25 as scrap to John Dale & Sons Ltd.
At this stage P7 had a lot of luck and was donated to RAF Colerne Collection by Dales.
RAF Colerne Collection – Static display.
March 3, 1967 –To RAF Henlow by road for restoration to airworthy condition,
April 25, 1968 – Registered as G-AWIJ to Spitfire Productions Ltd but the Ministry Of Defence retained ownership.
May 20 1968 – Flown to Duxford and appeared in the Film ‘Battle of Britain’ ,During the film P7350 wore the
serials N3310,N3312,N3317 & N3321 during the film with codes AI-A,AI-E,BO-H,CD-C & CD-M.
When the filming was finished P7350 was returned to RAF..
October 1968 –Allocated to the Battle of Britain Flight Based at RAF Coltishall.
November 5 1968 – Delivered to RAF Coltishall.
January 1 1969  – Name change to Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Allocated marks of  266 Sqn/ZH-T from 1969 until 1972.
Allocated marks of  266 Sqn/UO-T from 1972 until 1977.
March 1 1976  The Flight moved to RAF Coningsby.
Allocated marks of   19 Sqn/QV-B from 1978 until 1981.
Allocated marks of  64Sqn/SH-D  from 1982 until 1984.( Slide taken at Wyton 6/83 )
Allocated marks of   41 Sqn/EB-Z from 1985 until 1988. ( Slide taken at Mildenhall 6/86 )
Allocated marks of   266Sqn/UO-T from 1989 until 1990.
Allocated marks of  65 Sqn/YT-F from 1991 until 1993.
July 29 1992 – Damaged on take-off, RAF Chivenor,
Allocated marks of  72 Sqn/RN-S from 1993 until 1997  ( Slide taken at Duxford  1996 )
Allocated marks of  277 (Air Sea Rescue) Sqn/BA-Y from 1997 to Sept 2000.
To RAF St. Athan for major overhaul, September 25, 2000.
Delivered back to BBMF  RAF Coningsby. – June 6, 2001.
Allocated marks of  603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn/XT-D from  2001 until 2006 ( Slide taken at Coningsby 6/2001 )
Allocated marks of  603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn/XT-W from  May 2006 until May 2007.
Allocated marks of  603(City of Edinburgh) Sqn/XT-L from May 2007 until  Sept 2008.

IMG_4817

September 29 2008 – To the Aircraft Restoration Company, Duxford for major service,
First test flight September 16, 2009.
Delivered back to BBMF  RAF Coningsby, September 2009
Allocated marks 92 Sqn/QJ-K, 2009 – 2011

_MG_1810

Allocated marks 41 Sqn/EB-G the aircraft flown by Ace Flt Lt Eric Lock. –  from   2011  – 2017

HS1A2245

Allocated dual marks starboard side  92Sqn/QJ-G and Port side 19Sqn/QV-E marks  f/f 3/6/17 – from  2017 .
HS1A5868
HS1A5893To Biggin Hill 21st November 2017 for overhaul by the Spitfire Company  c/s “Spitfire 90”.
P7350 will have markings of Al Deere’s  54Sqn “KIWI III” below each side of the cockpit coded KL-B.
P7350 was delivered back to Coningsby on 26th July 2019.
P7350 made it’s first public appearance in the static at RAF Coningsby at the Members day on 28th September 2019.
.

 Spitfire LF Vb : AB910
C/n : CBAF.1061
UK civil registered  : G-AISU – 25th Oct 1946 – 22nd Aug 1955.
Status . Airworthy
History  :Built by Supermarine at the Castle Bromwich factory Birmingham, 1941.
1941 – Delivered to Royal Air Force as AB910.
August 22 – 1941  Allocated to  222(Natal) Squadron/ZD-C  codes based at North Weald.
Damaged in combat at the end of August 1941 in made a forced landing a Lympne.
Repaired at AST  Hamble it was flown to 37MU at RAF Burtonwood.
Allocated to 130(Punjab)Sqn PJ- codes at RAF Perranporth Cornwall and flew 12 missions, Damaged in combat .
15th January 1942 – To Westland Aircraft Company at Yeovil for repair.
June 1942 – Allocated to 133 (Eagle) Sqn/MD-E  at RAF Biggin Hill  it flew 29 missions.
September 1942 –   Allocated to 242Sqn/LE- H  at  Turnhouse in Scotland.
November  1942 – Delivered to 12MU at RAF Kirkbride in Scotland.
July 1943 –  January 1944 Allocated to 416(RCAF) Sqn  Based at RAF  Trangmere.
Allocated to No. 3501 Support Unit  based at Middle Wallop,
Allocated to 402(RCAF) Sqn/AE- codes based at RAF Digby.
Allocated to 53 OTU at RAF Hibalstow.
Allocated to 527Sqn at RAF Hibalstow.
Allocated to Radio Warfare Establishment at RAF Digby.
May 30, 1945- To storage at 29 MU RAF High Ercall. .
October 25th 1946. Declared non-effective stock and sold  to Group Captain Allan H Weeler.
UK  civil Registered as G-AISU  25th October 1955
Group Captain Weeler used the Spitfire for Air racing- Flew as race #82, After a heavy landing  at the 1953 Kings cup air race AB910 went sent to Vickers Armstrong for overhaul.
19th May 1955 Transferred to Vickers Armstrong at Bristol.
22nd August 1955  reverted back to Military serial AB910, It was flown by Test pilot Jeffery Quill at Displays on a regular basis.
September 1965 Vickers-Armstrong Ltd., Weybridge, May 1955-1965.
Donated to RAF  RAF Battle Of Britain FlightSeptember 15 1965- To date.
Allocated marks  92Sqn/QJ-J(thin)            1965 – 1968.
Flew in Battle of Britain Movie made in     1968.
Flew with serials N3312,N3313,N3315,N3318,N3319,N3321 & N3322 with codes AI-C,AI-D,AI-F,AI-H,AI-J,AI-H,
AI-M, AI-N, CD-D, CD-F, CD-K, DO-M.
Returned to the RAF after the Film.
Allocated marks 145Sqn/SO-T                    1 969 – 1972.
Allocated marks 92Sqn/QJ-J (Thick)         1973 – 1978.
Damaged during landing at Duxford,          June 1976.
Badly damaged in ground collision with Harvard, Bex, Switzerland, August 21, 1978.
Rebuilt at RAF Abingdon using parts from MK732     1978  – 1981
Rebuilt and returned to Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight, October 26, 1981.
Allocated marks 603(City of Edinburgh)Sqn/XT-M  1981 – 1985. ( Slide taken Coningsy 3/83 )
To Cranfield for Servicing 1985.
Allocated marks 457Sqn/BP-O 1986 – 1989 ( Slide taken at Waddington 7/88 )
Allocated marks 41Sqn/EB-J “The Guinne Pig Club” 1990
Allocated marks 133(Eagle)Sqn/MD-E  1991  –  1993
Allocated  marks 402(RCAF)Sqn/AE-H1994 – 1998. Invasion Stripes ( Slide taken Duxford 6/96)
Restored to airworthy, Audley End.
Allocated marks 133(Eagle)Sqn/XR-A. – First flight, March 3, 1997 in marks.
Airfreighted to Nellis AFB, NV for airshow, April 1997.
Reverted to 402(RCAF)Sqn/AE-H marks 1997 – 1998
Allocated marks 222(Natal)Sqn/ZD-C  1999 – 2002  (Slide taken at Coningsby 10/01 )
Restored at  Duxford, UK, 2002-2003.
Allocated marks 244 Group/IR-G Dessert marks. 2003 – 2006 ( Slide taken at Coningsby  9/04 )
Allocated marks 303(Polish)Sqn/RF-D, 2007  – 2009

IMG_4713

011

Overhauled  2009-2010.
Sill marked 303(Polish)Sqn/RF-D   2010 –  2013

Allocated marks   133(Eagle)Sqn/MD-E      2013  –  2014
024
Restoration by Aircraft Restoration Company, Duxford, circa 2014-2015.
Allocated marks 64Sqn/SH-F     2015–  current

HS1A9731

HS1A9687

.

Spitfire LF IXc : MK356 
C/n  : CBAF.1561
Status . Airworthy
History:
Built under Contract No. B981687/39
Built by Supermarine at the Castle Bromwich factory Birmingham early 1944
Fitted with a Rolls Royce Merlin 66 Engine.
4th February  1944 – Delivered to 9MU at Cosford.
11thMarch 1944 – Allocated to 443(RCAF)Sqn  B flight /21-V at RAF Digby.
18th March 1944443(RCAF)Sqn  B flight /21-V moved to Holmsey Marsh.
27th March 1944443(RCAF)Sqn B flight /21-V moved to Hutton Cranswick
9th April 1944443(RCAF)Sqn B flight /21-V moved to RAF Cosford.
14th April 1944 – MK356 flew it’s first Operation sortie over Paris.
23rd April 1944443(RCAF)Sqn B flight /21-V moved to RAF  Funtingdon.
14th May 1944443(RCAF)Sqn B flight /21-V moved to RAF Ford.
While with this unit it flew 60 sorties, Was damaged in combat 3 times.
Credited with a half kill on Bf 109.
On June 13, 1944, while flown by F/O Gordon Monroe it lost a main wheel on take-off. On
return from patrol F/O Gordon Monroe made a wheels up landing.
Transferred to 84GSU at Bognor Regis for repairs (not completed) when unit moved to France.
2nd October 1945. 1951  1 SOTT at RAF Halton as a instructional airframe and issued 5690M,
1953-1958 RAF Hawkinge, – Displayed as gate guard  as M5690 in a Silver scheme.
1958-1961 RAF Hawkinge, – Displayed as gate guard  as M5690 then later MK356 in a Camo  scheme.
1962 -1966  RAF Bicester  – MK356 was overhauled and recoded  2J-
1966-1967 -RAF Locking – Pole mounted  still coded 2J-
1967-1968 – Moved to RAF Henlow and converted to look like a Spitfire I for use in movie “Battle Of Briatin” in static scenes   as N3328/ coded AI-R & N3317 coded BO- used in filming at North Weald & Duxford.
August 1968 – Returned to RAF Henlow and converted  back to Spitfire MkIX standard then Stored until the 18th Aug 1969.
1969-1997.RAF Museum, RAF St. Athan, August 18 1969,
1991-1997 – Restored to airworthy, RAF St. Athan   fitted with clipped wings from SL674.
November 7 1997   –  First flight.
November 14 1997Delivered to the  BBMF at RAF Coningsby.
Allotted marks 443 (RCAF)Sqn/21-V          1997 – 2006
IMG_4033_edited

MK356

To Duxford for overhaul and wings modified to regular shaped wings.  October 2007 – 2008.
Allocated marks all silver scheme of No 601 (County of London) Sqn/UF-Q   2008 – 2012.

 IMG_1238
To Duxford for servicing and repaint. 2012 – 2013.
17th October 2013 – Returned to BBMF in 126Sqn marks with the wrong coloured Spinner.

_MG_3090

2013 – 2017  Allocated marks 126Sqn marks/5J-K  “KAY”.

_MG_5195

1/3/17 – To Biggin Hill for overhaul and repaint.
Delivered back to Coningsby 8/11/17 in Desert Camo 92Sqn/QJ-3 markings.

First flight of the 2018 season was on the 20th April.

MK356 displaying at the LLA day 29th September 2018.
.

PM631 : Spitfire PR XIXe
C/n  : 6S-683528
Status : Airworthy
History : Built by Vickers-Armstrong at Reading, UK, late 1945.
Engine: fitted with a Rolls Royce Griffon 66.
6th November 1945 – Delivered to 6MU at RAF Brize Norton.
6th May 1949 – 13th January 1950 – Delivered to 203 Advanced Flying School at RAF Driffield.
13th January 1950 Delivered to 9MU at RAF Cosford –
Spent a short time at Buckeburg Air Base in Germany before returning back to 9MU at RAF Cosford.
2nd July 1951 – Delivered to Short Brothers at Hooten Park, – Assigned to Meteorological Research Flight.
July 13th 1951Meteorological Research Flight moved to Woodvale, – Used for temperature and humidity flights
until June 1957.
Delivered on June 14 1957Memorial  Flight at RAF Biggin Hill.
Allocated marks  Camo with no unit marks     1957 – 1966
PM631 was loaned to Central Fighter Establishment in 1964 at RAF Binbrook for use against BAC Lightnings to train pilots that might come up again P-51D mustangs in Indonisia.
Allocated marks Camo 11Sqn/AD-C                  1967 – 1968
1968 -Flown to RAF Henlow and loaned to Spitfire Productions for conversion to look like a Spitfire Mk 1 for the film Battle of Britain.
Flown in movie Battle of Britain in 1968 with serials  N3317, N3320, N3329 and codes AI-S, BO-S & DO-N.
August 1968 – Returned to RAF Henlow and converted  back to Spitfire PR XIXe  standard.
Returned to BBMF
Allocated marks Camo 11Sqn/AD-C           1968 – 1983
Allocated marks Camo  91Sqn/DL-E          1984 – 1989  (Slide taken at Brize Norton 7/86 )
Overhauled at College of Technology at Cranfield winter 1989 – 1990 ( Slide bare metal  Cranfield 4/90 )
Allocated marks Camo 11Sqn/N SEAC       1990 – 1995  ( slide taken at RIAT  7/95)
Allocated marks Blue  681Sqn/S                  1996 –  2001 ( Slide taken at Coningsby 6/99 )
Allocated marks Blue  541Sqn                      2002 – 2003 (Slide taken Cby 7/03 )
Allocated marks Blue  81Sqn/Invasion stripes 2004 – 2016
Allocated marks Blue 541Sqn /Invation stripes 2019 –

IMG_0336

_MG_1756

Allocated marks PR blue 81Sqn with Invasion stripes,

IMG_4360

PM631 stored awaiting an engine – (Stored since 2015)

HS1A2463

21st July 2018 – the new Griffon engine is in place.

Another update September 7th 2018.

January 2019
Engine runs have started with a first flight not far away.
PM631 took to the air on 27th February 2019 for the first time since  2015 in 541Sqn markings.
PS915 has been put into storage at Coningsby with PM631 flying again for the 2019 season in 541Sqn markings.
PM631 has been fitted with the red and white spinner , first flown 5th September  while her spinner is being repaired.

.

PS853 : Spitfire PR XIXe
C/N 6S-683528
UK civil Registered – G-RRGN  23 December 1996 – Current.
Rolls Royce  Griffon 58 engine fitted.
History
January 13, 1945 – Delivered to Central Photographic Reconnaissance Unit at RAF Benson.
February 1945 -Delivered to  16Sqn at Melsbroek Belgium.
Delivered to 268Sqn this Sqn was then renumbered to 16Sqn on the 18th December 1945.
18th September 1945–  16Sqn at Crelle France.
March 1946 –  Delivered to 29MU at High Ercall for storage.
17th January  1949 – Cat B damaged in a flying accident.
9th March – Delivered to Vickers at Southampton for repairs.
February 29 1950  – Delivered to 6 MU at RAF Quedgeley.
July 1950 – Delivered to Short Brothers at Hooten Park.
Assigned to Meteorological Research Flight.- Final flight June 9, 1957.
June 14th 1957 – Delivered to  Memorial Flight at  Biggin Hill  –
November 8 1957 – Delivered to 32 MU at RAF St  Athan .
December 20 1957– Delivered to Biggin Hill  Station flight.
March 1 1958– Delivered to North Weald Station flight.
April 14th 1958 – Delivered to Central Fighter Establishment at Binbrook to fly against BAe Lightning as the Lightning may come up against P-51 Mustangs in Indonisia.
May 1st, 1958.  SOC
Delivered to RAF West Raynham as a Gate Guardian as 7548M    1958-1961
.
Delivered to 19 MU at St Athan –  Restored to flying condition.
Delivered to RAF West Raynham November                                       1962-1964.
April 14 1964 -Transferred to BBMF at RAF Colishall ,                    1964 – 1968.
Flown in movie Battle of Britain with Serials N3314, N3316, N3319,N3321 codes worn – AI-E, AI-G, AI-M, CD-C, EI-K .
Returned to the BBMF   September 1968.
Allocated as 16Sqn/C       PR Blue                                                             1968 -1995 ( Slide taken Fairford 1990 )
Sold to Euan English, North Weald  February 17,                                1995-1996.
Sold to Rolls Royce PLC, Corporate Heritage Dept, Bristol-Filton,  1996- Current.
PS853 departing Coningsby on the 3rd July 2008.

IMG_0569

Registered as G-RRGN, December 23 1996. – Flown in blue RAF scheme as PS853/C in 16Sqn marks. Based at East Midlands Airport.

IMG_4563


PS915 :   Spitfire PR XIXe  
C/N 6S-595121
Built  at Southampton April 1945
17th April 1945 – Delivered to 6MU at RAF Brize Norton
26th April 1945 – Delivered to RAF Benson
 21stJune 1945 – Delivered to 541Sqn at RAF Benson on 1 it was issued nine days later to RAF Benson.
29th December 1945 – Delivered to  No.1 Pilots Pool at  RAF Benson.
22nd July 1946 – Delivered to PR Development Unit at RAF Benson.
10th October –  Delivered to No.151 Repair Unit Wevelgem Belgium.
8th July 1948 –  Delivered to  No.2(AC) Sqn  at RAF
Damaged  declared Cat.3R  on 30th April and again on 6th August 1952. Took 22 Months to Repair.
4th June 1954 – Delivered to the THUM Flight at Woodvale,                                 1954 – 1957.
13th June 1957 – Delivered to Historic Flight at RAF Biggin Hill  and WFU.
31st August 1957 – Delivered to RAF West Malling as a Gate guard as 7711M      1957 – 1960.
RAF Leuchars – Gate Guard                                                                                             1961 – 1967.
1967 Delivered to RAF Henlow and converted to look like a Spitfire F 1 for the Film Battle of Britain.
1968 Loaned to Spitfire productions , Used as a static Spitfire in the Film Battle of Britain.
September 1968 – Returned to RAF Henlow reconverted back to PR XIX.
Returned to RAF Leuchars  as Gate guard                                                                  1968 to 1975
To RAF Brawdy for assessment to be made airworthy.                                            1975 
Delivered to BBMF at RAF Coningsby and used as engine test bed.                     1975 – 1980.
RAF Brawdy  Gate guard.   Camo no Sqn marks                                                        1980 – 1984(Slide taken Brawdy 2/7/83 )
Joined the BBMF at Coningsby.                                                                                     June 1984 – 
Delivered to BAe, Salmesbury for conversion to Griffon 57 power, the work being assigned to the apprentice. training school at Samlesbury.                                                                                                   June 1984
 f/f  following rebuild  to Airworthy at BAe Samlesbury.                                      November 20th 1986
Delivered to Battle of Britain Memorial Flight  at RAF Coningsby.                    March 24th 1987 
Allocated marks  – PR Blue no Sqn marks.                                                             1987 – 1991 (Slide taken at Fairford 1990 )
Flew  as “JF319” Prototype XIX marks with yellow P on the side..                   1992 – 1997
Allocated marks  152Sqn/UM-G –  Camo.                                                               1998 – 2003 (Slide taken at Coningsby  6/99)
Allocated marks  81Sqn “The Last”                                                                           2004 – 2015

_MG_0456

Delivered to Duxford for Overhaul by ARC and repaint.
Returned to BBMF at Coningsby  20/8/16

HS1A6517

Allocated 81Sqn Silver markings                                                                                  2016 – Currant
HS1A9645
This Spitfire is stored in the BBMF Hangar minus engine noted early 2019.
.

TE311 was delivered to Coningsby to be broken to spares but had a 12 years restoration to full air worthiness by the BBMF.

TE311 : Spitfire LF XVIe
C/N : CBAF
History
Built at Castle Bromwich in 1945 and taken on charge by the Air ministry on 8th June 1945,
Delivered  to No.39 MU Colerne on 16th June 1945  and placed in store.
Allocated to the ECFS (Empire Central Flying School) Handling Sqn at Hullavington on 5th October 1945 and served until 17th February 1946,
Allocated to No.33 MU Lyneham for storage. Here it remained until 1951.
Allocated to No.1689 FPT Flt at RAF Ashton Down on 31st May 1951.
Cat.4R damage in a flying accident on 21st June 1951
To Vickers Armstrong  for repairs  19th July 1951
Repairs were completed by Vickers Armstrong – 13th December 1951.
Delivered back to to No.1689 FPT Flight at RAF Ashton Down on  31st December 1951.
The aircraft was transferred to the Flying Training Command on 31st July 1952
Allocated to the Ferry Training Unit at RAF Benson on 9th April 1953.
It was returned to No.33 MU at RAF Lyneham on 23rd September that year
and delivered to No.2 CAACU at Langham, Norfolk on 12th January 1954,
Returned to No.33 MU at RAF Lyneham shortly after on 23rd February 1954
and transferred to non-effective stock on 13th December  1954 .
Issued with Maintenance serial 7241M on 8th August 1955,
Placed on the main gate at RAF Tangmere 11th August 1955 – 1967 in Silver scheme.
Loaned to Spitfire Productions Ltd for The Battle of Britain and delivered by road to Henlow in 1967.
It was restored to Taxying condition and modified with false rear fuselage to resemble a Mk I.
It was used at both North Weald and Duxford during 1968 and used serial N3321 & N3324 and codes AI-C, AI-M, DO-H.
11th August 1968 – To RAF Henlow and returned to LF XVIe standard for display at RAF Benson.
September 1968 – it was exhibited at the Battle of Britain Display on 20th September 1968.
Allocated to Abingdon as part of the RAF Exhibition Flight.
During its time here it was loaned to SERCO in Wolverhampton.
Loaned to the Bayeux Museum in France where it flew as  MK178/66Sqn/LZ-V.
October 1999 – The aircraft was transferred to the BBMF dismantled for spares along with TB382.
In 2004 restoration work began on TE311 .

128

After 12 years of painstaking restoration TE311 made its first post restoration flight on 19th October 2012.
Allocated marks  74Sqn/4D-V,  of Sqn Ldr Tony Reeves DFC, the OC of No 74 Sqn in 1945.

HS1A3742

For the 2015 season invasion stripes were added as a reserve aircraft for 70th Anniversary of D Day season.

cropped-MG_2154.jpg

Feb 2017 – TE311 had it’s paint removed and was painted in a black undercoat.

HS1A5297

29th April 2017 – TE311 was test flown still in matt black undercoat, The undercoat will remain for the 2017 season.
cropped-HS1A72081.jpg
TE311 started the 2017 display season still in black undercoat, Coningsby 24/6/17.
HS1A9275
Repainted at RAF Coningsby  March 2018 and returned to BBMF Hangar.
Allocated marks : 131(Polish) Wing /SZ-G flown by Group Capt Aleksander Gabszewicz between April 1945 – June 1945. Taken on engine test 13/4/18.

TE311 in full marks.

Picture taken at the LLA day 29th September 2018.
.

Bomber.
PA474  : Lancaster B1
C/N : VACH  0052 /D29
Status :
History : Rolled off the Production line  31/5/45 at Vickers Armstrong at Broughton Chester.
First flown August 1945 – Converted to Mk.I FE (Far East) for Tiger Force.
Delivered to 38 MU at Llandow .
26/4/46 -Delivered Vickers Armstrong at Bagington for conversion to Mk 1 (PR),This included the removal of the Gun turrets,, Solid metal roof to the Cockpit, Fitting of 2 K17 Cameras, Provision for Radar, A second Pilot station was also added and The Lancaster was stripped back to bare metal.
8/48 – Returned to 38MU at Llandow.
9/48 – Allocated to 82Sqn/M and delivered to RAF Benson for  and was used in South & East Africa on Photo Survey work operating from Takoradi  West Africa.
2/52 – Returned to the United Kingdom with over 2000 hours on the frame PA474 had a major service then returned to 82Sqn.
8/52  PA474 was loaned out to Flight Refuelling Ltd  at Tarrant Rushton as a Pilotless drone but was not used, They used a Avro Lincoln instead.
10/52 – Delivered to Royal College of Aeronautics for Handley Page Laminar Flow wing trials, The trial wings were mounted on the top rear of the Fuselage. The Lancaster was later replaced by  an Avro Lincoln RF342.
April 1964 – PA474 was adopted  by the Air Historical Branch (AHB) for future display in the RAF Museum at Hendon, After removal of all the Test equipment at Cranfield she departed to Woughton.
Delivered to 15MU at Wroughton for restoration and repaint back to WW II camo.
1964 – PA474 was  used in the filming of The Guns of Navarone.
1964 – PA474 was  used in the filming of Operation Crossbow.
1964 – Flown to RAF Henlow  in preparation for display at RAF Museum Hendon.
1965 – The CO of 44Sqn based at Waddington asked the AHB in 44Sqn if the Lancaster could be transferred to RAF Waddington, After inspection PA474 was granted permission for a delivery flight from Henlow to Waddington  18th August 1965.
Between 1966 and 1967 a restoration programme for PA474 commenced and would take about two years to complete.
1967 – With both front and rear gun turrets in place  PA474 was made airworthy and was flown on a regular basis by 44Sqn , Restoration continued.
Allocated marks 44Sqn/KM-B. This was the first Sqauodron to receive Avro Lancaster’s.
November 1973 – PA474  joined the Battle of Britain Flight at  RAF Coltishall , This prompted a change of the Unit’s name to the ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’. Restoration has been on going ever since.
In 1975 a Mid upper turret was found in Argentina and shipped back to the UK in HMS Hampshire, This was installed into PA474 the same year. PA474 was adopted by the City of Lincoln and their coat of arms were added to the front on the port front side.
1st March 1976  – The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight moved from RAF Coltishall to RAF Coningsby, It’s present Home.
September 1979 – PA474 was flown to RAF Lynham for repaint.
Allocated marks 617Sqn/AJ-G ,The marks of Wg Cdr Guy Gibson on the Dams raid.  1979- 1983. ( Sllide taken at Mildenhall 5/83 )
Major service was done at Kemble over the Winter of 1983 – 1984
Allocated marks 101Sqn/SR-D –                                                                         1984 – 1987 ( Slide taken at Coningsby 7/87 )
Major service was undertaken by West County Air Services at Exeter Airport.
Allocated marks 103Sqn/PM-M2 –                                                                    1987  – 1993 ( Slide taken RIAT  June/82)
Major Service undertaken at St Athan over the Winter of  1993 -1994
Allocated marks 9Sqn WS -J “Jonny Walker” “Still going strong”.           1994 – 1999 ( slide taken at Coningsby 9/99 )
During the Winter of 1995 a new main spar was fitted.
Major Service undertaken at St Athan over the Winter of  1999 – 2000
Allocated marks 61Sqn/QR-M “Micky the Moocher”                                    2000 – 2006 ( Slide taken  Coningsby 7/00 )

IMG_3421

BBMF added four Poppy symbols to the Lancaster to denote the four Poppy drops made.
1st – 50th Anniversary of  VE-day.
2nd -50th Anniversary of VJ-Day.
3rd – 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
4th – 60th Anniversary of the end of WW II.
The poppy symbols have been worn ever since no matter what the marks carried.
Major Service undertaken by Air Atlantique at Coventry over the Winter of  2006 – 2007.
Allocated marks for the first time was different on each side .                                           2007 – 2012
PA474 taken on a rare sunset landing at Coningsby  on 8th June 2008

IMG_9845

Port side – 100Sqn/HR-W “Phantom of the Ruhr “

019

219

Starboard side – 550Sqn/BQ-B

106

27/6/12 – A fifth Poppy drop was made to commemorate the 55,573  Bomber command lives lost in WWII, The Queen lead the ceremony at Green Park London over the Bomber Command Statue
The Lancaster went to Humberside Airport to have new marks applied arriving back at Coningsby   7/9/12
Allocated marks 617Sqn/KC-A                                                                                                                             2012 – 2017
August/Sept  2014 – PA474 &  FM214  CWH flight flew together at events around the UK.
FM214 arrived at Coningsby to a big welcome on a rainy day.

PA474 was parked behind.

The first flight together at Coningsby.

cropped-MG_6228.jpg

Towards the end of the CWH Lancaster tour I was able to visit both Lancaster’s on 18th September while in the BBMF Hangar.
The cockpit of FM214.
The Cockpit of PA474
FM214 taken from the bomb aimers station in PA474.

Thumper III showing it’s five poppy drops under the City of Lincoln coat of arms.

_MG_1546

7th May 2015 The Lancaster developed a fire in No.4 engine while performing a display practice with a Spitfire and Hurricane at RAF Coningsby , She was landed safely and the crew exited the burning plane. RAF fire service put out the fire . The Lancaster did not fly again until 14th October.
Just after the Lancaster landed and switched off the engines, You can see the crew are exiting from the hatch at  the front under the nose and the Navigator left by the rear door, He is standing on the right . This was just before the Fire tenders arrived.

HS1A1052

4th October 2015 the Lancaster was on the Static for the LLA Day, The People’s Lancaster.

HS1A2828

 6th October 2015 – first engine runs.HS1A4522
14th October 1915 – f/f since the fire , PA474 did a flypast over the Bomber Command Memorial at Lincoln.

HS1A8832

HS1A8595 HS1A8832

This young ladycropped-MG_8071.jpg looks lost in the Lancaster cockpit.
Major servicing over the winter by Arco at Duxford , New fire walls have been fitted to  No.1, No.2 and No. 3 engine bays as No. 4 engine had one fitted after the engine fire.                                                                                                         2016 – 2017
PA474 first flight was on 3rd July 2017 to RAF Brize Norton for rollers, Coningsby had high cross winds.
For the second time the Lancaster has been painted in two sets of marks.
Starboard side –  50Sqn/VN-T  The marks  OC Andy millikin’s  grandfathers  Lancaster in WW II              2017 – Current.

HS1A0915

Port side –460(RAAF)Sqn/AR-L  “Leader”  when based at RAF Binbrook.

HS1A0837

PA474 was delivered back to RAF Coningsby  on 4th July 2017.
Leader nose art taken at Coningsby on 16th July 2017.

HS1A2183

 First flight of  2018 took place on 29th April 2018 having had  a sixth poppy symbol added over the winter servicing.
On a couple of occasions in 2018 the Lancaster has returned to Coningsby in the early evening as the sun began to set.
PA474 landing at Coningsby on May  4th 2018.
Again on the 17th May 2018 after a visit to Labybower with the last remaining Dambuster  Jonny Johnson as part of the crew.
PA474 has had a sixth Poppy painted under the Lincoln coat of arms.
.

Transport
ZA947 – Douglas Dakota III

HS1A6787

C/n : 10200
Status : Airworthy.
History :
Built in March 1942 as C-47A – 60-DL 42-24338 at Long Beach California.

7/9/1943 – Delivered to the USAAF. This was short lived as it was transfired to RCAF under  lend/lease.
16/9/1943 – On charge with the RCAF with the serial 661 .It flew in a Drag green scheme as a Dakota Mk III /3FP.
Allocated to 164(T)Sqn based at Monkton  New Brunswick. 1943 – 1946.
Allocated to 435(T)Sqn  Winnipeg Detachment 1946 – 1949
Allocated to 435(T)Sqn  Edmonton Detachment – transferred 3/2/49
Allocated to the Photo wing – transferred Nov 1950
1969 661 was put up for sale as surplus to RCAF requirements.
April 1969 – 661 was purchased by Scottish Aviation on behalf of the RAE  West Freugh. The Dakota was modified to drop small Sonar Bouy’s into the Sea off the coast of Port Patrick. The Dakota c3 was allocated serial KG661.
1979 – It flew as KG661 for 10 years until it was realised that KG661 was w/o in WW II  so it was re-serialed  as ZA947. The Dakota had a airliner style interior with ex DH Comet seats and could fit upto 28 passengers.
1980 – ZA947 was based at RAE Farnborough.
1984 – ZA947 was repainted in a Raspberry ripple scheme.
1988 – ZA947 was again based at RAE West Freugh named “Port Patrick Princess”.
1990 – Damaged in a accident at RAE Farnborough when the undercarriage was retracted  by mistake while on the ground, The right wing was replaced by Air Atlantique then flown to Coventry for servicing.
April 1993 –  Transferred to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
July 1996 – Repainted by Air Atlantique at Coventry Airport.

Allocated marks –  271Sqn/YS-DM                                     Drab green.                                                                   1996 – 2004
                                – 271Sqn/YS-H                                        Drab green
Allocated marks – 267(Pegasus)Sqn/AI                            Camo                                                                               2004 – 2012

ZA947 AI BOBMF (3)

Allocated marks – 233Sqn/UK  “Kwicherbichion”          Drab green/Invasion Stripes                                       2012 – Current

_MG_1546

The Dakota has been restored back to a standard Para dropping  configuration , This included a new floor fitted. The names of people that had worked on the Dakota were found on the fuselage when in RCAF service in WW II have been preserved as well.
IMG_0428The names preserved on the inside of the Fuselage.
IMG_0433IMG_0434IMG_0433IMG_0432IMG_0431IMG_0430
 The cockpit

IMG_0444

A view from the Cockpit.
IMG_0439The Dakota is also used as a trainer for the Lancaster crew.
First flight of 2019 was January 28th .

The Trainers

DHC – 1   Chipmunk T10  :  WG486
C/n  C1/0536 : Fuselage DHB f421
Status  : Airworthy
History  :
Built at Broughton Chester.
Delivered to the RAF   3/1/1952
No.5 Basic flying training School  Based at Desford.                                   Feb 1952 –  July 1953
No.9 Refresher Flying School  Based at RAF Doncaster.                            July 1953  –  1955
No.2 Flight Training School – Based at RAF South Cerney.                       1955
651Sqn Army Air Corps.                                                                                     Sept 1957
657Sqn Army Air Corps.
114Sqn Based Nicosia in Cyprus.                                                                     Dec 1958 – Mar 1961
WG486 returned to the UK 
Royal Air Force Collage : Based at RAF Cranwell.
Initail Training School : Based at RAF South Cerney then RAF Church Fenton.
No.1 Flight Training School : Based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.
Liverpool University Air Sqn
Bristol University Air Sqn coded E : Based at Filton  Grey/Dayglo scheme   1972 – 1973
Noted on the static at RAF Cottesmore 15/9/73 in Red/white scheme coded E.
3 Air Experience Flight : Based at Filton  Red/white scheme.
Gatow Station Flight.  Berlin                   white scheme                                1987 – 1994
RAF Laarbruch Station Flight.                                                                         1994 – 1995
BBMF  Based at RAF Coningsby                                                                     1995 – Current.
Marks –  Gatow Station Flight  –            white scheme                                 1995 
Marks allocated – BBMF/G                    Black scheme/White bands.
_MG_4766
Repainted at Duxford in Bristol UAS marks coded E , delivered to Coningsby 6/3/18.
WG486 parked with big brother – Coningsby 13/4/18.
.

WK518 : Chipmunk T10
C/n  C1/0555 :  Fuselage DHB f443
Status  : Airworthy
History  :
Build at Broughton  Chester
Delivered to the RAF                                                                                                                          29th Jan 1952 –
Allocated to RAF College  Based at RAF Cranwell.                    Silver marks/Blue band.     Jan 1952 –                                    
Allocated to Liverpool UAS  Based at RAF Woodvale.              Silver/Dayglo Stripes
Allocated to Manchester  UAS  Based at RAF Woodvale.        Silver/Dayglo Stripes
Allocated to RAF Cottesmore Station Flight                              Silver/Dayglo Stripes            1958
Allocated to Cambridge UAS  Based at  Teversham.                 Silver/Dayglo Stripes
Allocated to Hull UAS  Based at Brough.                                    Silver/Dayglo Stripes           18/5/1960 –   8/2/1966
Allocated to Leeds UAS  Based at Church Fenton  .                 Silver/Dayglo Stripes           29/7/1966  – 25/1/1969
Allocated to London UAS  Based at White Waltham               Light gey/white canopy        1969 – 1974
Allocated to No.1 AEF Based at RAF Manston.                         Red/White scheme               1974 – 1983
Allocated to BBMF Based at RAF Coningsby.                            Red/White scheme              April 1983 – 1993
Allocated  marks RAFC  Based at RAF Cranwell                       Sliver marks/Blue band.     1994  –   2000
Allocated marks BBMF/K Based RAF Coningsby                     Black marks/White band.   2001    –  2011.

WK518

Allocated marks Hull UAS/C  SQN LDR SMITH      Silver/Dayglo/ marks                                 2012 –  2013_MG_5631
Allocated marks Hull UAS/C  FLT LT PARKINGSON    Silver/Dayglo/ marks                                 2013 – 2017.

cropped-HS1A0884.jpg

Allocated marks Hull UAS/C FLT LT PREECE   Silver/Dayglo / marks.                                       2018 – 2020.

To Duxford for overhaul.

Retuned to Coningsby 1st October 2020.

Allocated marks ULAS  Silver/Dayglo markings.


To celebrate  the 100th year  since the RAF was formed the BBMF will perform the Trenchard  formation of Dakota, Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane.

List of Aircraft that have been with the BBMF since 1957.
BBMF – 1957 – to date.
Aircraft used by the flight.
Supermarine  Spitfire
P7350 – Spitfire IIa – current.
AB910 – Spifire Vc – current.
MK356 – Spitfire LF IXe – Current.
PM631 – Spitfire PR.XIX – current.
PS853 – Spitfire PR.XIX – Sold.
PS915 – Spitfire PR.XIX – current.
SL674 – Spitfire XVI – WFU.
TB382 – Spitfire XVI – Fuselage to the  I.O.W  swapped for a new wing for TE311.
TE311 – Spitfire XVI – current.
TE330 – Spitfire XVI – WFU.
TE476 – Spitfire XVI – WFU.
Hawker Hurricane
LF363 – Hurricane IIc – current.
PZ865 – Hurricane IIc – current.
Avro Lancaster
PA474 – Lancaster B1 – current.
Douglas Dakota III
ZA947 – Dakota III – current.
DHC – 1 Chipmunk
WG486 – Chipmunk T10 – current.
WK518 – Chipmunk T10 – current.
WP855 – Chipmunk T10  – To 1AEF 1987.
DH104 Devon C2
VP981 – Devon C2 – Sold.