Latest news with #BBMF
BBC News
11-08-2025
- General
- BBC News
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Pilots from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) have said they hope to be the "magical ingredient" for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.A Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, operated by the RAF Coningsby-based team, will join the Red Arrows in a flypast over the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on 15 August. The display will form part of a commemorative event hosted by the Royal British Legion. Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden said: "We will be on the world stage, but it's something that we're used to. We need to make sure that we are representing a hugely significant day in style." VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is commemorated on 15 August each year, marking the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, ending World War Ldr Sugden added: "It's about putting our tribute to the huge sacrifice of all the men and women who served during the 1940s." "Everybody has, however tenuous, a tie to these aeroplanes and what they represent. "So I'm hoping we're the magical ingredient on Friday, and we're really looking forward to being there." What is VJ Day?Sqn Ldr Paul Wise said: "It's the honour. It's what we represent. We live for events like this. "Those freedoms that we enjoy today, they were hard fought and won by people from our local communities. So it's our way of making sure that their memory continues."The event will also include veterans' testimonies, music performances and readings. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lancaster sends emergency alert after engine issue
An investigation has been launched after a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster bomber suffered an engine problem earlier, the RAF has confirmed. The Avro Lancaster PA474, which had been taking part in the RAF Waddington Families Day in Lincolnshire, sent a general emergency alert as black smoke was seen coming from one of its four engines. According to the RAF, the crew of the iconic World War Two aircraft "diagnosed unusual engine behaviour" and returned to its base at RAF Coningsby "as a precautionary measure". An RAF spokesperson added: "Crew are well trained to handle such events, and an investigation of the aircraft has been launched." None of the aircrew were injured and it's not known if the investigation will impact upcoming scheduled appearances. The BBMF also operates five Spitfires, two Hurricanes and a C47 Dakota. The Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF bomber of World War Two. Out of 7,377 that were built, the PA474 is one of only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices Lancaster bomber takes to sky following restoration Primary History KS2: WW2 Clips. A Lancaster bomber takes off Battle of Britain planes grounded after fatal crash Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
BBC News
12-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
BBMF Lancaster sends emergency alert after suffering engine issue
An investigation has been launched after a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster bomber suffered an engine problem earlier, the RAF has Avro Lancaster PA474, which had been taking part in the RAF Waddington Families Day in Lincolnshire, sent a general emergency alert as black smoke was seen coming from one of its four to the RAF, the crew of the iconic World War Two aircraft "diagnosed unusual engine behaviour" and returned to its base at RAF Coningsby "as a precautionary measure".An RAF spokesperson added: "Crew are well trained to handle such events, and an investigation of the aircraft has been launched." None of the aircrew were injured and it's not known if the investigation will impact upcoming scheduled BBMF also operates five Spitfires, two Hurricanes and a C47 Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF bomber of World War Two. Out of 7,377 that were built, the PA474 is one of only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Daily Record
Stagecoach announces partnership with South Ayrshire Council for the International Ayr Show
Open-top buses with live flight commentary and a frequent park and ride shuttle service will help visitors travel easily while reducing town centre congestion. Stagecoach has announced a partnership with this year's International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight. As part of the collaboration, the bus giant will provide an open-top service offering live flight commentary, giving visitors a unique experience. The event, which draws around 90,000 visitors, takes place along the South Ayrshire coastline at the Low Green, Ayr. The two-day spectacular runs this year from September 5-6. Included in this year's line up is the world-famous Red Arrows, Typhoon, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, the RAF Grob Tutor and many more. To help reduce congestion in the town and ensure smooth travel for visitors, a park-and-ride shuttle service will run frequently throughout the event. The shuttle bus drop-off point for park and ride will be at Ayr Esplanade – right in the heart of the action. Buses will run up to every three to four minutes. On Friday, September 5 they will operate from 3.45pm until 10pm, while on Saturday, September 6 from 10.15am to 8pm. Pick-up and drop-off locations include Ayr Racecourse - park and ride or park and walk. Shuttle buses will be available, but those who prefer to walk are welcome to do so. Early bird tickets are £10 on Friday and £15 on Saturday. Rozelle Estate will be open for parking on Saturday only - park and ride or walk. Shuttle buses will be available, but walking is also an option. It's just over one mile from Rozelle Estate to the festival site. Early bird tickets are £15. Customers are urged to take advantage of group tickets, as well as free travel for under 22s and over 60s. Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: "We're pleased to partner with South Ayrshire Council again to support the International Ayr Show – a fantastic event that brings the community together and showcases the best of the region. "This collaboration allows us to provide reliable and accessible transport for attendees, helping to ease congestion and ensure safe, smooth travel throughout the weekend. We're committed to supporting local events that connect people and celebrate our shared community spirit. We hope everyone enjoys a brilliant weekend." South Ayrshire Council's tourism spokesman, Councillor Alec Clark, said: "I'm pleased to be working with Stagecoach once again as our shuttle bus operator for the airshow. Our park and ride options are a great way to take any hassle out of your festival weekend. "You simply reserve your space in advance online at arrive at the carpark you've pre-booked, and the Stagecoach shuttle will drop you off right in the centre of the action - at Ayr Esplanade. And, with Stagecoach operating the shuttles every three to four minutes you won't need to wait around for long when you arrive." Parking must be booked in advance via South Ayrshire Council. For details and to book, visit here.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Spitfires set to fly overhead on Somerset Armed Forces Day
SPITFIRES are set to fly high above the skies of Vivary Park on Somerset Armed Forces Day. Weather permitting, the special display will be undertaken by the Royal Air Force's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team. Read More: Somerset Armed Forces Day 2025 returns to Taunton in July The flight team operate five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft (primarily for training), all of which aircraft are flown by regular RAF aircrew. The flypast is a popular feature of the event, which often takes place in the afternoon depending on visibility conditions and safety checks. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight exists to maintain the priceless artefacts of national heritage in airworthy condition to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country. The aircraft can be regularly seen in the skies over the UK from May to September each year. They are flown to celebrate and commemorate public and military events from State occasions such as Trooping the Colour to major air shows and flypasts for public events. It was in July 1957 that the concept of flying the historic aircraft was inaugurated at RAF Biggin Hill. It was initially called the RAF Historic Aircraft Flight and consisted of three PR Mk XIX Spitfires and the RAF's last airworthy Hurricane, LF363. It was then renamed to be the Battle of Britain Flight, before a final renaming in 1969 to what it is known as today, BBMF. The flight's most recognisable aircraft – the Supermarine Spitfire - were critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the Battle of Britain in 1940. More Spitfires were built than any other British combat aircraft before or since World War Two - 20,341 in total. The Hawker Hurricane also played a vital role in the Battle of Britain, and there are only twelve left in the world. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates two of these historically important aircraft. The team also have the Douglas C47 Dakota, which is one of the most successful military transport aircraft designs in history and was widely used by the Allies during World War Two. The infamous Avro 'Lancaster' Bomber is also part of the display and is one of just two remaining aircraft in the world. To keep up to date with the exact timings of the flypast, look out for updates on Somerset Armed Forces Day's Facebook page and website:
