Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Coningsby 2014

Got home from a breathtaking afternoon at RAF Coningsby watching the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This was my first time seeing the flight close-up and was at the suggestion of my Uncle who had two members tickets for the event. It was certainly packed out, and for anyone thinking of buying a subscription and going, it's a wise move to take along some folding chairs and cold drinks. There's a fair bit of waiting around as the aircraft are prepared, and like we did it's good to pick a spot and stick to it.

The hangar area had plenty of stalls selling merchandise of different sorts, plus some interesting charitable ones - such as the campaign to restore a Mosquito to flying condition. I took full advantage to buy a few art prints and get them signed by Sgt Pilot Eric Quinney who flew one of the Lancasters in the 1955 Dambusters film.

The photos probably don't do the flight justice. The Spitfires did a number of 'crosses' and other stunts before climaxing in Victory Rolls. However, the noise as the planes roared overhead in the 'big' formation (two Spitfires, two Hurricanes, the Dakota and the Lancaster) made the hairs stand up on my neck. Unbelievable stuff, and apparently the only time each year you'll get to see this happen.

Do yourself a favour, buy a membership (it's cheap) and get along to next year's!!