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BBMF celebrates 50 years at Lincolnshire base

Emma PetrieEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imagePA Media/Darren Staples Four aeroplanes are silhouetted against a grey sky. The largest is the Lancaster bomber, and alongside it, are four spitfires.PA Media/Darren Staples
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, since 1976

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is celebrating 50 years since it arrived in Lincolnshire.

The squadron has been based at RAF Coningsby since 1 March 1976 and marked the milestone on Friday to unveil the newly refurbished BBMF Visitor Centre.

Sqn Ldr Paul Wise said: "To be marking 50 years at RAF Coningsby is a genuinely special moment, and I could not be more proud of everything the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight represents."

The BBMF maintains and flies aircraft in honour of those who served and promotes the air force to inspire future generations.

News imageA man smiles into the camera. He is wearing a white t-shirt under a black overall featuring the union flag and an RAF logo. He is standing on a tarmac runway with a Lancaster bomber aircraft in the background. Trees and a blue sky are also visible.
Sqn Ldr Paul Wise praised the connection people in Lincolnshire have shown to the RAF

The BBMF was established in 1957 at RAF Biggin Hill and now operates five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft, from its Lincolnshire base.

The aircraft are flown between May and October by regular and reserve RAF aircrew at public and military events.

Wise thanked the people of Lincolnshire who he said have "a deep and proud connection to RAF heritage".

"The warmth and enthusiasm you show for BBMF is always hugely appreciated," he said.

The BBMF Visitor Centre celebrates the history of the BBMF and is operated in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.

Councillor Natalie Oliver said it was a privilege to host the flight.

"Through this investment in our Visitor Centre, we are protecting and promoting our county's proud aviation heritage, ensuring the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten," she said.

Oliver also thanked the volunteer tour guides for keeping veterans' stories alive with "tremendous passion and dedication."

The BBMF Visitor Centre is open Mondays to Fridays, from 10:00 to 17:00 GMT. Hangar tours begin at 10:30.

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