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Billy and the Fighter Boys

In May 1940, RAF fighter pilot Billy Drake had to bale out of his Hurricane. Now, 63 years later, he returns to be reunited with the aircraft's shattered remains. (2004)

Fighter pilot Billy Drake and his comrades in No 1 Squadron, who came from all over Europe and the Commonwealth, flew to France at the start of the Phoney War in 1939. There, in their sorties against the Luftwaffe early in 1940, they developed the techniques and crucial aircraft modifications that were vital to success in the Battle of Britain. In this programme, Drake returns with a team of aviation archaeologists to the site of his crashed Hawker Hurricane. (2004)

50 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 Jun 200417:40
BBC Two except East & Yorkshire

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Broadcasts

  • Sat 21 Feb 200419:25
    BBC Two except East & Yorkshire
  • Sat 19 Jun 200417:40
    BBC Two except East & Yorkshire

Featured in...

WWII: The Battle of Britain Collection

WWII: The Battle of Britain Collection

This programme is available online as part of the WWII: The Battle of Britain Collection