By Zac Yates
As a special tribute to Squadron Leader Mark Long, who was lost in a flying accident on May 25, 2024 one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfires has a new paint scheme paying tribute to the aviator, and a flying scholarship has been established in his name.
Long, who had served with the Flight for the past four years, was set to become its commanding officer in October 2024. His was the first fatal accident in the 57-year history of the BBMF. In tribute to him, the starboard side of Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TE311 now wears the fictitious squadron code “L-NG”, with “SQN LDR MARK LONG” annotated under the cockpit along with a Squadron Leader’s pennant. The port side of TE311 will remain as 3W-M to continue to represent 322 (Dutch) Sqn RAF, with nose art showing the unit’s squadron mascot ‘Polly Grey’, a red-tailed African Grey parrot.
In memory of Sqn. Ldr. Long, who was married with two young daughters, a Just Giving page has been set up to support his family and their wish to set up a flying scholarship for disabled individuals. With their target of £15,000 having been reached within two months of the fundraiser being started, the organisers spoke with Long’s family and have decided to donate further proceeds to two local charities: the emergency medical organisation LIVES and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
On July 19, the first day of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, a wreath laying took place in memory of Sqn. Ldr. Long. After the poignant ceremony — which appropriately took place in front of a Eurofighter Typhoon, the aircraft type Long flew in RAF service and which he displayed during the 2016 airshow season — the wreath was handed over to BBMF personnel to display for the remainder of the event to aid in fundraising for the scholarship.
For more information on the scholarship, and should you wish to donate to this worthy cause, please visit the Just Giving page HERE.
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Zac, born and raised in New Zealand, grew up immersed in aviation, with his father working as a helicopter crewman and living at Wanganui Airport. His passion for aviation started in childhood, building scale model kits and following the global warbird scene. He later trained as a journalist but found mainstream media unfulfilling, leading him to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Now residing in Blenheim, near the historic Omaka Aerodrome, Zac studies at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and aspires to become a private and warbird pilot. Known as "Handbag" in aviation circles, he shares his love for aviation through photography and writing, connecting with enthusiasts worldwide.
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