The 2025 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Members’ Day took place at RAF Coningsby on Saturday, 27th September, continuing a long-standing tradition of exclusive events to thank supporters of the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club and Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association. The tickets-only event, held at the end of the flying display season, welcomed around 2,500 Club and Association members along with their personal guests.
The day’s logistics were efficiently managed with a park-and-ride system using double-decker buses to ferry attendees between the car park and the base. Members also had the opportunity to tour parts of RAF Coningsby normally closed to the public. Inside the BBMF hangar, a variety of stalls offered retail merchandise, hot food, and Club-specific items. The event provided the Club team with the chance to reconnect with existing members, renew memberships, and recruit new supporters. A static display featured BBMF aircraft alongside a 29 Squadron Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4. Additional aircraft on display included the Polish Heritage Flight’s Hurricane Mk XIIA G-HURI and the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight’s Harvard IIB KF183. Weather conditions were generally fine, though increasing cloud cover and crosswinds across the runways required adjustments to the flying schedule. To ensure that members could enjoy the flying displays safely, operations began two hours earlier than planned, at 11:00 a.m.
The morning flying commenced with the BBMF three-ship display. Lancaster PA474, captained by Flight Lieutenant Seb Davey, led Spitfire Mk XVI TE311, flown by OC BBMF Squadron Leader Mark ‘Suggs’ Sugden, and Spitfire PR Mk XIX PM631, piloted by Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece. The formation flew directly over the crowd, providing attendees with close-up views and the full sensory experience of the Lancaster’s iconic sound.
Following the three-ship display, BBMF Dakota ZA947, flown by OC BBMF (designate) Squadron Leader Paul ‘Ernie’ Wise, made its first public appearance in over three years following major maintenance at Duxford. The Dakota wore new South East Asia Command markings, delighting attendees with its return. After a short break for lunch, flying resumed at 14:00 with Squadron Leader Nathan Shawyer demonstrating the capabilities of 29 Squadron’s Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 in a dynamic and high-energy display. The Rolls-Royce Harvard, flown by Mark ‘Disco’ Discombe, conducted a single flypast before returning to its base at East Midlands Airport. This was followed by a polished display from the Rolls-Royce Spitfire PR Mk XIX PS853, piloted by Chris Hadlow.
The day concluded with a final three-ship display featuring Lancaster PA474 and the two Spitfires. This appearance marked one of Lancaster PA474’s last displays before entering major maintenance, which will keep the aircraft grounded for an estimated 18 months.
The 2025 BBMF Members’ Day received widespread acclaim from attendees and on social media. Susan Gamble commented: “We had a truly wonderful day. Two flying displays, one in the morning and one in the afternoon; the return of our lovely Dakota and seeing the great lady of the skies with her two stalwart companions gracing the skies was just fantastic. Thank you to the entire team at the BBMF—from the pilots to the ground and support staff.” The event successfully provided BBMF the opportunity to thank its supporters while delivering an unforgettable experience of aviation heritage to its dedicated members. For more information about the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, visit www.memorialflightclub.com.
