Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Aircraft - Histories in brief

Potted histories of the aircraft currently flown by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc MK356.

Avro Lancaster B.I PA474

First flown in August 1945, Lancaster PA474 was earmarked for use in the Far East, but was instead converted for reconnaissance work and served with 82 Squadron at Benson, Oxfordshire, from 1948. It later took part in laminar flow wing trials before being allocated for display at Hendon. It instead went to Waddington, Lancashire, and underwent restoration before joining the then Battle of Britain Flight (soon to be re-named Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) in November 1973. Its starboard side currently represents an aircraft of 50 Squadron; the port side is painted as 460 Squadron’s Leader.

Douglas Dakota III ZA947

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below