102 year old Battle of Britain Veteran Reunited With His Hurricane

Veterans Reunion

During the Battle of Britain, Jeff Brereton played a vital role in maintaining the aircraft that soared through the skies defending Britain. 

Now, at the age of 102, Jeff had the extraordinary opportunity to take flight alongside one of the aircraft he once worked on.

Jeff embarked on a journey through time aboard BE505, the world’s only two-seat Hurricane, alongside R4118, the sole surviving airworthy Mk 1 Hurricane that had served during the Battle of Britain – the very aircraft Jeff had meticulously tended to during the war.

“I have vivid memories of that plane. Among all the aircraft I encountered, it was the one that left an indelible mark on me. It was surreal to reunite with that aircraft, knowing it had endured.”

Jeff’s journey with the RAF began in January 1940, when he volunteered at the age of 19. Following his call-up that spring, he underwent an aero-engineering course, emerging as a qualified Flight Mechanic.

Stationed at RAF Croydon with 605 Squadron, Jeff found himself immersed in the frantic pace of repairing Hurricanes, including the venerable R4118, amidst the tumultuous days of the Battle of Britain.