80 Years After WWII, One Allied Air Force Still Operates a Unit of WWII-Era Warplanes

An Active Heritage

More than 80 years after the end of World War II, one Allied nation maintains a remarkable link to the past. The Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) continues to operate fighters and bombers from the Second World War. Unlike most heritage collections, this unit remains an active part of the RAF, with full-time officers, pilots, and ground crew responsible for keeping these historic aircraft airworthy. Formed in July 1957, the BBMF takes part in commemorative events, state ceremonies, and air shows across the United Kingdom.

Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire alongside modern jet squadrons, the flight is commanded by a squadron leader and forms part of Number One Group Air Combat. Its motto, “Lest We Forget,” reflects the unit’s ongoing dedication to honoring the airmen who served during World War II. The flight’s patron is the Prince of Wales, an experienced RAF helicopter pilot.

Historic Aircraft in Flight

The BBMF operates eleven aircraft, including five Spitfires, two Hawker Hurricanes, a Lancaster bomber, and a Dakota C47, with two postwar Chipmunks used for pilot training. The oldest Spitfire, Mark 2AP7350, flew during the 1940 Battle of Britain with No. 266 Rhodesia Squadron and has been airworthy with the flight since 1968. Another Spitfire, Mark 5B AB910, carried out missions in the Atlantic against German battleships and flew cover over Normandy on D-Day with No. 402 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Two PR19 Spitfires, dating from 1945, were used for high-altitude reconnaissance. One, PM631, was employed in government research after the war before joining the BBMF in 1957. The other, PS915, served in postwar West Germany near the Iron Curtain and was returned to flight in 1987. TE311, a Mark I Spitfire acquired in 2002 for spares, was restored to flight in 2012.

Hurricanes and the Lancaster

Two Hawker Hurricanes remain in service, including Mark 2C LF363, which appeared in films such as Angels 15 and The Battle of Britain. Another, PZ865, was the last Hurricane built in 1944. The Avro Lancaster PA474, known as City of Lincoln, is one of only two airworthy Lancasters today. Built in May 1945, it was intended for the strategic bombing of Japan, which ended before it could see action.

Supporting Aircraft

The Dakota ZA947, built in 1942, served the Royal Canadian Air Force until 1971 before joining the BBMF in 1993. It supports parachute drops and trains Lancaster crews. Two De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunks are used to train pilots on tailwheel aircraft, essential for flying the Spitfire and Hurricane.

Even after eight decades, the BBMF keeps these historic aircraft flying, blending operational training with preservation. It is a rare example of a modern air force maintaining a living connection to World War II, ensuring history continues to soar in the skies.