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Eastbourne International Airshow 2017

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BATTLE of<br />

BRITAIN<br />

Memorial Flight<br />

The mission of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is to maintain the<br />

priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order<br />

to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country, to<br />

promote the modern day Air Force and to inspire the future generations.<br />

Formed on 11 July 1957, the BBMF is celebrating its 60th anniversary in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />

Today the BBMF is a household name and a national institution with a long established tradition<br />

of marking the end of World War II and those who bravely fought in it as a mark of respect.<br />

A dedicated unit, commanded by Squadron Leader Andy Millikin, it has its own headquarters,<br />

entrusted with caring for priceless assets of British aviation heritage. Keeping the last<br />

remaining examples of the legendary fighters which had won the Battle of Britain<br />

– The Hurricane and Spitfire – in the air.<br />

The Flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricane Mk 2Cs, a Lancaster as well as a C47 Dakota and<br />

two Chipmunk aircraft. Today at the <strong>Eastbourne</strong> Air Show you will see the Spitfire, Hurricane<br />

and Lancaster. These aircraft can be regularly seen in the skies over the UK celebrating and<br />

commemorating public and military events from State occasions such as Trooping the<br />

Colour to major air displays and simple flypasts for public events.<br />

26<br />

EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL aIR S HOW <strong>2017</strong>

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