BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY

[BEagle]

Well, it's Battle of Britain Day today....

How many RAF stations held BoB Open Days this year? Or Bobbers Cockers Ps?

A certain DVD will get an airing later - because there seems to be absolutely nothing to commemorate the day on BBC1-4, ITV 1-4 or Ch 5.....

[CoffmanStarter]

Copy of said DVD at the ready Sir !

Time to remember the valiant sacrifice of The Few ... many no longer with us :(

RIP Sam ... You made such an impression on my life as a youngster ... God bless.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/images-1.jpg

Flt Lt R M D Hall DFC (Sam) ... One of The Few ... Based at RAF Hawkinge, 152 Squadron during the BoB. He shot down three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain a Me109 and two Me110 IIRC.

[Party Animal]

How long before 'the' photo of SY gets an airing on this thread?

[fabs]

Just squeezing myself into my No1s to do some marching. There are some events organised, looking at the met though it seems there will be a 'mustiness' in the air later

[Pontius Navigator]

They moved the BoB cocktail party because the weather was unpredictable. A different commemoration that I attend moved from the 3 week in October, the night of the action, to the first weekend for the same reason.

As the dwindling number of survivors are growing ever older the date has now been moved forward another week in to September.

At least they have a good reason as it is a small commemoration and age is wearying them. Not so now the annual BoB cocktail party that ought to be returned to its rightful date.

[FODPlod]

Best ever display last night by a clipped wing Spitfire over the BoB CTP at Thorney Island Sailing Club (originally RAFSA but under ASA auspices since the Royal Artillery moved on to the island). The RAF ensign flew at the truck of the mast and the club's commodore (ex-RN) insists that it will fly again today.

If the pilot sees this, well done and thank you. You must have heard the oohs and ahs at the level you flew sometimes.

[4PON4PIN]

'Twere this day 46 years ago I donned my No 1's and marched smartly around South Cerney to receive my Commision. Following Nav Training I joined my first Squadron and that was ..... 46 Sqn; then Andovers based at Abingdon.
Going to a B of B Memorial service at Brookwood Cemetery this p.m. with a 46Sqn mate. Only seems right to take a noggin afterwards doncha think!?

[FantomZorbin]

The very last BoB Cocktail Party I attended was at RAF Bentley Priory - standing on the steps outside Dowding's office chatting with a VSO, much be-medalled, BoB fighter pilot and watching the BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane display.

A truly memorable day!!!!!

[BEagle]

As those from 99 Entry RAFC who were commissioned as APOs pre-University in 1969 will recall, our commissiong date was also 15th September.

The same week, I think, that several of us went to see the premiere of Battle of Britain in Nottingham.

[Melchett01]

15th September 1940. 73 years ago today. Forces that would take the world into a darker place were beaten back, again and again by a few, backed by many, for the good of us all...

[CoffmanStarter]

A little extra to watch along with the DVD mentioned by BEagle ...

"The Few" - 20 Years Later ...

"The Few" - 20 Years later - YouTube

By the way ... this is what the White Hart looks like these days :{

The White Hart Brasted Kent (http://www.whitehartbrasted.co.uk)

The Jackdaw at Denton has at least retained some of it's former ambiance ... but no Miss York.

The Jackdaw Denton Kent (http://www.thejackdaw.info)

Coff.

[Mandator]

BBC Radio 4 at approx 05.45 marked the day and played a recording of Winston and "Never in the field ............... so Few"

[airsound]

Well, BoB celebrations may be getting fewer and further between, but there is one excellent annual event run by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust. It doesn't happen on BoB day, but on the Sunday nearest to the official start of the battle on 10 July. The venue is the wonderful Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, high on the cliffs above Folkestone, near the epicentre of the battle - sometimes referred to as Hellfire Corner.

This year, about a dozen splendid battle veterans graced us with their presence. The RAF Silk Ensign was paraded by the Queen's Colour Squadron, and the salute was taken by Prince Michael of Kent, who's the Trust Patron. A BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane flew low over the salute, and then returned later in the afternoon for a full display.

I really can't recommend the day strongly enough - it is a wonderful occasion.

And if you're not familiar with the memorial itself, it's very much worth a visit at any time. It looks out across the Channel, and on a good day you can see the French coast. The site has a calmness and a strength that is particularly conducive to remembrance and gratitude.

You can find more about it at
Battle of Britain Memorial Trust | The National Memorial to The Few at Capel le Ferne (http://www.battleofbritainmemorial.org)

In 2014, Memorial Day will be Sunday 6 July. See you there, perhaps?

airsound

[langleybaston]

Quote:
They moved the BoB cocktail party because the weather was unpredictable.

Tsk! Tsk! sir, my fellow Metpersons and I are thick skinned, but not that thick.

Harrumph!

[Union Jack]

Fleet Air Arm in the Battle of Britain. Part of the Fleet Air Arm Archive 1939-1945 (http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/RollofHonour/Battlehonour_crewlists/BattleofBritain_FAAaircrew_1940.html)

"Lest we forget ...."

Jack

[skua]

Coff,

Miss York, surely?
Beags is the world-leading expert in this field I believe......

[CoffmanStarter]

Skua ... my mistake now corrected ... :ok:

[kluge]

If not for the failure of Goering and his ghastly gang, England's national dish could now be Sweinhaxen and sauerkraut instead of chicken tikka masala.

Makes you think.

[langleybaston]

I feel tonight's viewing is settled ............. Mrs LB tactfully leaves room when SY undresses, so I can press the pause button.

My day would be complete if the gorgeous Martine Croxall [spelling?] were to read the gnus.

[Wander00]

LB - Nah, Susannah Reid, IMHO

[CoffmanStarter]

Just watched this ... really rather good ...

Battle of Britain.The Real Story - YouTube

[Lima Juliet]

I would say that it is still within youngsters' minds!

Horrible Histories - RAF Pilots Song - YouTube

:p

LJ

[Lima Juliet]

PS. Battle of Britain Dining In Nights accross the Military last Thursday, Friday and this coming Thursday/Friday - BBMF are very busy!

LJ :ok:

[CoffmanStarter]

Unfortunately our man Godders had to abort the flypast in London today because of poor Wx :(

[Unixman]

The flypast in Gib by two Typhoons was especially welcomed this year .....

[Innominate]

BBC Radio 3 this morning played the suite written by Sir William Walton for the 1969 film - only part of it was actually used, but every time I hear it I see swarms of Heinkels and Spitfires...

[Union Jack]

Battle of Britain Dining In Nights across the Military last Thursday, Friday and this coming Thursday/Friday - BBMF are very busy!

And Danny, amongst others, will be very cross .......:=

Jack

[OutlawPete]

With all the CGI (or whatever) used in modern movies, it's about time the film BoB was remade, something along the lines of Pearl Harbour etc. As long as they don't change then ending! :p

[Lima Juliet]

Jack

I say "Military" because I suspect there are BoB DINs and similar celebrations at MPA, JSCSC, PJHQ, etc...etc...

LJ

[smujsmith]

As a mere "whippersnapper" who owes his life and freedom to the real Heroes of the Battle of Britain, I think we can all have our own, personal, commemoration of possibly our countries bravest and finest defenders. I raise a cup to all, living and departed. Your country honours your gift to us.

Smudge

[PapaDolmio]

RAF Ensign flying from Norwich Castle today (sunday).

[Chugalug2]

Coffman Starter:-
Just watched this ... really rather good Battle of Britain.The Real Story - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td8bF6Xgb_Y)


Quite agree, a very thorough job. Not sure though how it was any more "real" than previous coverage. I thought it was going to get very "real" when he spoke to a Naval person, but no it was all about us having more boats than wot they did. No claim that the RN were the real victors of the BoB. I thought that was now the "real" story?

[Green Bottle 2]

Thank you to the BBMF for a fantastic flypast over the Whittlesey Festival today by the Spitfire and Hurricane - it really made the day.

[Warmtoast]

langleybaston

My day would be complete if the gorgeous Martine Croxall [spelling?] were to read the gnus

She's a regular presenter of "What the Papers Say" on the BBC News Channel on weeknights at 22.30 and 23.30.

[Union Jack]

I say "Military" because I suspect there are BoB DINs and similar celebrations at MPA, JSCSC, PJHQ, etc...etc...

And very rightly so, LJ, and long may such celebrations continue.:ok:

I was actually alluding to Post # 19 on pprune.org/military-aircrew/523422-prince-william-pvrs.html (http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/523422-prince-william-pvrs.html) , and indeed # 23 and 28.:)

Jack

[Lima Juliet]

Jack

Sorry shippers, I'm a bit slow these days! :ok:

LJ

[54Phan]

Well, 54Phan will always applaud and salute their courage.

[Party Animal]

Some impressive Spitfire action at Goodwood over the weekend. Always a joy to watch with the added bonus of a marvellous soundtrack. Good job the cr@p weather held off to late Sunday afternoon. :D

[CoffmanStarter]

PA ... Mr & Mrs Coff were there Friday (not in 40's garb though) ... Wx not good AM but a good flat display by the guys from TOFMC and TFC :ok:

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/2013-09-13111256_zps32bbf223.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/2013-09-13114617_zpsee6166d5.jpg

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/2013-09-13114740_zpsdd8a294d.jpg

Mrs Coff missed the other P-40 :ugh:

Coff.

[Fg Off Bloggs]

Aaargh! Scream! Bloody Country! Bloody BBC!

Westminster Abbey Battle of Britain Service bumped off the BBC by the Great North Run!



World Triathlon Championship in London ensured most of the congregation failed to reach the Abbey in time!


We wouldn't be able to hold these athletics competitions if the brave men who fought for our freedom in 1940, and those who followed after, hadn't held the fascists at bay!

And relax!

Bloggs:mad:

[teeteringhead]

Wander00 LB - Nah, Susannah Reid, IMHO You'll be eagerly awaiting the "Latin" section on Strictly then I guess......:E http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02056/Susanna_Reid_2056203i.jpg

[Wander00]

I could not possibly comment!

[Barksdale Boy]

All these posts bring back many memories. Battle of Britain service at Cirencester parish church in 1965, having been in all of a fortnight. Dancing with SY (sorry Beags) at the KCL Commem Ball at Claridges Dec 1964. And yesterday my 40 year old daughter completed the Great North Run.

[CoffmanStarter]

About 30 degrees starboard thread drift here chaps ...

Anyway ... I believe BEagle has put a few bob on Miss Fullerton winning Strictly Come Dancing this year ...

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Fiona+Fullerton+Strictly+Come+Dancing+Launches+m3Yw29PVSlDl. jpg

I was going to say he is "rooting" for her ... but that might have been open to misinterpretation :E

[BEagle]

Oh Lord - is that utter cr@p coming back on TV? Fat celebs squeezed into sequined frocks being pawed by snake-hipped dagos in order to impress fawning camp luvvies cluttering up the TV screens all Saturday night.....:ugh:

[Haraka]

Beags , ref .your earlier. I'm pretty sure that the premiere of the BoB film was on 15 Sep 69 , the day of our commissioning. Six of us just hatched APOs went to the Nottingham event.
Senior entry Flight Cadets ( 97?) did the guard of honour for the London "do" which was attended by Lord Dowding.
IIRC the original plan was for the film to have its premiere on Battle of Britain day 1968 but bad weather during filming and other problems resulted in a 12 month delay.

[500N]

Beags

"Fat celebs squeezed into sequined frocks being pawed by snake-hipped dagos in order to impress fawning camp luvvies cluttering up the TV screens all Saturday night.....:ugh:"

That is the best description I have ever seen of the dancing shows on TV :ok:
:D

[Union Jack]

IIRC the original plan was for the film to have its premiere on Battle of Britain day 1868 but bad weather during filming and other problems resulted in a 12 month delay.

I make that 1212 months .... :)

Jack

[Haraka]

Thanks to Union Jack for picking up the 100 year error typo for the BoB film ( even then not so long to have to go back to in order to identify the RN's last victory celebration) .

[Union Jack]

More "polepole" than haraka then!:)

Jack

[macmp419]

A nice turn out yesterday for the moving service at St Chad's church Shrewsbury, including a sizeable contingent of Cadets from 1119 ATC. Very heartening to see that the often criticised youth of today aren't all a bad lot.

[The B Word]

Oh Lord - is that utter cr@p coming back on TV? Fat celebs squeezed into sequined frocks being pawed by snake-hipped dagos in order to impress fawning camp luvvies cluttering up the TV screens all Saturday night.....

Seconded. Most amusing old chap, if I'd been eating cornflakes then the iPad would have got fragged! :D:D:D

The B Word

[racedo]

BoB weekend I was in France in and around the Somme (same weekend last year it was Flanders) with a group of friends.

We did come across some WW2 graves in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Fouilloy, Somme, where Australian WW1 Memorial is. It was a still, peaceful and sunny Sunday morning........

MEDWIN, Squadron Leader Ian George and Fg Off A J Coe, RNZAF.

AJ Coe did take part in the raid on Copenhagen.

Coe had been injured previously in an accident, and had been treated at Doncaster Infirmary and (later) transferred to the RAF Hospital Rauceby on 19 November, 1941. As a result of the accident he had two fingers amputated, a fractured right leg, and his ears and face burnt. He was discharged from hospital in January 1942. On 10 May 1942, he embarked for New Zealand on repatriation for ground duties. However, he embarked for the United Kingdom in October 1943, arriving in the December, and was accepted for flying duties. Commissioned and on his thirtieth sortie, he died, with his skipper S/L Ian George Medwin RNZAF, on 6 April 1945, when their 487 Squadron Mosquito FB.VI SZ990/E crashed shortly after take off from Rosieres-en-Santerre. Both officers were buried on 11 April at the Anzac Cemetery at Villers Bretonneux.

[Rallye Driver]

A surprise phone call on Sunday morning from 'Parky' at the BBMF led to the Flight’s Spitfire and Hurricane operating out of North Weald to perform the commemorative flypast over Westminster marking Battle of Britain Day. The winds at their Coningsby base were out of limits for them to return, and they required temporary hangarage, which The Squadron was able to offer at short notice.

The Mark IX Spitfire MK356 with Parky on board and Hurricane IIc LF363, flown by Group Captain Johhny Stringer, arrived during the morning for fuel. They departed later for central London, returning after 40 minutes, giving the Airfield Museum a flypast to mark their Reunion and Fun Day. The aircraft are staying for several days.

It was fitting that the BBMF operated from North Weald on this particular day. On 15 September 1945, Douglas Bader and eleven of his Battle of Britain comrades took off from RAF North Weald to lead the 300 aircraft in the first Battle of Britain Day commemorative flypast over London.

The local branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) also took part in a special service at St Andrew’s Church on Sunday. They were accompanied by the Colour Party of 56(R) Squadron and its new Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Middleton. Afterwards, they returned to the Airfield for a reception in the Tower. We took pictures of the Colour Party along with the RAFA colour at the Gate Guardian, which is in 56 Squadron markings. This coincided with the return of the BBMF aircraft, and made a fitting tribute on this special day.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/BBMFPass-1000_zps6f072a0e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/SpitfireLands-1000_zps6b6db7ef.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/HurricaneLands-1000_zps9f321596.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/BBMFPairParked-1000_zpsb2d96853.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/SpitfireWheelsGoingUp-1000_zpsd672a5d5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/SpitfireTakeOff-1000_zps0155bf61.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/HurricaneTakeOff-1000_zps655ac2f9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/HurricaneWheelGoingUp-1000_zps1d4d1f55.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v165/YakRider/56Squadron-1000_zps4f051c77.jpg

[Stitchbitch]

All photos should come with a sound file!! Nice pics, I like the way BBMF aircraft always look well presented, used and serviceable rather than polished to death with a show room shine. Good work fellas ok:

[Danny42C]

Lovely Spit, lovely Hurricane ! I particularly like the village church tower in the back ground - says what it was all about, doesn't it ?

There'll Always Be an England !

D.

[smujsmith]

Rallye Driver,

Thanks for some great pictures, they seriously are the best.

Smudge:ok:

[Savoia]

All photos should come with a sound file!!

Here, a small Merlin 'fix' for you:

P2nlGN6aS8g

[Stitchbitch]

Very nice, thanks for the vid, will have a look when I get 'home'.. :)

[clicker]

On the Pathe clip that Coff posted was it my eyes or did one clip (used twice) show a P-40 with American type stripes down the rudder?

[Willard Whyte]

The only Goodwood soundtrack worth listening to is on the circuit, not in the sky.

[jolihokistix]

"The only Goodwood soundtrack worth listening to is on the circuit, not in the sky."

Respectfully disagree. Both are glorious...:ok:

[Warmtoast]

Battle of Britain film with Michael Caine etc. is being broadcast on Channel 5 this Saturday, 12 October at 16:00.

It's preceded by Mosquito Squadron at 14:10. Details of this film here: Mosquito Squadron (1969) - IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064699/)