BBMF flypast for Dame Vera Lynn funeral

Header image: Dame Vera Lynn’s funeral cortege pauses at the crossroads in the centre of her home village of Ditchling, on 10th July, for a BBMF flypast. The BBMF Spitfires are highlighted in the red circle. (Photo: Crown Copyright)

Personnel from all three of the Armed Forces of the UK paid tribute to ‘Forces Sweetheart’, Dame Vera Lynn, at her funeral on 10th July. Dame Vera died in June aged 103. Sailors from HMS Collingwood, guardsmen of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and airmen of the Queen’s Colour Squadron of the RAF Regiment formed the bearer party.

As the funeral cortege passed through Ditchling, Dame Vera’s home village, it paused at the crossroads in the centre of the village at midday, for a flypast by two Spitfires of the BBMF. The Spitfires made three passes in salute. The BBMF flypast was led by the Flight’s Operations Officer, Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece, in Spitfire Mk Vb AB910, with OC BBMF, Squadron Leader Mark ‘Disco’ Discombe, in formation in Spitfire Mk IIa P7350.

The BBMF was honoured to be involved in having the chance to say goodbye to such a significant Forces icon and a special lady, in the Flight’s own unique way.