News & competitions

Header images: Left: Ken Wilkinson.
Right: A rather moving picture of former OC BBMF, Sqn Ldr Ian ‘Smithy’ Smith MBE (now serving with No 29 Sqn at Coningsby) with an ailing Ken Wilkinson at the BBMF 60th anniversary event on 11th July 2017. (photo: RAF Coningsby Photo Section © Crown Copyright)

The BBMF is sad to report the death of one of its great friends and one of the last surviving members of ‘The Few’, Ken Wilkinson, who died on 31st July 2017, aged 99, less than three weeks after attending the BBMF 60th anniversary event at RAF Coningsby.

Header image: BBMF Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 in the code letters ‘MD-E’ that it wore whilst serving with No 133 (Eagle) Sqn in 1942. (photo: Crown Copyright.)

Seventy five years ago this month, on 19th August 1942, BBMF Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 was engaged in a life and death struggle, as it flew four sorties in the raging air battles over the English Channel and the French port of Dieppe in support of Operation Jubilee. The ill-fated, costly and ultimately unsuccessful commando raid on Dieppe created the biggest single day air battle of any war in history. During the air combats that day the RAF lost 62 Spitfires, the most ever in a single day of the war. Not only did AB910 survive unscathed, but it also shot down a German Dornier Do217 bomber.

This month, the RAF Memorial Flight Club is giving away two fantastic books that showcase John Dibbs’ Spitfire and Hurricane photography. 

The books have been signed by Dibbs and by Sqn Ldr Andy ‘Milli’ Millikin (OC BBMF), Flt Lt Antony ‘Parky’ Parkinson MBE and Flt Lt Andy Preece.

How to enter the ballot

All current members of the Club have been entered into this month’s ballot prize draw. If you’re not already a member, please join the RAF Memorial Flight Club before 6 August 2017.

As well as being entered into this month’s prize draw, you’ll also receive a Club membership pack. The pack contains detailed information about the BBMF and exclusive gifts including a BBMF wallplanner, pin badge and car sticker. Club members can also claim a free aircraft hangar tour at the BBMF Visitor Centre.

You will be contacted in August if you’re the lucky winner.

Join the RAF Memorial Flight Club