News & competitions

Bentley Priory Museum in Stanmore, North London, is based within the stunning Mansion House which was formerly RAF Headquarters Fighter Command.

One lucky Club member will win a family ticket to the Museum, which will admit two adults and up to two children. The winner can also claim a free drink and cake in the Museum’s café for up to four people.

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 1 October 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 October if you’re the lucky winner.

Join the RAF Memorial Flight Club

Header image: BBMF C-47 Dakota ZA947 flies past with undercarriage down and the loadmaster waving from the open door. (Photo: RAF Coningsby Photo Section © Crown Copyright)

BBMF Dakota ZA947 was constructed as a C-47A by Douglas at Long Beach, California, USA, in 1942. It was delivered to the USAAF on 7th September 1942, 75 years ago this month. A little over a week later, on 16th September, it was transferred under the Lend-Lease agreement to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), re-designated as a Dakota III and allocated the RCAF serial number ‘661’. During the Second World War Dakota ‘661’ served entirely in Canada.

Header image: BBMF Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 served with 133 (Eagle) Sqn in 1942 before the unit re-equipped with brand new Mk IX Spitfires. (Photo: Richard Paver)

Many readers will know that BBMF Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 flew with No 133 (Eagle) Squadron during 1942. AB910’s involvement in the Dieppe Raid on 19th August 1942 was covered in an item in the August newsletter.

On 23rd September 1942, No 133 Squadron moved from Biggin Hill to Great Sampford and swapped its Mk V Spitfires (including AB910) for brand new Mk IX Spitfires with considerably improved performance, especially at altitude. Unfortunately, the 133 Squadron pilots were not to enjoy their Mk IX Spitfires for very long.