News & competitions

Header image: Lancasters of 617 Sqn and IX Sqn dropping ‘Tallboy’ bombs on the German battleship Tirpitz in Tromso Fjord, Norway, on the morning of 12th November 1944. (Artwork: Jim Laurier)

Seventy-five years ago this month, on 12th November 1944, 18 Avro Lancasters of 617 Squadron and 13 from IX Squadron took off in darkness from Lossiemouth and Milltown airfields in northern Scotland, to head north east towards the Norwegian Sea and the Arctic Circle on what was to be an epic flight both in duration and effect. This was to be the final attack on the German battleship Tirpitz, moored in Tromso Fjord, Norway, 190 miles inside the Arctic Circle. This particular operation, the last of many against the great ship, had been codenamed ‘Operation Catechism’ and was led by the C.O. of 617 Squadron, Wing Commander ‘Willie’ Tait DSO and three Bars DFC and Bar.

This month, we’re thrilled to be giving away a limited-edition 1/32 scale model of the Avro Lancaster B Mk1, worth over £250. The prize comes complete with a very special decal sheet, so that you can decorate the model in BBMF Lancaster PA474’s current livery.  

How to enter the ballot

All current members have been automatically entered into this ballot. If you’re not already a member, please join the Club by 1st November 2019 to be entered into this prize draw. 

Header image: Lancaster reflection. This lovely picture shows the soaking that the frequent heavy showers of rain produced, which sadly led to the cancellation of the planned flying programme. (Photo: Lisa Harding)

The annual Members’ Day event was held at the BBMF at RAF Coningsby on Saturday 28th September. Members’ Day is an exclusive ‘closed’ event for 2,500 ticket-holding members of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association and of the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, and is traditionally held at the end of each display season as a thank you from the BBMF to its supporters. The ticket allocation for Members’ Day is limited to a total of 2,500 because of the maximum capacity of the BBMF site at RAF Coningsby, which is also an active operational airfield.