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Header image: This is not actually Spitfire P7350, but 234 Sqn Spitfire Mk 1 ‘AZ-V’, which made a wheels-up landing at RAF St Eval on 9th October 1940. P7350 would have suffered similar damage after being shot down and force-landed, wheels-up, on 25th October 1940.

In last month’s newsletter we reminded readers that BBMF Spitfire Mk IIa P7350 was shot down 80 years ago on 25th October 1940, during the closing stages of the Battle of Britain. P7350’s pilot that day, Pole Ludwik Martel, had to force-land the Spitfire, wheels-up, in a farmer’s field and it suffered Category B damage. It was then moved by road to No.1 Civilian Repair Unit at Cowley on 31st October, where it was repaired. P7350 was ready to fly again on 7th December 1940. So, 80 years ago this month, P7350 was under repair at No.1 Civilian Repair Unit at Cowley, Oxford.

Header image: Eurofighter Typhoon pilot Sqn Ldr Mark Long has been selected as the OC BBMF for the 2025-2027 display seasons. (Photo: RAF Coningsby Photo Section Crown Copyright)

Squadron Leader Mark Long, a Typhoon instructor with 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby, is joining the BBMF as a new volunteer fighter pilot for four years, prior to becoming the Officer Commanding BBMF for the 2025-2027 seasons.

For this month’s Club members’ ballot prize, we’re giving away a 1:72 scale Airfix model kit of the Avro Lancaster B.III (Special), worth £38.99.