BBMF 50 years at RAF Coningsby

Header Image: Lancaster PA474, Spitfires P7350, PM631 and PS915, and Hurricane LF363 airborne en route from Coltishall to their new home at Coningsby on 1st March 1976. (Photo: BBMF Archives)

On 1st March the BBMF will have been resident at RAF Coningsby for 50 years!

The Flight moved from RAF Coltishall, which had been its base since April 1963, to RAF Coningsby on 1st March 1976. The relocation was forced by the build-up of the RAF Jaguar Force at Coltishall creating a shortage of space and a hangar becoming available at RAF Coningsby.

Lancaster PA474 led Spitfires IIa P7350, PR Mk XIXs PM631 and PS915, and Hurricane Mk II LF363 on the history-making flight from Coltishall to the BBMF’s new home at Coningsby. The whole station stopped work and people climbed onto high vantage points, flat roofed buildings and such like, to see (and hear) the famous aircraft arrive. Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 and Hurricane Mk IIC PZ865 followed a few days later. Initially, the BBMF shared a hangar with 41(F) Squadron and its F-4 Phantoms, eventually taking over the hangar and HQ buildings which are still home to the Flight today.

This remarkable 50th anniversary falls before the start of the 2026 flying season for the BBMF, but it will not go unnoticed or unmarked.