RAF Coningsby and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) celebrated a milestone over the weekend; 50 years since BBMF arrived at the Lincolnshire base on 1st March 1976. The occasion is being marked with a formal ceremony to unveil the newly refurbished BBMF Visitor Centre, a joint facility operated in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.
The refurbished Visitor Centre will offer visitors an enhanced experience, showcasing the history and heritage of the BBMF — often described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Royal Air Force — and the iconic aircraft it maintains and flies in honour of those who served.
The ceremony was attended by Group Captain Andy Hampshire, Station Commander of RAF Coningsby, alongside Squadron Leader Paul Wise, Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Sean Matthews, and Executive Councillor for Culture, Cllr Natalie Oliver.
Group Captain Hampshire said: “RAF Coningsby is proud to have been home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for 50 remarkable years. This base has provided the foundation that has enabled BBMF to fulfil its vital commemorative mission for half a century. The refurbishment of the Visitor Centre is a wonderful milestone, and I want to pay particular tribute to Lincolnshire County Council for their generous and sustained support. This partnership reflects everything that is best about the relationship between the RAF and the communities in which we are privileged to serve.”
Cllr Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “It is an absolute privilege to host the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Lincolnshire, honouring the brave men and women who defended our skies and fought for our freedom.
“Through this investment in our Visitor Centre, we are protecting and promoting our county’s proud aviation heritage, ensuring the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.
“As we celebrate this monumental milestone, I’d like to say a special thank you to our Royal Air Force colleagues, and to our incredible volunteer tour guides, who keep our veterans’ stories alive with tremendous passion and dedication.”
Squadron Leader Wise said: “To be marking 50 years at RAF Coningsby is a genuinely special moment, and I could not be more proud of everything the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight represents. We exist to keep alive the memory of those who sacrificed so much, and in turn, to inspire the next generation. It is a privilege and a responsibility we carry with great pride. None of what we do would be possible without the support we receive from the station, and I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lincolnshire County Council, whose partnership has made the Visitor Centre the remarkable facility it is. Finally, the people of Lincolnshire — a county with such a deep and proud connection to RAF heritage — the warmth and enthusiasm you show for BBMF is always hugely appreciated.”
Squadron Leader Wise addresses guests.
Station Commander Andy Hampshire and a BBMF Visitor Centre Guide discuss the new exhibition.
Executive Councillor for Culture, Councillor Natalie Oliver addresses guests
