WONZ 288 - Wings Over Britain: The BBMF

[Dave Homewood]

WONZ 288 – Wings Over Britain: The BBMF is now online. In this episode Dave Homewood visits The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. He was accompanied by Barbara Hunter of the New Zealand Bomber Command Association, and they were given a personal guided tour by BBMF Guide Julian Maslin.

Julian describes each of the aircraft in this amazing collection, which remain on the RAF’s Order of Battle, and he talks about the day to day running of the BBMF.

cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2023/11/wonz-288-wings-over-britain-the-bbmf/

[campbellbox]

This is a very enjoyable episode, but I think my favourite part is right near the start:
Julian the guide "So let's go inside"
[door opens]
Dave: "Wow... wow."

I have had a massive soft spot for the BBMF for as long as I can remember. Their attitude towards their mission comes through in their public facing communication, but also in the effort they put into getting their aircraft in front of as many people as possible. I was at Shuttleworth for the Military Show this year (Dave managed to elude me somehow) and I spent the weeks in the lead-up trying to manage my expectations relating to the appearance of the Lancaster. The day was quite windy, and it looked like it was going to be a no show, but we got messages over the tannoy that the BBMF would do their best to complete the fly past. True to their word they eventually made it, and made my day.

297A1795 by Campbell McGill, on Flickr

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks very much Campbell.

yes, while editing this episode I actually laughed when I heard my reaction on walking into that hallowed hangar.

A pity we did not catch up at Shuttleworth. I remember, just as you say, all my mates were saying the Lanc was at Cardiff and the wind was very high and I might not get to see it. It was so worth the wait, what an amazing impression it left, seeing a Lancaster in the air for the first time. I got a bit of dust in my eye watching it displaying, and thinking about all the veterans I have met who flew in them, and others I have read or written about who did not come back home.

[planecrazy]

Really enjoyed this one as I have enjoyed them all, I also chuckled when I heard your wow, really
gave the impression of you seeing something amazing and as you have commented seeing a Lanc
in the air for the first time is an impression that won't leave your brain in a hurry! Thanks so much
for taking the time to conduct, edit and post these Dave great stuff!

[Dave Homewood]

My pleasure. it is always great to hear and read feedback from people who have listened to and enjoyed the episodes. Feedback is what keeps me going.