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R.A.F. Coningsby
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For some time a number of aircraft enthusiasts had spoken to me of various aircraft museums that they might like to visit, most had visited Duxford, Hendon and the Shuttleworth collection at Old Warden.
Being as this year the RAF were celebrating the 90th anniversary of their inception we thought that a trip to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire would be very worthwhile to see close-up the aircraft which form the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. (BBMF)
On Tuesday 27th May we set off in a mini-coach with packed lunches, flasks and cameras. We were met on arrival, by prior arrangement, by our guide, Arthur Punchard and were privileged to enter the roped off area for our very well informed tour. In the large main hangar we saw a Douglas Dakota, various Spitfires and Hurricanes, a pair of D.H. Chipmunks and the magnificent Avro Lancaster which is one of only two remaining in airworthy condition.
The highlight of the day was to touch the oldest Spitfire still flying today P7350 (Mk IIa). After its time engaging the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain serving 266 and 603 Squadrons, and then crashed during combat, she subsequently was repaired and served with 616 and 64 Squadrons. Later P7350 was sold for scrap to John Dale Ltd. (the large aluminium foundry which stood on the site now occupied by Sainsbury's and Marks and Spencer) for £25.00. Someone there recognised its historical significance and it was presented to the RAF museum at Colerne. The "Spit" was restored and flew in the epic 1968 film. "The Battle of Britain".
At Coningsby Visitors Centre there is a well stocked shop selling aviation giftware, an exhibition hall and a small picnic area with refreshments.
Dave Ansell
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