Tail End Charlie
The Legacy of "The Few"
Text: Jan Bobek
In July 1940, when Nazi Germany launched its air offensive against Britain, only a few thousand RAF pilots and ground personnel stood between freedom and tyranny. By the end of October 1940, more than 1,500 of them had paid the ultimate price, and over 50,000 civilians were killed or wounded during the battle. Eighty-five years later, the story of “The Few” and their extraordinary bravery still resonates, not just in history books, but in the skies over Britain.
To mark this important anniversary, 2025 offers a packed calendar of commemorative events. This anniversary isn't just a tribute to the past, but a vivid showcase of historic aircraft and their lasting significance. Although Duxford leads the commemorative calendar, the legacy of the Battle of Britain will be visible across the entire United Kingdom, from the coast of Devon to the skies above Wales, as major and local airshows will carry the torch.
At the heart of Britain’s living tribute to wartime aviation is the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) of the RAF. Based at RAF Coningsby, it operates an exceptional collection of historic aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a Dakota, and other types.
This year’s programme, officially confirmed by the granting of Public Display Authority on 27 May, is one of the most extensive in recent years. Throughout June and July, BBMF aircraft will appear both at large and regional airshows, Armed Forces Day celebrations, and commemorative flypasts.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show (6–7 September 2025) remains the main commemorative event. It takes place at the historic site of the Imperial War Museum Duxford near Cambridge, once an active base during the Battle of Britain (from where, among others, the No. 310 Czechoslovak Squadron RAF operated), and is equally a show and a tribute.
The programme will offer Spitfire and Hurricane formations, simulated dogfights, an appearance by the Lancaster bomber from BBMF (Sunday only), displays of other warbirds, and historical training aircraft.
The experience at Duxford goes far beyond the airshow itself. The entire venue transforms into a 1940s-era airfield, with reenactors, live swing music, period refreshments, historic vehicles, and even simulated "scramble" alerts and other atmospheric touches. Visitors can examine aircraft up close or explore Duxford’s vast hangars and exhibitions.
IWM (Imperial War Museum) has also prepared an 85th Anniversary commemorative coin, expanded seating areas, and new services to make the event more accessible to the public. Children under 16 enter for free, and IWM members receive discounted admission.
Special exhibitions are also planned at other sites, such as the Kent Battle of Britain Museum in Hawkinge or the Bentley Priory Museum, the former headquarters of RAF Fighter Command. These exhibitions will highlight lesser-known stories, such as the role of radar, the service of the WAAFs (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force), or Commonwealth pilots who came to Britain's aid.
Whether you're a fan of aviation history or attending these events for the first time, this anniversary is a perfect opportunity to witness living aviation heritage, and to remember that freedom once rested on the wings of a brave few.
Useful Links & Dates:
BBMF Display Listings: vintageaviationnews.com
Duxford Tickets & Info: iwm.org.uk/duxford
Full UK Airshow Calendar: britishairshows.com
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) planes in the skies above Lincolnshire. Hurricane LF363, painted to represent No. 249 Squadron RAF, Battle of Britain Hurricane ‘GN-F’ on its port side. GN-F was the aircraft flown during the Battle of Britain by fighter ace Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC and Bar AFC AE LdH. 'SD-A' code letters on LF363's starboard side are the code letters of the 501 Squadron Hurricane flown by Paul Farnes DFM also during the Battle of Britain. Lancaster PA474 is wearing 460 Squadron (RAAF)'s AR-L on her portside and 50 Squadron VN-T on her starboard side. Photo: Cpl Phil Major ABIPP
BBMF formation at Royal International Air Tattoo 2018, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire. Photo: Jonathan Webb
Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc (PZ865) was the last of the 14,533 Hurricanes built and was initially retained by Hawkers, later being civil registered as G-AMAU. She is now operated by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and carries a different colour scheme every few years. Photo: Alan Wilson
The Douglas Dakota, ZA947, built at Long Beach, California in March 1942, was issued to the US Army Air Forces and later transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force where she served until 1971. The aircraft was purchased by the Royal Aircraft Establishment before being issued to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in March 1993. She is equipped with authentic period 'para seats' and is used in commemorative parachute drops. Photo: Ronnie Macdonald
The P7350 is a World War II Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa that is operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. It is the oldest Spitfire in flying condition and the only flying Spitfire that took part in the Battle of Britain.