Tail End Charlie - The Legacy of "The Few"
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.
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
BBMF formation at Royal International Air
Tattoo 2018, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.
Photo: Jonathan Webb
THE LEGACY OF "THE FEW"
Text: Jan Bobek
INFO Eduard108
August 2025