News & competitions

Header image: RAF ground crews of 356 Squadron, based in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean, celebrate VJ Day, with a long-range Consolidated Liberator B Mk VI behind them.

The Japanese surrender in August 1945, celebrated as VJ Day on 15th August in Britain, was a cause of joy for many, especially those still involved in the fighting and operations in Burma and the Far East. Victory in Europe (VE Day) had been celebrated back in Britain on 8th May 1945 and for those still fighting a fanatical enemy in the Far East there was every reason for them to feel forgotten. It is important that we mark VJ Day just as the national commemorations did for VE Day earlier this year.

Header image: The first recipient of a Mark Long flying scholarship, Mark Morris, in a Piper Cadet at Sherburn Aero Club. (Photo: BBMF) (Inset: Mark Long)

After BBMF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long tragically lost his life in the crash of Spitfire Mk356 on 25th May 2024, his widow Beth and his family decided to set up a trust in his name to provide flying scholarships through Flying Scholarship for Disabled People, in his memory and as his legacy.

Header image: Club member and prize winner Andrew Scoley in the cockpit of BBMF Lancaster PA474 on 10th July. (Photos: Clive Rowley)

Club member Andrew Scoley won the April ballot prize of an internal tour of BBMF Lancaster PA474. He was able to take up his prize on Thursday 10th July, bringing two friends – Graeme Beattie and Joss Vincent – with him to the BBMF hangar at RAF Coningsby to share in the special experience. They were hosted by retired Squadron Leader Clive Rowley, a former OC BBMF and now a volunteer guide at the BBMF Visitor Centre and editor of the Club’s magazines and newsletters.