News & competitions

Header image: Left: Tom Neil at North Weald during the Battle of Britain in 1940, aged 20. Right: Tom Neil at the Battle of Britain Monument on the Victoria Embankment, London.

The BBMF was very saddened to hear of the death of Battle of Britain fighter ace Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC and Bar AFC AE LdH, who passed away on 11th July, three days before his 98th birthday.

Tom had been a friend of the BBMF for many years, he wrote the ‘Veteran’s Viewpoint’ for the Official Club 2015 Yearbook (the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain issue), and he had attended various events with the Flight, including last year’s BBMF 60th anniversary celebrations.

Header image: Geoffrey Wellum (right), with Tom Neil, watching the BBMF flypast over London in 2005 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in which they both fought, Geoffrey flying Spitfires and Tom in Hurricanes. Tom and Geoffrey both passed away last month. (Photo: Crown Copyright) 

Just a week after the death of Tom Neil, the BBMF lost another dear friend when Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC died at his home in Cornwall on 18th July, aged 96. Having become well-known to many in recent years through his wonderful, highly acclaimed book ‘First Light’, which describes his experiences in the Battle of Britain, and various TV appearances, Geoffrey’s passing received major coverage in the national press and TV news.

This month, you could win one of Hordern Richmond’s beautiful Spitfire Pens, made from an original WWII Spitfire propeller blade. The pen would usually cost £170. 

How to enter the ballot

All current members of the RAF Memorial Flight Club have been automatically entered into this month’s ballot. If you’re not already a member, please join the Club by 31 July 2018.