Club 2026 Yearbook magazine now out

The RAF Memorial Flight Official Club 2026 Yearbook magazine is now being sent out exclusively to Club members.

This 76-page 2026 issue of the Club Yearbook magazine includes some fascinating features marking a number of significant anniversaries which fall this year.

2026 is the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Supermarine Spitfire, among the most famous aircraft ever, at least to a British audience, and Paul Eden investigates the story of the prototype Spitfire K5054.

Eighty-five years ago, in 1941, the RAF’s Hurricane and Spitfire pilots had a tough year as Fighter Command went on the offensive with fighter sweeps over enemy-occupied territory. In the “I was there” feature, fighter ace Don Kingaby tells of his harrowing experiences.

Also, in 1941 the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit was formed. Its RAF pilots, who were catapulted off the foredecks of merchant vessels in a blaze of rocket flame and smoke to engage enemy aircraft alone, in old Hawker Hurricanes, willingly undertaking one-way missions with no hope of landing, were truly a breed apart. Clive Rowley tells their heroic story.

1941 was also the year that RAF Coningsby – home to the BBMF for the last 50 years – began operations, and we explore the airfield’s history.

The Short Stirling, the first of the RAF’s four-engine heavy bombers, began operations in 1941, and we investigate its sometimes forgotten contributions to the Second World War.

Jumping forward in time, we also celebrate the 80th anniversary of the maiden flight of the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk on 22nd May 1946. Meanwhile, in the regular “Lest we forget” series, highlighting individuals who have lost their lives in service with the RAF, we tell the story of an RAF Sergeant Pilot killed flying Meteors with the RAAF over Korea in 1951, 75 years ago this year.

This issue of the Yearbook also contains several not-to-be-missed BBMF-specific features, providing updates on the Flight’s aircraft and its people, including a marvellous insight into learning to fly the BBMF Dakota by Flight Lieutenant Ged Swann.

There is also a fascinating feature by retired RAF navigator and weapons instructor Chris Finn, about the Lancaster as a weapons system, detailing the bomber’s offensive and defensive capabilities in wartime.

The BBMF Autumn Journal is NOT on sale to the general public. If you are not a member and would like to receive a copy of the Yearbook and all of the wonderful twice-yearly BBMF magazines, as well as the monthly e-newsletters with exclusive content for Club members, join the Club today to receive your free copy.