Appendices
The following is a detailed historical reference of the level of resources deployed by the RAF and other contributing military air arms and civilian organisations to the annual Battle of Britain displays. To provide such a detailed list of all such events since 1945 would take as many years to collate as volumes to present, so I have concentrated on eight significant occasions over the 38 years from the 25th anniversary of the battle in 1965 through to the 63rd and the 100th anniversary of flight in 2003. I have picked on this period frankly for the ease of research but also because it represents a period over which the RAF was subject to change. By the end of this period, indeed, the service had been reduced quite substantially. During the first five years, the three operational commands were condensed into Strike Command and the F111 purchase was cancelled. During the five years following, the RAF lost most of its overseas assets, including the bases at El Adem, Tengah, Ghan and the return of front-line assets from Akrotiri in Cyprus. Then in 1975, Air Support Command lost the bulk of its strength with what remained being absorbed into Strike Command. The six years chosen from this period have been so because in some way or another they can be regarded as a milestone to some degree in so far as they mark either a significant anniversary or some unique appearance on the air show circuit or something appearing for the first or last time. Another point perhaps worth noting in these appendices is the rate of decline, over a relatively short period, in the level of assets made available for participation in these annual displays, which was probably faster than the reduction of the displays themselves.
Where possible, I have endeavoured to be meticulous and comprehensive. However, as information regarding some timings and participants has not become available, some details in the following listings concerning static displays are not complete in every case. The listed flying displays are complete as originally planned unless stated otherwise. Despite the scarcity of some information, I have been able to put together what I trust is a comprehensive enough source of information to provide an interesting and historical reference guide to the RAF’s display commitment, organisation and effort on these occasions. One further note on these appendices; if a registration number does not appear against a flying participant, this does not mean that aircraft failed to show; indeed, where flight plan numbers are used I have for the most part avoided repeating the registration if its corresponding flight plan number appears on a another flying programme. Aircraft for which there is no registration at all are still more likely than not to have appeared as billed, even taking into consideration the likelihood of non-appearances. One final point: of several touring formations of Hunters provided for the 1965 ‘At Home’ Day, most defied identification, but are believed to have ben taken part just the same.
Appendix 1
The displays held on 18th September 1965, significantly that year, introduced the Red Arrows aerobatics team, which displayed at Biggin Hill and Tern Hill. Biggin Hill clearly still enjoyed its status as the main event which made it, in flying display terms, the UK’s overall leading military air show of the time. It was planned that the USAF would, that year, provide what should have been the first flying appearance, at UK events, of the F4 Phantom II. However, anticipation of poor weather on the day convinced the Americans to cancel their contribution. As it materialised, weather conditions were generally good and, it being a significant anniversary year, the RAF made the effort to ensure as comprehensive a representation as possible was allocated to each of the 12 stations selected to open their gates to the public that day. Particularly prevalent that year were the number of Lightnings participating, and unlike the V-bomber units which had been ordered to remove noticeable squadron markings in conjunction with the arrival of low-level camouflage the previous year, the Lightning units, still in natural metal finish, adorned their aircraft in 1965 with vibrant glossy paint schemes. No. 23’s white fins bore red eagles, 74’s black fins carried tiger heads, 92 carried red-and-yellow chevrons and blue fins, and 111 had black-and-yellow lightning flashes, while 56 carried red-and-white chequers on the fin. Even the OCU regarding their reserve squadron number 145 weren’t left out, with red-and-white fins and spines carrying the squadron St George cross with sword imposed. All bar one unit provided aircraft this day and the unit which missed out, 56 Squadron, did offer a four-strong formation but were turned down for a mix of reasons, including a lack of any stations ‘at home’ which were looking for Lightnings within sufficient range to allow flying from the the home base, Wattisham. Also, as the squadron had just returned from an overseas deployment a further, if smaller, deployment in a couple of days seemed rather too much to ask. Furthermore, the squadron had already been tasked with providing a formation flypast over London on the following Sunday.
Allocation of Display Aircraft
FOR THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘AT HOME’ DAY
18TH SEPTEMBER 1965, THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
RAF ABINGDON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR981) | 120 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP561) | RAF College, Cranwell |
| Canberra T4 | (WH839) | 97 Sqn, Watton |
| Canberra B2 | (WH876) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WG480) | CFS Little Rissington |
| Beverley C1 | (XB263) | 47 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Beverley C1 | (XB287) | 47 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Hunter F6 | (XF375) | ETPS Farnborough |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH500) | 101 Sqn, Waddington |
| Britannia C1 | (XL638) | ‘Sirius’ from 99/511 Sqn |
| Wessex HAS1 | (XM330) | Royal Navy, Farnborough |
| Twin Pioneer CC1 | (XM961) | 38 Group, Odiham |
| Argosy C1 | (XR133) | 267 Sqn, Benson |
| Andover C2 | (XS791) | RAF Middle East |
| Lockheed T33 Mk3 | (21197) | RCAF |
| Paris | (25-T) | Villacoublay |
| Spitfire 1A | (AR213) | Unknown |
| Avro 504K | (H2311) | Unknown |
Flying Display
In addition, a Canberra from A & AEE Boscombe Down carried out a target snatch demonstration and a Short Belfast C1 (XR364) flew here and at Biggin Hill and Colerne.
RAF ACKLINGTON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Hunter F6 | (XG235) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Meteor NF (T) 14 | (WS760) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Valetta T3 | (WJ486) | 2 ANS, Hullavington |
| Canberra B (I) 8 | (WT340) | 16 Sqn, Laarbruch |
| Vampire T11 | (XD452) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Gnat T1 | (XP510) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Harvard T2 | (KF314) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR644) | 6 FTS, Acklington |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM402) | 6 FTS, Acklington |
| Bassett C1 | (XS773) | 207 Sqn, Northolt |
| T39 Sabreliner | (24461) | 10th TRW, Alconbury |
| Buccaneer S1 | (XK532) | RNAS Lossiemouth |
| Shackleton MR3 | (XF708) | 120 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WD310) | N’brian UAS, Acklington |
Flying Display
RAF BIGGIN HILL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Hunter F6 | (XE557) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Canberra T4 | (WT488) | 98 Sqn, Watton |
| Argosy C1 | (XN856) | 114 Sqn, Benson |
| Beverley C1 | (XL130) | 242 OCU, Thorney Island |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH558) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Gnat T1 | (XS100) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| P1127 | (XP976) | RAE Bedford |
| Canberra B2 | (WK128) | |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR985) | 206 Sqn, St Mawgan |
| Varsity T1 | (WL622) | 115 Sqn, Watton |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM350) | RAF College, Cranwell |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XS177) | RAF College, Cranwell |
| Valetta C1 | (VW821) | Maintenance Cmd, Bicester |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ410) | RAF Rescue |
| Bristol F2B | (D8096) | Shuttleworth Trust |
| Hunter F4 | (7782M/ex-WV272) | Technical Training Cmd |
| Flying Flea | (G-AEOF) | Kent Branch, Air Britain |
| Fiat CR42 | (BT474) | Biggin Hill Museum |
| Junkers Ju88 | (PJ876) | Biggin Hill Museum |
| Me 109E | Biggin Hill Museum | |
| Me 110 | Biggin Hill Museum | |
| FW 190 | Biggin Hill Museum | |
| Henschel 293 | Biggin Hill Museum | |
| Mitsubishi Dena | Biggin Hill Museum | |
| Vickers Wellington T10 | (MF628) | Biggin Hill Museum |
| V1 Flying Bomb | Biggin Hill Museum | |
| V2 Rocket | Biggin Hill Museum |
Flying Display
RAF COLERNE
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Varsity T1 | (WL672) | 2 ANS, Hullavington |
| Vampire T11 | (XD550) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WG299) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Gnat T1 | (XP540) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Canberra B2 | (WK120) | RRE, Pershore |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP677) | 2 FTS, Syerston |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM374) | 2 FTS, Syerston |
| Hunter F4 | (WW592) | ETPS, Farnborough |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR976) | 201 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Comet C2 | (XK669) | 216 Sqn, Lyneham |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN548) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP617) | 7 FTS, Church Fenton |
| Hastings C1 | (TG582) | Colerne Wing |
| Wessex HC2 | (XS676) | Odiham Wing |
| Whirlwind HAS7 | (XM686) | RNAS Culdrose |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PM631) | Battle of Britain Flight, Coltishall |
| Varsity T1 | (WF412) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Gnat T1 | (XM705) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Beverley C1 | (XB269) | 47 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Argosy C1 | (XP442) | 114 Sqn, Benson |
| Harvard T2 | (KF183) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Spitfire IIa | (P7530) | Colerne Museum |
| Hawker P1052 | (VX272) | Colerne Museum |
| Valetta C2 | (WD159) | Colerne Museum |
| Vampire T11 | (7642M/ex-XD542) | Colerne Museum |
| Javelin FAW4 | (7641M/ex-XA634) | Colerne Museum |
| Hunter prototype | (WB188) | Colerne Museum |
| Prone Pilot Meteor | (WK935) | Colerne Museum |
| He 162 | (191904) | Colerne Museum |
| Me 163B | (25) | Colerne Museum |
| Auster T7 | (WE600) | Colerne Museum |
| Anson C19 | (TX226) | Colerne Museum |
| Meteor F4 | (VT229) | Colerne Museum |
| Hunter F2 | (WN907) | Colerne Museum |
| Canberra B2 | (7796M/ex-WJ676) | Colerne Museum |
Flying Display
RAF COLTISHALL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| NorAtlas | (14-BF) | French Air Force |
| RB66B | (30453) | 26th TRW, Toul (USAF) |
| T33A | (35819) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters (USAF) |
| F101A | (41463) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters (USAF) |
| F101C | (60018) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters (USAF) |
| F100D | (63410) | 48th TFW/494th TFS, Lakenheath (USAF) |
| Meteor F3 | (EE419) | Colours of 245 Sqn* |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ946) | 115 Sqn, Watton |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK574) | Cambridge UAS |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK642) | Cambridge UAS |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR971) | 201 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Canberra PR7 | (WT509) | 80 Sqn, Bruggen |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH559) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Victor B1A | (XH590) | 57 Sqn, Honington |
| Javelin FAW9 | (XH776) | 11 Sqn, Geilenkirchen |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XS219) | CAW, Manby |
| Lightning T5 | (XS417) | 226 OCU, Coltishall* |
| Lightning T5 | (XS418) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning T5 | (XS419) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning T4 | (XM996) | 226 OCU, Coltishall* |
| Lightning F1A | (XM214) | 226 OCU, Coltishall* |
| Spitfire 5b | (AB910/QJ-J) | Battle of Britain Flight* |
| Storch | (VP546/7362M) | Coltishall Museum?* |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ414) | D Flight, 202 Sqn |
| Valetta C2 | (VX577) | MCS, Northolt |
| Devon C1 | (VP960) | MCS, Northolt |
*On display in Exhibition Hangar
Flightline Static (these aircraft also flew):
| Hurricane 2C | (LF363) | BOB Flight, Coltishall |
| Lightning F1A | (XM171) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning F1A | (XM172) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| C119F | (CP-17/OT-CAQ) | Belgian Air Force, Melsbroek |
| Fairey FD2 | (WG777) | RAE Bedford |
| Fouga Magister | (352/UA) | La Patrouille de France |
| Fouga Magister | (315/UB) | La Patrouille de France |
| Fouga Magister | (362/UC) | La Patrouille de France |
| Fouga Magister | (363/UD) | La Patrouille de France |
| Fouga Magister | (374/UE) | La Patrouille de France |
| Fouga Magister | (353/UF) | La Patrouille de France |
| Fouga Magister | (351/UG) | La Patrouille de France |
| Beagle 206 | (G-ASOF) | Beagle Aircraft Shoreham |
Flying Display
In addition to the above items were a number of locally arranged displays which, although exact timings are not available, did include the following: Whirlwind HAR10 (XD182) (202 Sqn ‘D’ Flight), Beagle 206 (G-ASOF), Fairey Delta FD2 (WG777, RAE Bedford) 2 x Chipmunk T10s, WD345 & WK609 (Notts, UAS), Wallis Wa.116 Gyrocopters (G-ARRT & G-ARZC), Belgian C119 (Para Drop) and 12 x Lightnings; 5 x F1As (XM171, XM172, XM174 spare, XM184 & XM190), 5 x T4s (XM987, XM988, XM972, XM997 & XM990) and 2 x T5s (XS449 & XS421) all 226 OCU, Tiger Club Turbulents G-APNZ and G-ARNZ from Redhill, DH82A Tiger Moth (G-AOAA) towing BGA 1066/194 Skylark from Tibenham, Airtourer 100 (G-ASYZ) from Staverton and F8L Falco 4 (G-ASYZ) from Tollerton.
RAF COTTESMORE
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR975) | 206 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Meteor NF11 | (WD686) | RAE Bedford |
| Lightning T4 | (XM994) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ940) | 115 Sqn, Watton |
| Victor B2 | (XL231) | Wittering Wing |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH560) | Cottesmore Wing |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH562) | Cottesmore Wing |
| Vulcan B2 | (XJ825) | Cottesmore Wing |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN501) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XM403) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Hunter FR10 | (XF459) | 2 Sqn, Gutersloh |
| Sea Vixen FAW2 | (XS583) | 766 Sqn, Yeovilton |
| RB66B Destroyer | (30449) | 1st TRS, Alconbury |
| F100D Super Sabre | (63313) | 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| Alouette II | (345) | French Air Force |
| Jet Provost T1 | (7570M, ex XD674) | Unknown |
| HP115 | (XP841) | RAE Bedford |
| Spitfire F24 | (PK724) | Unknown |
| Me 163 | Unknown | |
| Me 262 | Unknown |
Flying Display
The Vulcans of the Cottesmore wing which took part in the scramble were: XM608, 12 Sqn; XM646, 35 Sqn; XM652, 9 Sqn and XM655, 35 Sqn
RAF FINNINGLEY
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Gnat T1 | (XR951) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Victor B2 | (XL160) | Wittering Wing |
| Viscount | (XR802) | ETPS, Farnborough |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP663) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP703) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| F101C | (60022) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F101C | (60032) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| Paris | (35-R) | Villacoublay (French Air Force) |
| Canberra B2 | (WJ614) | 98 Sqn, Watton |
| Varsity T1 | (WL627) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Lightning F3 | (XP707) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH537) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH554) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH561) | BCDU, Finningley |
Flying Display
Chipmunks (WD309, WD370, WD371, WB555, WK643, WP980 and WP797/ Liverpool UAS) in set-piece, also involving station personnel and then Doctor Who actor William Hartnell.
The four Vulcans in the scramble from 617 Squadron included XM570, XM571, XM573 and XL449.
RAF LEUCHARS
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ948) | Air Electronics School, |
| Topcliffe | ||
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR984) | 120 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Vampire T11 | (XE956) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN503) | 6 FTS, Acklington |
| Lightning T4 | (XM974) | 74 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Javelin T3 | (XH435) | 228 OCU, Leuchars |
| Hunter T7 | (XL568) | 74 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Canberra B(I)8 | (XM277) | 14 Sqn, Wildenrath |
| Victor SR2 | (XL230) | 543 Sqn, Wyton |
| Vulcan B1A | (XA911) | Waddington Wing |
| Buccaneer S1 | (XN950) | 736 Sqn, (RN) Lossiemouth |
| C119G | (CP-39) | Melsbroek, Belgian Air Force |
| F84F | (FU-016) | 7 Sqn, Belgian Air Force |
| F84F | (FU-106) | 7 Sqn, Belgian Air Force |
| F100D | (53644) | 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| F101C | (560009) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F101C | (560027) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WG459) | Aberdeen UAS |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK640) | St Andrews UAS |
| Javelin FAW9 | (XH909) | 228 OCU, Leuchars |
Flying Display
RAF ST ATHAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Britannia | (7708M/ex-G-ALBO) | Prototype |
| Gnat T1 | (XP532) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter FR10 | (WW594) | Unknown |
| Javelin | (7811M) | St Athan |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN554) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| English Elecric P1A | (7755M/ex – WG760) | Prototype |
| Meteor NF(T)14 | (WS726) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| T39A Sabre Liner | (24462) | 20th TFW, Wethersfield |
| Victor B1 | (7844M) | St Athan |
| Valiant B1 | (7707M) | St Athan |
| Vampire T11 | (XJ771) | Unknown |
| Varsity T1 | (WL676) | 5 FTS, Oakington |
| Sea Vixen FAW2 | (XS582) | 766 Sqn, Yeovilton |
| Wasp | (XS531) | RNAS Culdrose |
| Whirlwind HAS7 | (XL835) | ASR Flight, Brawdy |
| Wessex HAS1 | (XM927) | 706 Sqn, Culdrose |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP804) | University of Wales Air Sqn |
| Defiant 1 | (N1671) | St Athan |
| Ju87 | (RI+JK) | St Athan |
| Watkins Monoplane | St Athan | |
| Replicas of Box Kite, BE2, Bristol Scout, Sopwith Camel & Montgolfier Balloon | ||
| Hunter F1 | (7489M/ex-WT567) | St Athan |
| Hunter F1 | (7490M/ex-WT568) | St Athan |
| Hunter F1 | (7493M/ex-WT559) | St Athan |
| Hunter F1 | (7525M/ex-WT619) | St Athan |
| Hunter F1 | (WT560) | St Athan |
| Hunter F4 | (7682M/ex- WV378) | St Athan |
| Provost T1 | (7689M/ex-WW421) | St Athan |
| Provost T1 | (7693M/ex-WV483) | St Athan |
| Provost T1 | (7692M/ex-WV444) | St Athan |
| Dragonfly | (7703M) | St Athan |
| Sycamore | (7718M) | St Athan |
| Javelin | (7760M) | St Athan |
| Canberra B2 | (7659M/ex – WH701) | St Athan |
| Valiant B1 | (7782M) | St Athan |
Flying Display
The flying display at St Athan also included the following items, for which the timings are unknown; Meteor T7 (WA593), AOP9 (XP282 of 19 MU), Javelin FAW5 (XA711 from A & AEE Boscombe Down), Jet Provost T4 (XP641 of 2 FTS), Vampire T11 (WZ476, unit unknown) and Chipmunk T10 WP851 from University of Wales Air Squadron). Furthermore, it is also likely that the Naval aircraft in the static line-up were included in the flying programme and the Belgian Air Force Fouga Magister team operating from St Mawgan.
RAF ST MAWGAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Lightning T4 | (XM971) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Hunter F6 | (XF386) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Shackleton MR3 | (XF704) | 201 Sqn, Kinloss |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM635) | Cottesmore Wing |
| Victor B1 | (XH591) | Honington Wing |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ426) | 22 Sqn, St Mawgan |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP459) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM473) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| F101A | (41473) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F101A | (41484) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F100D | (63990) | 20th TFW, Wethersfield |
| P2V-7 Neptune | (24122) | 2 MOTU, RCAF |
| NorAtlas | (61-YY) | Dijon (French Air Force) |
| Pembroke C1 | (XK884) | Northolt |
| Pembroke C1 | (XK885) | Northolt |
Flying Display
The following participated in the above programme: Whirlwind HAR10 (XJ764 of 22 Sqn), 2 x Chipmunk T10s (Bristol UAS), 4 x Shackleton T4s (WB822, WB849, WB858 and WG527, all MOTU), Jet Provost T4 (XR707, 2 FTS), 2 x Hiller HT2s (XS161 and XS167 of 705 Sqn Culdrose), C119 (CP-38) and 5 x Fouga Magisters (Diables Rouges) of the Belgian Air Force. Provisionally booked aircraft that failed to appear should have included a pair of French Mirage IIIs and a Canberra from RAF Germany.
RAF TERN HILL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR655) | 7 FTS, Church Fenton |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR657) | 7 FTS, Church Fenton |
| Sioux | (XT146) | CFS, Tern Hill |
| Sycamore | (XG547) | CFS, Tern Hill |
| Whirlwind | (XP341) | CFS, Tern Hill |
| Whirlwind | (XR485) | CFS, Tern Hill |
| Valetta T3 | (WG256) | 2 ANS, Hullavington |
| Ki 100 | Tern Hill | |
| Twin Pioneer CC1 | (XT610) | ETPS, Farnborough |
| Meteor T7 | (WH166) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK507) | Manchester UAS |
| Harvard T2 | (FT375) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| C47D | (50943) | USAF |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ916) | BCBS, Lindholme |
| Mosquito TT35 | (TA639) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Beaver | (XP770) | AAC, Middle Wallop |
| Hawk Major | (DG590) | G-ADMW |
| Javelin FAW4 | (XA629) | Tern Hill |
| Gnat F1 | (XK724) | Tern Hill |
| Sedbergh & Cadet TX3 | ATC |
Flying Display
In addition to the above which was the planned flying display programme were a Grasshopper and Sycamore helicopters from the CFS, an Avro Anson (TX209) and Hawker Siddeley Dominie T1 (XS712).
RAF WADDINGTON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Victor B2 | (XL189) | 139 Sqn, Wittering |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XN127) | CFS, Tern Hill |
| Varsity T1 | (WF375) | 5 FTS, Oakington |
| NorAtlas | (61-NV) | 61e Escadre, Orleans French Air Force |
| Mirage IIIc | (2-LA) | 2e Escadre, Dijon French Air Force |
| C47A | (K683) | 721 Sqn, Royal Danish Air Force |
| Vulcan B1 | (XA910) | Waddington Wing |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH478) | Waddington Wing |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH476) | Waddington Wing |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH481) | Waddington Wing |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH504) | Waddington Wing |
| Lightning T4 | (XM969) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP626) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Canberra B2 | (WJ992) | RRE, Pershore |
| F101A Voodoo | (41464) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| Hunter T7 | (WV253) | ETPS, Farnborough |
| Gnat T1 | (XS110) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Lancaster B1 | (PA474) | Waddington |
| Avro 504K | (E3404) | Shuttleworth Trust |
| Sopwith Pup | (N5180) | Shuttleworth Trust |
| Vampire T11 | (XD444) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK635) | Notts UAS |
| V1 Flying Bomb | Unknown |
Flying Display
IDENTIFIED TOUR FORMATIONS AND DISPLAY TEAMS
Once again, as with the individual display participants, those formations which are not listed here but were programmed to display mostly did so. However, registration numbers of participating aircraft in those formations remain unidentified.
Flight Plan No. 09
Royal Air Force
Base: Leuchars
Unit: 23 Squadron, Touring Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lightning F3s; XP736, XP759, XP760 and XP763.
Tour: Acklington and Leuchars (a formation of 3 x F3s from 74 Sqn also displayed at Leuchars; however, the participating aircraft are unidentified.)
Flight Plan No. 12
Royal Air Force
Base: Leconfield
Unit: 92 Squadron, Touring Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lightning F2s; XN732, XN728, XN735 and XN793
Tour: Abingdon, Colerne and St Athan
Flight Plan No. 13
Royal Air Force
Base: Leconfield
Unit: 19 Squadron, Touring Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lightning F2s; XN775, XN780, XN782, XN784 and XN781
Tour: Finningley and Waddington
Flight Plan No. 14
Royal Air Force
Base: Coltishall
Unit: 226 Operational Conversion Unit, 145 (rsv) Squadron, Touring Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lightning F1As; XM189, XM213, XM215 and T4 XM970.
Tour: Cottesmore and Tern Hill
Flight Plan No. 20
Royal Air Force
Base: Wattisham
Unit: 111 Squadron, Formation Display Team the Black Diamonds
Aircraft: Lightning F3s; XP738, XP739, XP740, XP741, XP742, XP762, XR714, XR716 and T5 XS450.
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 47
Royal Air Force
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School, Aerobatics Team the Red Arrows
Aircraft: Folland Gnats; XR986, XR987, XR991, XR992, XR993, XR994, XR995, XR996 and XS111.
Tour: Biggin Hill and Tern Hill
Flight Plan No. 48
Royal Air Force
Base: Acklington
Unit: 6 Flying Training School, Aerobatics Team
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XR675, XS180 and XR706
Tour: Acklington and Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 49
Royal Air Force
Base: Leeming
Unit: 3 Flying Training School, Aerobatics Team
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XS185, XP582 and XP577
Tour: Finningley and Waddington
Flight Plan No. 50
Royal Air Force
Base: Manby
Unit: College of Air Warfare, Aerobatics Team the Macaws
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP560, XR679, XR704 and XR705.
Tour: Coltishall and Cottesmore.
Flight Plan No. 51
Royal Air Force
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School, Aerobatics Team the Red Pelicans
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP550, XP551 and XP553.
Tour: Colerne and Tern Hill.
Flight Plan No. 52
Base: Syerston
Unit: 2 Flying Training School, Aerobatics Team
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP614, XP630, XP665, XS176 and XP669.
Tour: Abingdon and Biggin Hill.
Flight Plan No. 56
Base: Stradishall
Unit: 1 Air Navigation School
Aircraft: Meteor NF14/Ts; WS744, WS774, WS792 and WS843.
Tour: Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 60
Base: Topcliffe
Unit: Air Electronics School
Aircraft: Varsity T1s; WJ909, WF374 and WF333.
Tour: Acklington, Finningley and Leuchars.
Flight Plan No. 61
Base: Oakington
Unit: 5 Flying Training School
Aircraft: Varsity T1s; WJ941, WF326, WL623 and WL630.
Tour: Abingdon, Colerne and St Athan.
Flight Plan No. 69
Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy,
Base: Brawdy
Unit: 736 Squadron, Aerobatics Team the Rough Diamonds
Aircraft: Hunter GA11s; WV374 and four others unidentified.
Tour: St Athan and St Mawgan.
Flight Plan No. 78
Royal Danish Air Force
Base: Skrydstrup
Unit: 730 Squadron, Touring Formation Display Team
Aircraft: F100F Super Sabres; 60982/GT982, 42244/G244, 52768/G768, 52775/G775 and 52776/G776.
Tour: Acklington, Leuchars and Waddington.
Flight Plan No. 79
Royal Norwegian Air Force
Base: Bodo
Unit: 331 Squadron, Touring Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lockheed F104G Starfighters; FN-E, FN-F, FN-R and FN-T.
Tour: Finningley, Tern Hill and Waddington.
Flight Plan No. 80
French Air Force
Base: Salon-de-Provence
Unit: National Aerobatics Team La Patrouille de France
Aircraft: Fouga Magisters; 315-UB, 351-UG, 352-UA, 353-UF, 362-UC, 363-UD and 374-UE.
Tour: Biggin Hill and Coltishall.
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Abingdon
Royal Air Force
Base: Abingdon
Unit: 47 Squadron; Set-piece and role demonstration
Aircraft: Blackburn Beverley C1; XB267, XB269, XB288, XL150 and XL131
Tour: Abingdon (some of these aircraft may also have been involved in the display at Colerne; indeed, XL131 toured a number of stations.)
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Abingdon
Royal Air Force
Base: Benson
Unit: 267 Squadron; Set-piece and role demonstration
Aircraft: Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy C1; XR133, XR136, XR138 and XR139
Tour: Abingdon
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Colerne
Royal Air Force
Base: Benson
Unit: 114 Squadron; Set-piece demonstration
Aircraft: Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy C1; XN847 and XN853
Tour: Colerne
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Biggin Hill
Royal Air Force
Base: Binbrook and Chivenor
Unit: Air Fighting Development Squadron and 229 Operational Conversion Unit.
Aircraft: Hunter F6s; XE627, XG209, XJ637 and XJ640 together with up to eight others.
Tour: Biggin Hill and Finningley?
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Biggin Hill
Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy
Base: Culdrose
Unit: 705 Squadron, Helicopter Display Team
Aircraft: Hiller HT2s; XS166, XS169 and XS702.
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Biggin Hill
Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy
Base: Culdrose
Unit: 707 Squadron (RN)
Aircraft: Wessex HU5s; XS507, XS520, XS522 (all armed), XT451, XT453, XT454, XT455 and XT450. With spares; XS519, XT449 and XT456.
Tour: Biggin Hill Set-piece
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged (St Mawgan)
Belgian Air Force
Base: Brustem
Unit: National Aerobatics Team Les Diables Rouges
Aircraft: Fouga Magisters; MT-2, MT-5, MT-6, MT-7, MT-9 and MT-11.
Tour: St Athan ? and St Mawgan.
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged (Leuchars)
Royal Air Force
Base: Leuchars
Unit: 74 Squadron,
Aircraft: Lightning F3s; XP702 and XP703
Tour: Leuchars ‘AAR Demo pair, to hook up with Victor XH647’
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged (Leuchars)
Royal Air Force
Base: Leuchars
Unit: 228 Operational Conversion Unit, Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Javelin FAW9s; XH907, XH912, XH893 and XH905.
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Tern Hill
Royal Air Force
Base: Tern Hill
Unit: Central Flying School
Aircraft: Whirlwind Mk 10; XP356, XP405, XP333, XP342 and XP360.
Tour: Tern Hill Set-piece
Appendix 3
Although not a significant anniversary year regarding the Battle of Britain, 1968 was, however, the Royal Air Force’s Golden Jubilee year and though this occasion was officially celebrated earlier in the year on 14th June at RAF Abingdon in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II, the eight displays held on Saturday 14th September represented the bulk of activity, celebrating the service’s 50th anniversary combined with its annual Battle of Britain events. New to the display scene that year was the new four-jet maritime patrol aircraft, the Nimrod, although the example seen was still in the hands of the manufacturer. Otherwise, nothing new was appearing for the first time but aircraft which were relatively new in service and had rarely or never been seen in RAF hands before were prominent, this time in particular, the two new transport types, the VC10 and Belfast. The weather that year was blustery although some stations, particularly St Mawgan, managed to escape the low cloud and squalls which seemed to plague the other stations during the afternoon.
Allocation of Display Aircraft
FOR THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘AT HOME’ DAY
14TH SEPTEMBER 1968, THE RAF GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR
RAF BENSON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Victor SR2 | (XL330) | 543 Sqn, Wyton |
| Lightning F6 | (XR755) | 5 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Hunter F6 | (XE653) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Varsity T1 | (WF369) | Air Electronics School, Topcliffe |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR705) | CAW, Manby |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP576) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Gnat T1 | (XS107) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Dominie T1 | (XS736) | CAW, Manby |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP903) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Hunter T7 | (XL591) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XK970) | 230 Sqn, Odiham |
| Whirlwind HACC12 | (XR486) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Wessex HC2 | (XV719) | 72 Sqn, Benson |
| Argosy C1 | (XR856) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Argosy C1 | (XP408/Desert Camouflaged) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Argosy C1 | (XP443/Desert Camouflaged) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Canberra PR7 | (WH598) | 17 Sqn, Wildenrath |
| Andover CC2 | (XS789) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Andover CC2 | (XS790) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Hercules C1 | (XV213) | 24/36 Sqn, Lyneham |
| Andover C1 | (XS638) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Spitfire PRXIX | (DO-G/ex-PM631) | Unknown |
| Spitfire LFXVI | (TE311) | Unknown |
| He 162 | (120227) | Colerne |
Flying Display
RAF BIGGIN HILL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Canberra B2 | (WJ678) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Canberra TT18 | (WH903) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Gnat T1 | (XP513) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Victor B2 | (XL160) | Wittering Wing |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH537) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN511) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN640) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Hunter F6 | (XG191) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Meteor F8 | (WH286) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Dominie T1 | (XS709) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Basset CC1 | (XS779) | SCS, Bovingdon |
| Beverley C1 | (XB261) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Argosy C1 | (XP443) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Hercules C1 | (XV307) | Lyneham Wing |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP350) | 22 Sqn, Thorney Island |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP341) | CFS, Tern Hill |
| Whirlwind HC10 | (XP302) | 230 Sqn, Odiham |
| Shackleton MR3 | (XF709) | 42 Sqn, St Mawgan |
| Wessex HAS3 | (XS121) | 737 Sqn, Portland |
| Wasp GAS1 | (XT415) | 829 Sqn, HMS Dane |
| Sabre F4 | (G-ATBF) | Biggin Hill |
| Lancaster B1 | (NX611) | Biggin Hill |
| Proctor 4 | (NP181) | Biggin Hill |
Flying Display
RAF COLTISHALL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Lightning F6 | (XR763) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning T55 | (55-714/D212) | RSAF |
| Lightning T4 | (XM988) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning T4 | (XM970) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning T5 | (XS420) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning F1A | (XM178) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Gnat T1 | (XP541) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR972) | RAE, Farnborough |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR702) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Hunter F6 | 229 Chivenor | |
| Hunter T7 | (XG225) (XL617) | OCU, 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM651) | Waddington Wing |
| Canberra B (I) 8 | (XM278) | 14 Sqn, Wildenrath |
| Dominie T1 | (XS729) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Victor K1A | (XH592) | TTF, Marham |
| Hastings T5 | (TG505) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Varsity T1 | (WL689) | RAFC, Cranwell |
| Javelin FAW9 | (XH897) | Ftr Test Sqn, A & AEE Boscombe |
| Wessex HC2 | (XS678) | 72 Sqn, Odiham |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP398) | D Flight 202 Sqn, Coltishall |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XD182) | D Flight 202 Sqn, Coltishall |
| Sioux AH1 | (XT800) | AAC |
| Meteor F8 | (WH364) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Meteor F3 | (EE419/MR-V) | Coltishall |
| Spitfire LF XVI | (SL542) | Unknown |
| F4C Phantom II | (40884) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F100D Super Sabre | (53666) | 20th TFW, Wethersfield |
| RF101C Voodoo | (60109) | 66th TRW, Upper Heyford |
| C54D | (N-618) | 721 Sqn, RDAF Vaerlose |
| F104G Starfighter | (R-645) | 723 Sqn, RDAF Karup |
| F104G Starfighter | (R-707) | 723 Sqn, RDAF Karup |
| F104G Starfighter | (R-647) | 723 Sqn, RDAF Karup |
| TF104G Starfighter | (RT-681) | 723 Sqn, RDAF Karup |
Flying Display
The above listing had a few short-notice items added to it, including: the Royal Navy Aerobatics Team, Simon’s Circus flying 6 x Sea Vixens (XJ604, XJ609, XN705, XN687, XN690 and XN694) from 892 Sqn, a formation display team, Four’s Four, of 4 x Hawker Hunter FR10s (XJ714, XE585, XJ633 and XE626) from 4 Sqn at Gutersloh, a Central Flying School Gnat (XR534), a Jet Provost T3 from 3 FTS, Lancaster (PA474) and from the static park; Sioux AH1 (XT800), Beaver AL1 (XV272) and Wessex (XS678)
RAF FINNINGLEY
Traditionally, and for obvious reasons, Biggin Hill was unofficially regarded as the flagship event of the RAF’s annual September displays. However, in 1968 the largest service event was held at Finningley, as can be seen by comparing the listing below with those of the other stations that year.
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Beverley C1 | (7998M/ex-XL149) | Finningley Museum Formerly 84 Sqn |
| acft | ||
| Gnat T1 | (XR998) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Gnat F1 | (XK740) | Exhibition airframe |
| Hastings C1 | (7987M/ex-TG605) | 24 Sqn colours but ex 114 Sqn |
| Vampire T11 | (XD506) | CATCS, Shawbury |
| Spitfire LF XVI | (TE184/ME-M) | Finningley Museum |
| Defiant II | (N1671) | 307 Sqn, markings Finningley Museum |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH554) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Avro 707A | (7868M/ex-WZ736) | Finningley Museum |
| Avro 707C | (7932M/ex-WZ744) | Finningley Museum |
| RF4C Phantom II | (64-1028A) | 10th TRW, Alconbury |
| F100D Super Sabre | (55-2823) | 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| Meteor F8 | (7750M/ex-WL168) | painted as L 616 Sqn Finningley Museum |
| Lightning F6 | (XR765) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Short SB5 | (8005M/ex-WG768) | former ETPS acft Fin’y Museum |
| Provost T1 | (7957M/ex-XF545) | Finningley Museum |
| Hunter F4 | (7771M/ex-XF309) | Finningley Museum |
| Varsity T1 | (WL668) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Andover CC2 | (XS790) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH559) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH534) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN551) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Canberra PR7 | (WJ821) | 58 Sqn, Wyton |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ909) | A/AES, Topcliffe |
| Fairey FD2 | (7986M/ex-WG777) | Finningley Museum |
| Wright Flyer | Replica | Finningley Museum |
| Bristol Boxkite | Replica | Finningley Museum |
| SE5A | Replica | Finningley Museum |
Flying Display
Also seen airborne over Finningley this day were Avro Tutor; K3215, Vulcan; XM651from the Scampton Wing, Argosy C1; XP409 of 114/267 Sqn and Bassett CC1; XS775 of SCS Bovingdon.
RAF GAYDON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM656) | 50 Sqn, Waddington |
| Victor K1A | (XA928) | 57 Sqn, Marham |
| Argosy C1 | (XR143) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| RF101C Voodoo | (60099) | 66th TRW, Upper Heyford |
| F4C Phantom II | (37646) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F100F Super Sabre | (63833) | 20th TFW, Wethersfield |
| Canberra PR7 | (WT516) | 31 Sqn, Laarbruch |
| Super Mystere B2 | (50-10-ST) | 11/10 Creil, French Air Force |
| Dominie T1 | (XS734) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Hunter F6 G | (XG274) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Meteor NF14 | (WS838) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Lightning F1A | (XM177) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Varsity T1 | (WF385) | 2 ANS, Gaydon |
| P1127 | (XP976) | RAE, Thurleigh |
| Gloster F9/40 | (DG202) | Unknown |
| Swift FR5 | (WK281) | Unknown (painted as ‘S’ of 79 Sqn) |
| Hoverfly | (KK995) | Gaydon Museum |
| Auster T7 | (WE600) | Unknown |
| Proctor II | (Z7197) | Gaydon Museum |
| Magister I | (T9967) | Gaydon Museum |
| Spitfire F24 | (PK724) | Gaydon Museum |
| Avro 504 | (H2311) | Gaydon Museum |
| Me 262A1 | (112372/ex-VK897) | Gaydon Museum |
| Ki 100 1b | (24) | Gaydon Museum |
| Me 410A-1 | (420430) | Gaydon Museum |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN574) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN643) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN465) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Jet Provost T1 | (7570M/ex-XD674) | Gaydon Museum |
| Provost T1 | (WV540) | CATCS, Shawbury |
| Provost T1 | (XF877) | CATCS, Shawbury |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PS853) | painted as N3319 (EI-K) |
| Sedbergh TX1 | (WB960) | 637 GS, Gaydon |
Flying Display
5 x Hunter F6s from 229 OCU were present on the field at Gaydon for their part in the flying display. However, the weather thickened enough at their slot times to prevent them from getting airborne. The aircraft present were as follows; XF387, XF418, XE606, XF515 and XG197.
RAF LEUCHARS
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Gannet AEW3 | (XL480) | 849 Sqn, Brawdy |
| Gnat T1 | (XR534) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| F104G Starfighter | (D8104) | 322/323 Sqn, Leeuwarden (RNLAF) |
| F104G Starfighter | (D8308) | 322/323 Sqn, Leeuwarden (RNLAF) |
| F104G Starfighter | (D8311) | 322/323 Sqn, Leeuwarden (RNLAF) |
| Hunter F6 | (XF384) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Mirage IIIe | (406-13-PQ) | 13e Sqn, Colmar French Air Force |
| Mirage IIIe | (412-13-PT) | 13e Sqn, Colmar French Air Force |
| Bassett CC1 | (XS766) | NCS, Topcliffe |
| Bassett CC1 | (XS765) | NCS, Topcliffe |
| RF4C Phantom II | (641021) | 10th TRW, Alconbury |
| Lightning T5 | (XS416) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning T5 | (XS417) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| F100D Super Sabre | (552814) | 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM357) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP678) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Lightning F6 | (XS936) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XS935) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Hercules C1 | (XV304) | 30 Sqn, Lyneham |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ903) | AES, Topcliffe |
| Buccaneer S2 | (XV346) | 736 Sqn, Lossiemouth |
| Canberra PR7 | (WT503) | 58 Sqn, Wyton |
| Meteor T7 | (WF772/ex-Y/29 Sqn) | Unknown |
| Swallow | (XS652) | GS Arbroath |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP970) | 12 AEF, Turnhouse |
| Sycamore HR14 | (XJ989) | ex CFS, Tern Hill |
| Shackleton MR3 | (XF700) | Kinloss Wing |
| Lightning F6 | (XR758) | No sqn markings Leuchars Wing |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WG349) | St Andrews & Dundee UAS |
| BE 2d | (6232-Replica) | Unknown |
| Nor Atlas | (No. 191) | French Air Force |
| Vulcan B2 | (XL389) | Scampton Wing |
| Victor K1A | (XH561) | 57 Sqn, Marham |
| Troopship | (C-7) | 334 Sqn, Ypenburg RNLAF |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ729) | D Flight 202 Sqn, Leuchars |
Flying Display
A second solo demo was flown by 23 Squadron.
RAF ST ATHAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM655) | Waddington Wing |
| Hastings T5 | (TG517) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Sea Vixen FAW2 | (XP921) | 890 Sqn, Yeovilton |
| Vampire T11 | (XK624) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Gnat T1 | (XS105) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Pembroke C1 | (WV751) | Kemble |
| Auster AOP9 | (XR240) | 19 MU, St Athan |
| Twin Pioneer CC1 | (XL993) | Unknown |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ915) | RAFC, Cranwell |
| Dominie T1 | (XS733) | CAW, Strubby |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM463) | CAW, Manby |
| Dakota C4 | (KN452) | Unknown |
| Canberra B(I)8 | (WT319) | 213 Sqn, Bruggen |
| Meteor F8 | (VZ508) | Woodvale |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP871) | Wales UAS |
| Cadet | (XA289) | GS, St Athan |
| He 111 | Unknown | St Athan Museum |
| Spitfire V | (AB917) | St Athan Museum |
| Ju87D | (494083) | St Athan Museum |
| Me 163B | (191904) | St Athan Museum |
| Beaufighter X | (7931M/ex-RD253) | St Athan Museum |
| Hawker Hart | (K4972) | St Athan Museum |
| Watkins Monoplane | Unknown | St Athan Museum |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP345 ex-22Sqn) | St Athan Museum |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP360) | CFS det. Valley |
| Wessex HU5 | (XS496) | 846 Sqn, Culdrose |
| Avro 504 | (H1968/Replica) | St Athan Museum |
| Meteor NF14 | (WS843) | St Athan Museum |
| Victor B1 | (7844M/ex-XA924) | St Athan Museum |
| Victor B2 | (XL189) | Wittering Wing |
| Canberra B2 | (7659M/ex-WH701) | St Athan Museum |
| Hunter F6 | (XJ639) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter | (7489M/ex-WT567) | St Athan Museum |
| Hunter | (7525M/ex-WT619) | St Athan Museum |
| Hunter | (7770M/ex-WT746) | St Athan Museum |
| Hunter | (7521M/ex-WW644) | St Athan Museum |
| Hunter | (7945M/ex-XF975) | St Athan Museum |
| Hunter | (7796M/ex-WT716) | St Athan Museum |
Flying Display
In addition to the above programme, St Athan received a flypast formation of Hunters and Meteors from 229 OCU including: Hunter FGA9 (XF456), Hunter F6 (XF141), Hunter FR10 (XF426), Hunter T7 (XL596), Meteor F8 (WK941) and Meteor T7 (WL349).
RAF ST MAWGAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Meteor T7 | (WH166) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XS226) | CFS, Red Pelicans |
| Varsity T1 | (XD366) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Gnat T1 | (XP516) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Wasp HAS1 | (XS541) | 706 Sqn, Culdrose |
| Shackleton MR3 | (XF707) | 42 Sqn, St Mawgan |
| Victor K1A | (XH647) | TTF, Marham |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH555) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Canberra B(I)8 | (XM273) | 3 Sqn, RAFG |
| RF101C Voodoo | (60210) | 66th TRW, Upper Heyford |
| F4C Phantom II | (40872) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F100D Super Sabre | (62984) | 20th TFW, Wethersfield |
| Shackleton MR2c | (WR966) | MOTU, St Mawgan |
| Argosy C1 | (XN854) | 242 OCU, Thorney Island |
| Lightning F3 | (XP736) | 29 Sqn, Wattisham |
| Spitfire V | (AB910) | as ‘AI-M’ N3321 |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP353) | 22 Sqn, Chivenor |
Flying Display
The flying and static displays also included 2 x Lockheed P2 Neptunes (204 and 205) of No. 320 Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
IDENTIFIED TOUR FORMATIONS AND DISPLAY TEAMS
Flight Plan No. 005
Royal Air Force
Base: Marham and Leuchars
Unit: 57 and 11 Squadrons
Aircraft: Victor K1A and Lightning F6s; XA927 (Victor), XR756 and XS931 (Lightnings).
Tour: Leuchars (XA927 flew with XA937 of 214 Sqn and as solo at Finningley)
Flight Plan No. 006
Royal Air Force
Base: Marham and Wattisham
Unit: 55 and 111 Squadrons
Aircraft: Victor KIA and Lightning F3s; XH588 (Victor), XP706 and XP740 (Lightnings)
Tour: Coltishall (Victor flew solo at Benson and Biggin Hill)
Flight Plan No. 16
Royal Air Force
Base: Wattisham
Unit: No. 29 Squadron; Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lightning F3s; XP700, XP707, XP735 and XP765
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 17
Royal Air Force
Base: Cottesmore
Unit: Cottesmore Wing
Aircraft: Vulcan B2s; XJ824, XL391, XM572 and XM647
Tour: Finningley scramble order
Flight Plan No. 35
Royal Air Force
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School; Aerobatics Team the Red Pelicans
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XN468, XS213, XS217, XS222 and XS225
Tour: Coltishall and Finningley
Flight Plan No. 39
Royal Air Force
Base: Manby
Unit: College of Air Warfare; Aerobatics Team the Macaws
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP629, XR704, XS210, XS215 and XS179
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 40
Royal Air Force
Base: Tern Hill
Unit: Central Flying School; Helicopter Display Team the Tomahawks
Aircraft: Sioux HT2s; XV310, XV314, XV315 and XV323
Tour: Finningley
Flight Plan No. 42
Royal Air Force
Base: Syerston
Unit: 2 Flying Training School; Aerobatics Team the Vipers
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP614, XP624, XR667, XP668 and XR706
Tour: St Mawgan
Flight Plan No. 43
Royal Air Force
Base: Cranwell
Unit: Royal Air Force College; Aerobatics Team the Lincolnshire Poachers
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XS181, XP565 and XP584
Tour: St Athan
Flight Plan No. 44
Royal Air Force
Base: Linton-on-Ouse
Unit: No. 1 Flying Training School; Aerobatics Team Gin 4
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP627, XP678, XR700, XP668, XR655 and XP686
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 45
Royal Air Force
Base: Valley
Unit: No. 4 Flying Training School; Formation Flypast
Aircraft: Gnat T1s; XR537, XR568 and XP530
Tour: Gaydon and St Athan
Flight Plan No. 57
Royal Air Force
Base: Leeming
Unit: No. 3 Flying Training School; Aerobatics Team Gemini Pair
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP562 and XS184
Tour: Coltishall and Gaydon
Flight Plan No. 63
Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy
Base: Brawdy
Unit: No. 738 Squadron; Aerobatics Team the Rough Diamonds
Aircraft: Hunter GA11s; XF297, WT808, WV380, WV374 and WV267.
Tour: St Athan and St Mawgan
Flight Plan No. 74
Royal Danish Air Force
Base: Karup
Unit: 723/726 Squadrons; Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lockheed F104G Starfighters; R-645, R-707, R-647 and TF104G RT-681.
Tour: Coltishall, Gaydon, St Athan and St Mawgan.
Flight Plan No. 75
Royal Netherlands Air Force
Base: Leeuwarden
Unit: 322/323 Squadrons; Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lockheed F104G Starfighters; D-8104, D-8308 and D-8311.
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 76A
French Air Force
Base: Salon-de-Provence
National Aerobatics Team: La Patrouille de France
Aircraft: Fouga Magisters; 527, 529, 534, 536, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544 and 546
Tour: Finningley
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Coltishall
Royal Air Force
Base: Coltishall
Unit: 226 Operational Conversion Unit
Aircraft: Lightning F1As; XM171, XM172, XM180, XM182, XM189 and XM215. T4s; XM969, XM972, XM973 and XM974. T5s; XS419, XS421, XS422, XS423, XS449, XS452, XS454, XS458 and XS459.
Tour: Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 80
Army Air Corps
Base: Middle Wallop
Unit: AAC Display Team the Blue Eagles
Aircraft: Sioux AH1s; XT211, XT243, XT234 and XT137
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Biggin Hill and Coltishall
Royal Air Force
Base: Chivenor
Unit: 229 Operational Conversion Unit; Tactical Demonstration Team
Aircraft: Hunter F6s; XG199, XE608, XK149, XF526 and XG160.
Tour: Biggin Hill and Coltishall
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Gaydon
Royal Air Force
Base: Odiham
Unit: No. 72 Squadron
Aircraft: Wessex HC2s; XR523, XR524, XR525 and XT670
Tour: Gaydon
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Leuchars
Royal Air Force
Base: Leuchars
Unit: No. 11 Squadron
Aircraft: Lightning F6s; XS928, XS934, XR723 and XS932
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by Leuchars
Royal Air Force
Base: Leuchars
Unit: No. 23 Squadron
Aircraft: Lightning F6s; XR725, XS937, XR728 and XS938 (XR747 and XR760 two solos)
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. Locally arranged by St Mawgan
Royal Air Force
Base: St Mawgan
Unit: Maritime Operational Training Unit
Aircraft: Shackleton MR2cs; WR969, WG554, WG558, WR964 and WL739.
Tour: St Mawgan
Appendix 4
1969 is perhaps a year not noted for any particular service anniversary. But it did mark a handful of milestones in so far as new aircraft in RAF service made their public debuts that year. Specifically the first ever displays by RAF-operated Harriers, Buccaneers and Phantoms. Apart from this, 1969 was certainly one of the best years overall for the RAF Battle of Britain displays with most of the participating units enjoying good weather as well as one of the most impressive line-ups of aircraft, made all the more so by the abundance of the aforementioned three new types.
Allocation of Display Aircraft
FOR THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘AT HOME’ DAY
20TH SEPTEMBER 1969, THE YEAR OF THE HARRIER
RAF BENSON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Andover C1 | (XS610) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Auster AOP9 | (XR237) | 38 Grp, Odiham |
| Argosy C1 | (XP410) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Argosy C1 | (XR138) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Argosy C1 | (XR139) | 114/267 Sqn, Benson |
| Belfast C1 | (XR370) | ‘Ajax’ 53 Sqn, Brize Norton |
| Basset CC1 | (XS770) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Bristol Scout | (A1742) | Replica |
| Canberra T19 | (WH724) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP903) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Dominie T1 | (XS739) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Hercules C1 | (XV218) | 47 Sqn, Fairford |
| Hunter F6 | (XF375) | ETPS, Farnborough |
| Lightning F6 | (XS928) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Me 163 | (191904) | Colerne Museum |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP659) | 3 FTS, Leeming |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP688) | CAW, Manby |
| Scout AH1 | (XT638) | 6 Flt, AAC Netheravon |
| Spitfire LF16 | (TE311) | Unknown |
| Victor K1A | (XH593) | TTF, Marham |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH563) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Wasp HAS1 | (XV633) | Unknown |
| Wessex HCC4 | (XV732) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Wessex HCC4 | (XV733) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
Flying Display
RAF BIGGIN HILL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Argosy C1 | (XN819) | 114/267 Sqn (Reds Support) |
| Argosy C1 | (XR141) | 114/267 Sqn (Falcons Support) |
| Beverley C1 | (XB261) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Camel | (F1921) | Replica, Belgian AF markings |
| Canberra B2 | (WH703) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Canberra T19 | (WJ610) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Gladiator | (K8032) | Shuttleworth Trust |
| Harvard T2B | (KF183) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Hastings C1 | (WD480) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XF419) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hurricane 2C | (PZ865) | Hawker Siddeley Ltd, Dunsfold |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR643) | RAF College, Cranwell |
| Meteor F8 | (WK914) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| Proctor | (NP181) | HAPS |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM656) | Waddington Wing |
Flying Display
RAF COLTISHALL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Canberra B2 | (WJ620) | 98 Sqn, Cottesmore |
| Canberra T17 | (WH664) | 360 Sqn, Cottesmore |
| Dominie T1 | (XS735) | CAW, Manby |
| Gannet AEW3 | (XL500) | 849 Sqn, Brawdy |
| Gnat T1 | (XR506) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter F6 | ||
| Hunter T7 | (XF512) (XL583) | 229 OCU, Chivenor 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hastings T5 | (TG505) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Lightning T4 | (XM970) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| Lightning F6 | (XS930) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Provost T1 | (WW397) | 27 Maintenance Unit |
| Vampire T11 | (XH313) | CATCS, Shawbury |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ916) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Victor SR2 | (XH674) | 543 Sqn, Wyton |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH554) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Andover C1 | (XS609) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ724) | D Flt/202 Sqn, Coltishall |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XK969) | D Flt/202 Sqn, Coltishall |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP820) | 132 Flt/AAC, Old Sarum |
| Wessex HU5 | (XT772) | Fleet Air Arm ? |
| Meteor F8 | (WH305) | 85 Sqn, Binbrook |
| F1A | 226 OCU, Coltishall | |
| Lightning Lightning T5 | (XM189) (XS418) | 226 OCU. Coltishall |
| Lightning T5 | (XS449) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| BE2c ‘Replica’ | (6234) | Unknown |
| HH43B Huskie | (91566) | Detatchment 3/AARRS, Lakenheath |
| F100D | (53663) | 20TH TFW, Wethersfield |
| RF101C | (60058) | 66TH TRW, Upper Heyford |
| F4D | (50731) | 81ST TFW, Bentwaters |
| T33A Shooting Star | ||
| C47 | (21628) (K688) | RCAFRDAF Vaerlose 721 Sqn, RDAF Vaerlose |
| Bf 109 | (14) | Unknown |
| Me 163 | (191659) | Unknown |
Flying Display
RAF FINNINGLEY
Once again, the biggest and best of the official RAF ‘At Home’ displays that year was held at Finningley, which seemed by now to have permanently removed from Biggin Hill the unofficial mantle of ‘flagship’ Battle of Britain display. Part of the reason was a boost to the 1969 event here, warranting extra-special attention from the allocation of available resources, this being Finningley’s last year with an operational command as its chief tenant. At the end of 1969, the Vulcan OCU and all other associated units left for Scampton. So it was decided to celebrate the end of an era in some style. The result was perhaps the best display ever held at Finningley, and one which could compare most favourably with many IATs held since, certainly in terms of the flying display.
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Basset CC1 | (XS781) | Finningley Detachment, |
| Basset CC1 | (XS782) | 207 Sqn |
| Basset CC1 | (XS784) | |
| Comet C2 | (XK697) | 51 Sqn, Wyton |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK574) | Cambridge UAS |
| Canberra T17 | (WJ625) | 360 Sqn, Cottesmore |
| Canberra PR3 | (WJ815) | 58 Sqn, Wyton |
| Gnat T1 | (XR951) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hastings T5 | (TG511) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN579) | RAFC. Cranwell |
| Lightning F3 | (XP705) | 29 Sqn, Wattisham |
| Varsity T1 | (WL675) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM645) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH555)in Hangar | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| F27 Friendship | (C7) | 334 Sqn, Ypenburg RNLAF |
| NorAtlas | (61NA) | Esc 1/61, Orleans-Bricy FAF |
| RF4C | (60421) | 10TH TRW, Alconbury USAF |
| Meteor F8 | (WH456-ex WL168) | 616 Sqn mrkgs Finningley Museum |
| Tiger Moth | (NL985/7015M) | Finningley Museum |
| Spitfire LF16e | (TE184/6850M) | Finningley Museum |
| Hastings C1A | (TG605/7987M) | Finningley Museum |
| Short SB5 | (WG768/8005M) | Finningley Museum |
| Fairey FD2 | (WG777/7986M) | Finningley Museum |
| Avro 707A | (WZ736/7868M) | Finningley Museum |
| Avro 707C | (WZ744/7717M) | Finningley Museum |
| Hunter F4 | (7771M) | Finningley Museum |
| Beverley C1 | (XL149/7988M) | Finningley Museum |
| Vampire T11 | (XD506/7983M) | 3 FTS mrkgs, Finningley Museum |
| Provost T1 | (XF545/7957M) | 6 FTS mrkgs, Finningley Museum |
| Boulton-Paul Defiant | (N1671) | 307 Sqn mrkgs, Finningley Museum |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH505) | Instructional Airframe |
On dispersal along traffic exit route:
| Vulcan B2 | (XH534) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH537) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XJ782) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XJ784) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XL446) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM573) | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH554) Flew | 230 OCU, Finningley |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH498) | Fire Practice |
Flying Display
RAF GAYDON
This year was to be the last time that an official Battle of Britain display was held at Gaydon as, from 1970, following the absorption of No. 2 ANS into No. 6 FTS at Finningley, Gaydon would be left with no units in residence, rendering it on a care-and-maintenance existence as far as the RAF was concerned, until 1975. During this time the airfield was utilised each summer as the venue for the Midlands branches of the RAFA to hold their own annual air displays. Following the Ministry of Defence’s departure from Gaydon after 1975, the airfield has become a test track for General Motors, with the whole complex now completely screened from public view, a security measure never felt necessary on most military establishments.
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Hercules C1 | (XV185) | Colerne |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM611) | Waddington Wing |
| Dominie T1 | (XS730) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Canberra T4 | (WJ992) | RRE, Pershore |
| Canberra T17 | (WJ986) | 360 Sqn, Cottesmore |
| Varsity T1 | (WF335) | 2 ANS, Gaydon |
| Wessex HAS1 | (XM331) | 737 Sqn, RN |
| Hunter F6 | (XG274) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter F6 | (XF516) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Jet Provost T1 | (7570M) | Gaydon Museum |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR679) | CAW, Manby |
| Meteor NF11 | (WD790) | RRE, Defford |
| Meteor NF14 | (WS792) | RRE, Defford |
| Gloster F9/4D | (DG202) | Gaydon Museum |
| Swift F4 | (WK281) | Gaydon Museum |
| Hoverfly 1 | (KK995) | Gaydon Museum |
| Auster 7 | (WE600) | Gaydon Museum |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WD365) | 8 AEF |
| Proctor 3 | (Z7197) | Gaydon Museum |
| Me 262 | (112372) | Gaydon Museum |
| Tempest V | (NV778) | Gaydon Museum |
| Me 410 | (420430) | Gaydon Museum |
| Kawasaki 100 | (24) | Gaydon Museum |
| Spitfire F24 | (PK724) | Gaydon Museum |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM359) | 2 FTS, Syerston |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN586) | 2 FTS, Syerston |
| F4 Phantom II | (50749) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| F100D | (53644) | 20th TFW, Wethersfield |
| RF101C | (60101) | 66th TRW, Upper Heyford |
Also on the field:
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ723) |
| Whirlwind | (XP300) |
| Whirlwind | (XD163) |
Flying Display
RAF LEUCHARS
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV582) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XT874) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning T5 | (XS417) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F1 | (XM135) | TFF, Leuchars |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP634) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Gnat T1 | (XR538) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Gnat T1 | (XR953) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Meteor TT8 | (WH268) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XJ637) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP775) | 15 Flt, AAC Topcliffe |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PS915) | Leuchars |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PM631) | civil reg-AD-C |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP970) | 12 AEF, Turnhouse |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ758) | 230 Sqn, Wittering |
| Hastings T5 | (TG553) | SCBS, Lindholme |
| Basset CC1 | (XS772) | 32 Sqn, Northolt |
| Harrier GR1 | (XV747) | Harrier Conversion Unit, Wittering |
| Swallow | (XS652) | 661 GS, Arbroath |
| Victor K1A | (XH649) | 57 Sqn, Marham |
| Sycamore HR14 | (XJ898) | CFS |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM657) | Waddington Wing |
| Buccaneer S2 | (XT276) | 736 Sqn, Lossiemouth |
| Canberra TT18 | (WJ632) | B Sqn, A & AEE |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ894) | RAFC, Cranwell |
| Canberra B(I)8 | (WT311) | 213 Sqn, Bruggen |
| Dominie T1 | (XS714) | CAW, Manby |
| Meteor NF14 | (WS777) | Formerly from RAF Buchan |
| Pembroke C1 | (XL929) | 207 Sqn, Northolt |
| CF104D | (12891) | 430 Sqn, RCAF |
| CF104D | (104823) | 430 Sqn, RCAF |
| CF104D | (104845) | 430 Sqn, RCAF |
| CF104D | (104819) | 430 Sqn, RCAF |
| CF104D | (104756) | 430 Sqn, RCAF |
Flying Display
Timings and positioning regarding the Canadian & 23 Squadron teams, the 43 Squadron Phantom solo and Whirlwind displays may be out of alignment here with the actual programme as determined at the time. However, that these aircraft participated, save perhaps for the Whirlwind, is known for certain. Furthermore, here, as possibly elsewhere, some aircraft appearing in the static line-up were also participants in the flying display.
RAF ST ATHAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Auster AOP9 | (XP282) | 19 MU, St Athan |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP827) | 19 MU, St Athan |
| Britannia C1 | (XL659) | ‘Polaris’ 99, 511 Sqn, Lyneham |
| Sioux AH1 | (XV321) | Wroughton |
| Canberra PR7 | (WH794) | 58 Sqn, Wyton |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM458) | 19 MU, St Athan |
| Lightning F6 | (XR753) | 60 MU, Leconfield |
| Tiger Moth T2 | (T6296) | Stn Flt, Lee on Solent |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK514) | Wales UAS |
| Meteor T7 | (WL349) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Meteor NF14 | (WS843) | Formerly of 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Victor K1 | (XA939) | 214 Sqn, Marham |
| Andover C1 | (XS594) | 15 MU, Kemble |
| Dominie T1 | (XS709) | 1 ANS, Stradishall |
| Gnat T1 | (XP530) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Harrier GR1 | (XV756) | Wittering |
| Sea Vixen FAW2 | (XK521) | 766 Sqn, Yeovilton |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM654) | 44 Sqn, Waddington |
| Hercules C1 | (XV187) | 242 OCU, Thorney Island |
| Phantom FGR2 | (XV482) | Stopped over en route to Coningsby |
| Slingsby Cadet | (XA289) | ATC |
| Beaufighter X | (RD253) | St Athan Museum |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PS853) | BOB Flight |
| Fiat CR42 | (BT474) | St Athan Museum |
| Meteor F4 | (EE549) | St Athan Museum |
| RAE Mayfly | St Athan Museum | |
| Hart Trainer | (K4972) | St Athan Museum |
| He 162A | (120227) | St Athan Museum |
| Fi-103 | St Athan Museum | |
| Ju87D | (W-8) | St Athan Museum |
| Bf 109 | (12+GH) | St Athan Museum |
| Spitfire IX | (MK356) | St Athan Museum |
| Heinkel He 111 | St Athan Museum | |
| Watkins Monoplane | St Athan Museum |
Flying Display
IDENTIFIED TOUR FORMATIONS AND DISPLAY TEAMS
Flight Plan No. 05
Royal Air Force
Base: Chivenor
Unit: 229 OCU, Tactical Demonstration Team
Aircraft: Hunter T7; XL577, XL572, XL623 and XL576
Tour: St Athan
Flight Plan No. 06
Royal Air Force
Base: Chivenor
Unit:229 OCU, Tactical Demonstration Team
Aircraft: Hunter F6; XE664, XF526, XF386 and XF418
Tour: Coltishall and Finningley (XE653 flew in place of XF526 at Finningley)
Flight Plan No. 07
Royal Air Force
Base: Chivenor
Unit: 229 OCU, Tactical Demonstration Team
Aircraft: Hunter F6; XF426, XG152, XG229 and XG160
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 08
Royal Air Force
Base: Chivenor
Unit: 229 OCU, Tactical Demonstration Team
Aircraft: Hunter F6; XG196, XG199, XG226 and XE557
Tour: Gaydon
Flight Plan No. 10
Royal Air Force
Base: Leuchars
Unit: 23 Sqn, Demo Team
Aircraft: Lightning F6; XR727, XR762, XS936 and XR754
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 25, 26, 31, 42
Royal Air Force
Base: Scampton
Unit: 617 Sqn, Quick Reaction Alert Scramble and solo displays
Aircraft: Vulcan B2s; XL321, XL360, XL390 and XL427 (each fitted with Blue Steel practice round)
Tour: Finningley Scramble, XL360 and XL427 toured other stations between them, while either XL390 or XL321 displayed at Finningley with the remainder acting as spare for all.
Flight Plan No. 36+19A & B
Royal Air Force
Base: Marham and Coltishall
Units: Marham Tanker Wing/226 OCU
Aircraft: Victor KIA; XH587 and Lightning T5s; XS423 and XS454
Tour: Coltishall, Finningley and Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 45
Royal Air Force
Base: Wattisham (operating from Binbrook during period)
Unit: 111 Sqn, Formation Display Team
Aircraft: Lightning F3; XP738, XR711, XP761, XP754 and XP752 as spare. (The leader of this formation should have been Wng Cdr L. Swart, who at the point of startup at Binbrook lost his R/T. Sqn Ldr Stone flying XP754 led the formation, even though unrehearsed as leader and over Finningley where the weather, while fine earlier, had darkened to 1-mile visibility. Tour: Finningley
Flight Plan No. 59
Royal Air Force
Base: Coningsby
Unit: 54 Sqn
Aircraft: Phantom FGR2s; XT911, XT906, XT905 and XV447.
Tour: Coltishall, Finningley and Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 60
Royal Air Force
Base: Coningsby
Unit: 228 OCU
Aircraft: Phantom FGR2s; XT909, XV408, XV418 and XV466
Tour: Benson, Biggin Hill, Gaydon and St Athan
Flight Plan No. 70
Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy
Base: Brawdy
Unit: 736 Sqn, Aerobatics team The Rough Diamonds
Aircraft: Hunter GA11; WT713, WT741, WT808, XE717, XF297 and WV374
Tour: St Athan
Flight Plan No. 106
Royal Air Force
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School, Aerobatics Team the Red Pelicans
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4; XS212, XN688, XS226, XS213, XS225 and XS217
Tour: Coltishall and Finningley
Flight Plan No. 107
Royal Air Force
Base: Cranwell
Unit: Royal Air Force College, Aerobatics Team the Lincolnshire Poachers
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4; XS181, XP671, XP583, XP556 and XP584
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 108
Royal Air Force
Base: Linton-on-Ouse
Unit: 1 Flying Training School, Aerobatics Team Linton Gin
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4; XP679, XP683, XR670 and X R666
Tour: Benson and Gaydon
Flight Plan No. 110
Royal Air Force
Base: Manby
Unit: College of Air Warfare, Aerobatics Team the Macaws
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4; XR654, XR660, XS211, XS215 and XR647
Tour: St Athan
Flight Plan No. 118
Royal Air Force
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School, Aerobatics Team the Skylarks
Aircraft: Chipmunk T10; WG403, WB650, WD299, WZ847 and WK521
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 137
Army Air Corps
Base: Middle Wallop
Unit: Helicopter Display Team the Blue Eagles
Aircraft: Sioux; XT134, XT193, XT206, XT498 and XW192
Tour: Benson, Biggin Hill and Gaydon
Flight Plan No. 139
Royal Air Force
Base: Tern Hill
Unit: Central Flying School, Helicopter Display Team the Tomahawks
Aircraft: Sioux HT2; XV314, XV316 and XV319
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 140
Royal Air Force
Base: Stradishall
Unit: 1 Air Navigation School
Aircraft: Dominie T1; XS727, XS729, XS734 and XS737
Tour: Benson, Biggin Hill, Gaydon and St Athan
Flight Plan No. 144
Royal Air Force
Base: Gaydon
Unit: 2 Air Navigation School
Aircraft: Varsity T1; WF385, WL637 and WL669
Tour: Benson and Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 145
Royal Air Force
Base: Oakington and Topcliffe
Unit: 5 Flying Training School and AATIS
Aircraft: Varsity T1; WL626, WL668, WF382, WJ939, WJ948, WJ891, WJ897 and WF369
Tour: Coltishall, Finningley and Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 146
Royal Air Force
Base: Kemble
Unit: Central Flying School, Aerobatics Team the Red Arrows
Aircraft: Gnat T1; XR540, XR986, XR987, XR991, XR992, XR993, XR994, XR995, XR996 and XS111
Tour: Benson and Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 154
Royal Danish Air Force
Base: Karup
Unit: 729 Sqn
Aircraft: RF84F Thunder Streak; C-865, C-248, C-253, C-283 and C-385
Tour: Benson, Biggin Hill and Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 155
Belgian Air Force
Base: Brunstrem
Unit: Premier Aerobatics Team Les Diables Rouges
Aircraft: Fouga Magister; MT-5, MT-6, MT-9, MT-11, MT-15, MT-17 and MT-18
Tour: Gaydon and St Athan
Flight Plan No. 156
Belgian Air Force
Base: Beauvechain
Unit: 350 Sqn, Aerobatics Team the Slivers
Aircraft: F104G Starfighter; FX-20, FX-06 and FX-21
Tour: Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 159
French Air Force
Unit: Premier Aerobatics Team Patrouille de France
Aircraft: Fouga Magister; 527, 529, 534, 536, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545 and 546
Tour: Finningley and Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 161
Royal Norwegian Air Force
Base: Sola
Unit: 334 Sqn, Formation Display Team
Aircraft: F5A Freedom Fighter; 21165(RI-R), 69227(RI-N), 69228(RI-O) and F5B
69244(RI-Y)
Tour: Finningley
Appendix 5
1970, the 30th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, brought nothing much that was new to the display scene. In fact, the year before had introduced a list of new types in RAF service including the McDonnell Douglas Phantom, Hawker Siddeley Harrier and Buccaneer. So by 1970, the line-up of regular service participants at air shows now included a more varied line-up of ‘paraffin burners’ – fast jets, to the uninitiated! Here are the planned flying displays and a review of the static displays which were held on the seven RAF ‘At Home’ stations on 19th September 1970.
Allocation of Display Aircraft
FOR THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘AT HOME’ DAY
19TH SEPTEMBER 1970, THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
RAF BENSON
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Vulcan B2 | (XL387) | 617 Sqn, Scampton |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP790) | Birmingham UAS |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP825) | 132 Flt, AAC |
| Hercules C1 | (XV210) | 24/36 Sqn, Lyneham |
| Andover C1 | (XS604) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN595) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Argosy C1 | (XR109) | 114 Sqn, Benson |
| Argosy C1 | (XP443) | 114 Sqn, Benson |
| Wessex HCC4 | (XV733) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| Bassett CC1 | (XS770) | Queen’s Flight, Benson |
| VC10 | (XR810) | 10 Sqn, Brize Norton |
| Belfast C1 | (XR369) | 53 Sqn, Brize Norton |
| Gnat T1 | (XP500) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Spitfire XVI | (TE311) | 71 MU, Bicester |
| He 162 | (120227) | 71 MU, Bicester |
| He 163 | (191904) | 71 MU, Bicester |
| Gnat T1 | (XM693) | 71 MU, Bicester |
| NorAtlas | (20-BH) | French Air Force |
Flying Display
RAF BIGGIN HILL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Bristol Scout | (A1742) | Replica |
| DominieT1 | (XS730) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Hastings C2 | (WD480) | RAE |
| Hunter T7 | (XF321) | Yeovilton Stn Flt (Loaned by RAF) |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM358) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Vulcan B2 | (XL390) | Scampton Wing |
| HH-3E | (67-14717) | 67 ARRS (USAF) |
| Gnat T1 | (XR569) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter F6 | (XF384) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter F6 | (XF509) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XE597) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XG156) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XG207) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XG254) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter FR10 | (XE626) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hurricane Mk 2 | (PZ865) | G-AMAU |
| Mosquito T3 | (RR299) | HT-E (G-ASKH) |
| Proctor IV | (NP181) | Fuselage only (1475 ATC Sqn) |
| Sioux HT2 | (XT798) | Unknown |
| Spitfire IX | (MH434) | G-ASJV |
| Isaacs Fury | G-ASCM | |
| Alouette II | (XR232) | 6 Flight, AAC Netheravon |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP805) | 132 Flight, AAC |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WZ873) | London UAS |
| Dominie T1 | (XS713) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| HS 748 | (XW750) | RAE |
| Wessex HAS1 | (XM330) | RAE |
Flying Display (includes some items from static lines)
RAF COLTISHALL
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Beverley C1 | (XB259) | RAE |
| Basset CC1 | (XS775) | 26 Sqn, Wyton |
| Andover C1 | (XS639) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Andover CC2 | (XS789) | Queen’s Flight |
| Pembroke C1 | (XL929) | Unknown |
| Varsity T1 | (WL676) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Buccaneer S1 | (XN923) | RAE |
| Gnat T1 | (XR984) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Javelin FAW9 | (XH897) | A & AEE Boscombe Down |
| Meteor F8 | (VZ467) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter F6 | (XG274) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Hunter F6 | (XF386) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter F6 | (XF516) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter F6 | (XG160) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter F6 | (XG161) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter F6 | (XG229) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Canberra PR7 | (WH774) | RRFU (Radar Research Flying Unit) |
| Pershore | ||
| Chipmunk T10 | (WD285) | Unknown |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR672) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP632) | College of Air Warfare (CAW) Manby |
| Spitfire V | (AB910/SO-T) | G-AISU |
| C47 | (K-688) | 721 Sqn, RDAF |
| RF4C Phantom II | (65830) | 10th TRW, Alconbury |
| F100D Super Sabre | (52834) | 493rd TFS of 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
Flying Display (includes some items from static lines)
RAF FINNINGLEY
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Dominie T1 | (XS731) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| F100D Super Sabre | (53669) | 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM419) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN506) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WG301) | Birmingham UAS |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WB739) | 2 FTS, Church Fenton |
| RF4C Phantom II | (641005) | 31st TRS of 10th TRW, Alconbury |
| Cadet TX3 | (XE794) | ATC |
| Hunter T7 | (XL609) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Canberra B6 | (WJ992) | RRE Pershore |
| Gnat T1 | (XR951) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Andover C1 | (XS599) | Andover Trg Sqn, Abingdon |
| Tiger Moth | (NL985/ex-7015M) | RAF Museum |
| Vampire T11 | (XD506) | Finningley Museum |
| Swift FR5 | (WK281) | 79 Sqn markings RAF Museum |
| Proctor II | (Z7197/ex-G-AKZN) | RAF Museum |
| Meteor F8 | (WH456) | as WL168 of 616 Sqn |
| Provost T1 | (XF545/7957M) | Finningley Museum |
| Short SB5 | (WG768) | Finningley Museum |
| Avro 707A | (WZ736/7868M) | Finningley Museum |
| Avro 707C | (WZ744/7932M) | Finningley Museum |
| Beverley C1 | (XL149) | 84 Sqn |
| Defiant | (N1671) | 307 Sqn markings RAF Museum |
| Auster Antarctic | (WE600) | RAF Museum |
| Spitfire F24 | (PK724/7288M) | RAF Museum |
| Hunter F4 | (XF309/7771M) | Finningley Museum |
| Jet Provost T1 | (7570M) | Finningley Museum |
| Javelin FAW1 | (XA726) | 72 Sqn markings was XA549/7717M |
| Fairey FD2 | (WG777) | Finningley Museum |
| Varsity T1 | (WJ898) | 6 FTS Finningley |
| Devon C1 | (VP978) | |
| Devon C1 | (VP958) | |
| Hastings C1 | (TG605/7987M) | Finningley Museum |
Also on the field:
| Varsity T1 | (WL682) | ex 2 ANS in storage |
| Vulcan B1A | (XH505)(on dispersal) | Finningley Museum |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XJ676) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Hunter T7 | (XL609) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XM424) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Jet Provost T3 | (XN509) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Lightning F6 | (XR757) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars (spare) |
| Andover C1 | (XS609) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon (Set-piece) |
| Hercules C1 | (XV292) | LTW |
| Dominie T1 | (XS713) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Dominie T1 | (XS727) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Dominie T1 | (XS729) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Dominie T1 | (XS732) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Dominie T1 | (XS734) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Dominie T1 | (XS739) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Lightning F6 | (XS933) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars (Solo) |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM653) | Waddington Wing (Scramble) |
| Vulcan B2 | (XH538) | 50 Sqn, Waddington (Scramble) |
Flying Display
RAF LEUCHARS
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| F5A Freedom Fighter | (DP-I) | 718 Sqn R. Nor. AF Sola |
| F5B Freedom Fighter | (DP-X) | 718 Sqn R. Nor. AF Sola |
| F104G Starfighter | (D6652) | 322/323 Sqn R. Neth. AF Leeuwarden |
| F104G Starfighter | (FX-18) | 350 Sqn, Belgian AF Beauvechain, Slivers |
| F104G Starfighter | (FX-84) | 350 Sqn, Belgian AF Beauvechain, Slivers |
| F104G Starfighter | (FX-91) | 350 Sqn, Belgian AF Beauvechain, Slivers |
| F27 Troopship | (C-10) | 334 Sqn, R. Neth. AF Ypenburg |
| F100D Super Sabre | (63248) | 493rd TFS of 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| F100F Super Sabre | (63884) | 493rd TFS of 48th TFW, Lakenheath |
| Sea Vixen FAW2 | (XJ607) | 766 Sqn, Yeovilton |
| Hunter T8 | (XL602) | 764 Sqn, Lossiemouth |
| Hunter GA11 | (WT723) | 764 Sqn, Lossiemouth |
| Buccaneer S2 | (XV865) | 736 Sqn, Lossiemouth |
| Canberra T4 | (XH583) | Station Flight, Laarbruch |
| Wessex HC2 | (XV719) | 72 Sqn, Odiham |
| Lightning F6 | (XR760) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV584) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars (New Aircraft, no markings) |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XP638) | CAW, Manby |
| Jet Provost T5 | (XW300) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse, Blades |
| Jet Provost T5 | (XW304) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse, Blades |
| Jet Provost T5 | (XW306) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse, Blades |
| Jet Provost T5 | (XW312) | 1 FTS, Linton-on-Ouse, Blades |
| Dominie T1 | (XS737) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Gnat T1 | (XP533) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Gnat T1 | (XR983) | 4 FTS, Valley |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WB567) | 12 AEF, Turnhouse |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP824) | 15 Flight of 667 Sqn, Topcliffe |
| Harrier GR1 | (XV793) | Harrier Conversion Unit, Wittering |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PS853) | Historic Aircraft Flight, Coltishall |
| Spitfire PR19 | (PS915) | Static Only |
| Spitfire LF16E | (TB252) | Static Only (formerly Acklington-based) |
| Phantom FG1 | (XT875 | 43 Sqn (Hangar Display item) |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WK581) | East Lowlands UAS, Turnhouse (Hangar Display) |
| Also on field; | ||
| Victor BK 1A | (XA926) | 57 Sqn, Marham |
| Victor BK 1A | (XH618) | 57 Sqn, Marham |
| Hastings C1A | (TG568) | Strike Command Bombing School, Lindholme |
| VC10 C1 | (XV106) | 10 Sqn, Brize Norton |
| Devon C2 | (VP971) | 26 Sqn, Detach from Turnhouse |
| Basset CC1 | (XS780) | 207 Sqn, Detach from Lindholme |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XD186) | C Flight 202 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XJ723) | C Flight 202 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XS932) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XS933) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XR723) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XR757) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XR936) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XR728) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XR727) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning F6 | (XR754) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning T5 | (XS417) | 23 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Lightning T5 | (XS416) | 11 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV571) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV574) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV 575) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV576) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV581) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XT874) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Phantom FG1 | (XV585) | 43 Sqn, Leuchars |
| Aztec | G-AXOW | Unknown |
| Twin Commanche | G-AXDL | Unknown |
Several of the aircraft listed above also took part in the flying listed below;
Flying Display
RAF ST ATHAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Comet C2 | (8031M-ex XK698) | St Athan |
| Hunter F4 | (7948M-ex XF974) | St Athan |
| Beaufighter X | (RD253) | St Athan |
| Basset CC1 | (XS742) | ETPS, Farnborough |
| Beaver AL1 | (XP826) | 19 MU, St Athan |
| Meteor F8 | (WK941) | 229 OCU, Chivenor |
| Buccaneer S1 | (XN928) | ex 736 Sqn |
| Shackleton MR3 | (WR979) | 203 Sqn, Luqa, Malta |
| Victor BK 1A | (XA936) | 214 Sqn, Marham |
| Varsity T1 | (WL670) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Devon C2 | (WB530) | 21 Sqn, Andover |
| Provost T1 | (7699M-ex WV541) | St Athan |
| Jet Provost T4 | (XR701) | 5 MU, Kemble |
| Vampire T11 | (7928M-ex XE849) | St Athan |
| Hunter F4 | (7521 M-ex WW644) | St Athan |
| Chipmunk T10 | (7438M-ex WP905) | St Athan |
| Gnat T1 | (XM698) | Unknown |
| Skeeter | (8022M-ex XN341) | Unknown |
| T.31B | (VM791) | Unknown |
| Hunter F4 | (7769M) | St Athan |
| Meteor F4 | (7008M-ex EE549) | St Athan |
| Vulcan B1 | (XA893-nose section only) | St Athan |
| Wessex HC2 | (XR515) | 15 MU |
| Lightning F3 | (XR751) | 60 MU |
| Hunter FGA9 | (XG252) | 19 MU |
| Canberra PR3 | (WE144-ex 231 OCU) | St Athan |
| Andover C1 | (XS596) | 46 Sqn, Abingdon |
| Phantom FGR2 | (XV419) | 54 Sqn, Coningsby |
| Pembroke C1 | (XK862) | Unknown |
| Harrier GR1 | (XV759) | HCU, Wittering |
| Vulcan B2 | (XM608) | Waddington Wing |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WZ862) | Wales UAS |
| Hunter F4 | (7518M-ex WW637) | St Athan |
| Hunter F4 | (7946M-ex XF982) | St Athan |
| Hunter F1 | (7525M-ex WT619) | St Athan |
| Hunter F4 | (7770M-ex WT746 of 71 Sqn) | St Athan |
| Whirlwind HAR10 | (XP345) | 230 Sqn, Wittering |
| Hart | (K4972) | St Athan |
| Bleriot Experimental 2 | (6232) | replica |
| Fiat CR42 | (BT474) | Unknown |
| Spitfire IX | (MK356) | Unknown |
Flying Display
RAF ST MAWGAN
Static Display
| Aircraft | Home Base | |
| Spitfire XIX | (PM631) | BOB Flight, Coltishall |
| Dominie T1 | (XS726) | 6 FTS, Finningley |
| Lightning F1A | (XM173) | 226 OCU, Coltishall |
| F4C Phantom II | (40877) | 81st TFW, Bentwaters |
| Hunter T7 | (XL597) | RAE Bedford |
| Meteor T7 | (XF724) | RAE Bedford |
| Chipmunk T10 | (WP840) | Southampton UAS |
| Nimrod MR1 | (XV230) | 236 OCU, St Mawgan |
| Nimrod MR1 | (XV231) | 236 OCU, St Mawgan |
| Shackleton MR2 | (WG558) | Storage at St Mawgan |
| Canberra TT18 | (WJ721) | 7 Sqn, St Mawgan |
| Jet Provost T5 | (XW294) | CFS, Little Rissington |
| Whirlwind | (XP347) | 22 Sqn, St Mawgan |
Flying Display
IDENTIFIED TOUR FORMATIONS AND DISPLAY TEAMS
Flight Plan No. 017
Base: Chivenor
Unit: 229 Operational Conversion Unit
Aircraft: Hunter F6s; XF386, XF516, XG160, XG161 and XG229
Tour: Coltishall and Finningley
Flight Plan No. 028
Base: Coltishall
Unit: 226 Operational Conversion Unit
Aircraft: Formation of 18 drawn from the following: Lightnings F1As-XM171, XM172, XM178, XM180, XM181, XM182, XM189, XM214 XM216. F3s-XP737 and XP746. T4s-XM968, XM969, XM972, XM974, XM978, XM987, XM990, XM994 and XM997. T5s-XS418, XS419, XS449, XS450, XS452, XS454, XS457, XS458 and XS459.
(above includes two solos F/P No.’s 016 and 027)
Tour: Coltishall and St Mawgan (solo F/P No. 027)
Flight Plan No. 031
Base: Leuchars
Unit: 23 Squadron
Aircraft: Lightning F6s; XR728, XR754, XR727 and T5 XS417.
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 032
Base: Leuchars
Unit: 43 Squadron
Aircraft: Drawn from Phantom FG1s; XV571, XV574, XV575, XV576, XV581 and XT871.
Tour: Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 033
Base: Wattisham
Unit: 29 Squadron
Aircraft: Lightning F3s; XP745 and XP747
Tour: Coltishall, Finningley and Leuchars
Flight Plan No. 034
Base: Binbrook
Unit: 5 Squadron
Aircraft: Lightning F6s; XR753 and XS901
Tour: St Athan and St Mawgan
Flight Plan No. 054
Base: Coningsby
Unit: 6 Squadron
Aircraft: Phantom FGR2s; XT895, XT896, XT910, XT913 and XV396.
Tour: Benson, Biggin Hill, Coltishall, St Athan and St Mawgan
Flight Plan No. 106
Base: Cranwell
Unit: Royal Air Force College The Poachers
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP557, XP563, XP583, XP586, XR673, XS178 and XR662.
Tour: Benson and Finningley
Flight Plan No. 108
Base: Leeming
Unit: No. 3 Flying Training School Gemini Pair
Aircraft: Jet Provost T5s; XR670, XS182 and XP564
Tour: Biggin Hill
Flight Plan No. 110
Base: Manby
Unit: College of Air Warfare The Macaws
Aircraft: Jet Provost T4s; XP688, XR654, XS180, XS211 and XS216.
Tour: Biggin Hill and Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 111
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School The Red Pelicans
Aircraft: Jet Provost T5s; XW287, XW293, XW295 and XW290.
Tour: St Athan and St Mawgan
Flight Plan No. 116
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School the Red Arrows
Aircraft: Folland Gnat T1s; 10 including spare. Drawn from the following: XR991, XR992, XR993, XR994, XR995, XR996, XR986, XR987, XR540, XS111, XP501, XP505, XP514, XP515, XP531, XP533, XP535, XP538, XP539, XP541, XR537, XR545, XR571, XR572, XR574, XR955, XR977, XR981, XS101 and XS107.
Tour: Coltishall and Finningley.
Flight Plan No. 117
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School
Aircraft: Folland Gnat T1s; XP504, XS110, XM705 and XM706
Tour: Benson and St Athan
Flight Plan No. 118
Base: Topcliffe
Unit: AAITS
Aircraft: Varsity T1s; WJ903, WJ896, WJ948 and WJ906
Tour: St Athan and St Mawgan
Flight Plan No. 120
Base: Oakington
Unit: 5 Flying Training School
Aircraft: Varsity T1s; WL642, WF326 and WL631
Tour: Benson, Biggin Hill and Coltishall
Flight Plan No. 122
Base: Little Rissington
Unit: Central Flying School The Skylarks
Aircraft: Chipmunk T10s; WD347, WG364, WG407, WP844 and WZ847
Tour: Biggin Hill