Happy 100th Birthday to the RAF – Spitfires at Biggin

A trio of warbirds flew again over Biggin Hill this Easter Sunday, exactly 100 years to the day after the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service combined to form the Royal Air Force.

It was an emotional day at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, where IntotheBlue is also based, as Squadron Leader Allan Scott, 96, took the skies again in his ‘beloved Spitfire’. Dressed and ready to go in his flying suit and RAF Benevolent Fund t-shirt, Allan said: ‘The Spitfire feels like an overcoat and that’s the best bit. It’s part of you. It’s a beautiful aircraft’.

Squadron Leader Allan Scott, 96, ready to fly in his ‘beloved Spitfire’ once again to celebrate 100 years of the RAF

Allan led the charge in the skies aboard MJ627 (one of the two seater Spitfire aircraft used for our hugely popular Spitfire flight experiences out of Biggin Hill), with highly experienced test and display pilot Dan Griffith at helm. The Spitfire was flanked by the ‘Spirit of Kent’ Mk IX Spitfire and the Hurricane X in Mk1 colours.

Not forgetting the pivotal role the Hurricane played for the RAF in the Battle of Britain!

During the Second World War, Squadron Leader Allan Scott was a Spitfire pilot during the Siege of Malta, where life expectancy in the air during aerial dogfights was thought to be around 15 minutes. He commented: ‘We knew we might not come back and that each moment could be your last’.

Also joining in the event on Sunday was First Officer Mary Ellis, who flew Spitfires and many other warbirds during the war, delivering them from the factories to the squadrons and Lieutenant Keith Quilter, who flew Supermarine Spitfires against the Japanese, flying from HMS Formidable.

First Officer Mary Ellis, 101, and Squadron Leader Allan Scott in front of the iconic Spitfire at Biggin Hill’s event for the 100th anniversary of the RAF

The event, organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund with the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar to mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF, attracted lots of attention from national media. Allan delighted the gathered guests as his Spitfire performed a Victory Roll over the former RAF Fighter Station. And as Allan commented afterwards: ‘That suited me down to the ground. I’ll be back for my 100th birthday – it’s all booked!’

We’ll see you there Allan! Per Ardua ad Astra…