Battle of Britain flypast over Kent for Armed Forces Day cancelled due to engine fault

A Battle of Britain flypast which was set to take to the skies over Kent this weekend to commemorate Armed Forces Day has been cancelled due to an engine fault. The iconic flight was due over Hever Castle in Edenbridge, and New Ash Green near Sevenoaks this afternoon (June 24).

It was also scheduled to return over Hever Castle at lunchtime on Sunday. But the Royal Air Force (RAF) said yesterday (June 23) a fault on an engine used in several of the historic aircraft had to be investigated. This means the flight has been withdrawn.

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) operates six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster and a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircrafts primarily for training. Varying numbers of aircraft can be seen in flypasts and it can sometimes be just one.

The RAF said in a statement: “The BBMF is currently investigating a fault on a Merlin engine and has taken the decision to temporarily pause flying. Several of our aircraft are powered by the Merlin and as a result, these historic aircraft will be unable to support Armed Forces Day events around the country as we would have liked.

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“This is hugely disappointing for us and to all those who love to see these iconic aircraft, however, safety remains our paramount concern.”

The BBMF operates from RAF Coningsby, a Typhoon base in Lincolnshire. The flight aims to maintain the “priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country”.

The BBMF also promotes the modern day Air Force and aims to inspire future generations. The aircraft can regularly be seen in the skies over the UK from May to September each year.

They are flown to celebrate and commemorate public and military events from State occasions such as Trooping the Colour to major airshows and flypasts for public events.

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is the Patron. You can find out more about each of the aircraft and even get a pilot’s eye view in the skies, here.

Headcorn Armed Forces Day 2023

However, those in Kent can still mark the occasion at the Headcorn Armed Forces Day event. It will take place today (June 24) between 10am and 4pm at Headcorn Aerodrome.

There will be flying training, fixed wing and helicopter; microlight flying; parachuting; model flying, and some Second World War aircraft. There will also be a chance to meet cadets, service personnel and Veterans.

There will also be tank rides (FV432) and other activities for the public to take part in or view. Military personnel and veterans can go free.

Children aged four years and under are also free. Adults are £7 at the gate, a child from five to 14 years are £3. More prices including cheaper tickets by booking online are here.

Find out more about things to do and activities in Kent with our free What’s On email HERE.