Last-minute change to RAF Cosford flypast: Spitfire replacing Dakota in earlier flight over West Midlands
New plan sees a different Second World War plan fly 47 minutes earlier
A last-minute change has been made to plans for a flypast at Shropshire’s RAF Museum this weekend - meaning a Second World War plan will whiz through the skies 47 minutes earlier.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota will now not be flying over RAF Cosford at 2.55pm, but eagle-eyed Salopians can still see a Spitfire at 2.08pm instead.
A spokesperson for the Royal Air Force Museum apologised for any disappointment caused.
“Change to today's Flypast!” they said. “This will now be the Battle Of Britain Memorial Spitfire at 2.08pm this afternoon - not the Battle of Britain Dakota at 2.55pm.
“We apologise in advance for any disappointment that this news may cause.”
The Dakota was initially scheduled to do three flypasts today.
The BBMF’s Dakota ZA947, named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, plus missions to evacuate casualties and re-supply forces.
The Spitfire was critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
More Spitfires were built than any other British combat aircraft before or since World War Two - 20,341 in total.
The Dakota and Spitfire are among 11 historic, irreplaceable aircraft maintained and operated by the BBMF. These aircraft can be regularly seen in the skies over the UK from May to September each year, to celebrate and commemorate public and military events including major airshows.
The BBMF is a regular RAF unit which is funded by the Ministry of Defence.
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