“The formation that flew today had veterans and the most senior was Wing Commander Tom Neil, he fought from North Weald in the Battle of Britain“.
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Hopes will be high among organisers that it will clear in time for the Battle of Britain Memorial flypast over Swindon.
Due to the poor weather, take off will be postponed from noon to 2pm.
Prince Harry whose exploits were filmed for a two-part Channel 4 television documentary, was there as a passenger but had been briefed about what to do if he needed to take the controls.
The day promises to be a historic and fitting tribute not only to those courageous pilots who defended Britain’s shores in 1940, inspiring Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s iconic speech “The Few”, but to everyone who contributed to the war effort.
Despite being admonished shortly after arriving, Royal Prince Harry said, “I am incredibly honored to be part of the flypast”.
There are only around 70 Spitfires and Hurricanes still airworthy remaining in the world and most will be taking part in Tuesday’s display in what is expected to be the largest flypast since the end of the war.
The prince was joining scholars from Endeavour Fund – a fund set up by the Royal Foundation to support the recovery of wounded and sick service personnel – for the Battle of Britain flypast.
He added of Harry: “He’s a lovely man. He came and welcomed me back”.
Only around 30 Battle of Britain pilots are alive today.
The first group of three aircraft – Spitfires – headed in the general direction of Blackboys after passing over Uckfield with the second group of four going towards Buxted – a Blenheim, two Hurricanes and a Spitfire.
World War II planes fly over Buckingham Palace earlier this year.
A day of air battles involving 1,500 aircraft saw RAF Fighter Command thwarting Hitler’s plans to make a major strike on London and destroy Britain’s air defences.
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