Truth behind last-minute change RAF made for King's birthday celebrations

15 June 2024 , 13:59

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The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight did not take part in the flypast (Image: Jack Dredd/REX/Shutterstock)

The RAF was forced to change the planes for today’s flyover during the Trooping the Colour following the tragic death of a pilot in a spitfire crash last month.

Thousands were enthralled when the display made a flypast this afternoon, ending with the Red Arrows. In previous years, however, it has also included a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

However last month Squadron leader and dad-of-two Mark Long was killed when he took part in the May 25 air show commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. As a result, the difficult decision was made to omit the memorial flight.

Squadron leader and dad-of-two Mark Long was killed last month

An RAF spokesman said: “Due to the ongoing pause in flying for the BBMF after the tragic accident on May 25 2024, regretfully, the BBMF will not be participating in the forthcoming flypast for His Majesty the King’s birthday on June 15 2024.”

Sqn Ldr Long died after his plane crashed to the ground minutes after taking off in the flight’s Mark IX Spitfire for a routine air display. Weeks before the tragedy, he explained why pilots needed to be careful about the conditions they fly in. He said: “We have landed here with the Hurricane and Spitfire ready for react later this afternoon. The reason we landed in Gloucester is actually for crosswinds.

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"I'll show you around the aircraft and you will see what we are operating and why we are so precious about how we pick our winds, surface and flying conditions. What a lovely summer we are having right now as temperatures are soaring.

"The unique element of the Hurricane is that it gets really hot inside but it actually does quite well at keeping itself cool. So you have got the massive propeller at the front of the 17-litre Merlin engine but that on the ground forces the air through the radiator."

The pilot's death was confirmed by Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing.. He said in a statement: "It is with great sorrow I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long. Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years, he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

"A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him."

Antony Clements-Thrower