Scene around the UK

30 January 2008 - Coningsby

An international gathering at Coningsby - two Danish Air Force F-16AMs were joined by EF2000s from the Luftwaffe and Spanish Air Force. Pictures courtesy Martin Patch

30 January 2008 - Mildenhall

More Hercules variety - 'Compass Call' EC-130H 73-1587 departed Mildenhall today, and although thought to be assigned to the 41st ECS at David Monthan, its usual DM tail code has been painted out. Courtesy Neil Evans

22 January 2008 - Mildenhall

Dyess-based C-130H 74-1663, showing the new tail fin mark of the 317th AG. Picture courtesy Andy Court

22 January 2008 - Lyneham

'Kuwaiti Air Force 3218' arriving at Lyneham today, not that unusual as there's one in near enough every month, but KAF-323 is the regular one with KAF-324 now and then - KAF-325 is rarely seen. Courtesy Colin Norwood

16 January 2008 - Cottesmore

Lucy recovered - following the visit of two glamour girls to Afghanistan, Harrier GR7A ZD404 received the name 'Lucy', the inscription "Good work boys, love and kisses Lucy xxx" and a silhouette of the amply-endowed young lady. Since its return to the UK, the silhouette has mostly disappeared, but the name 'Lucy' and the vast array of mission marks can still be seen. The panel with the silhouette probably adorns the hangar wall...Pictures courtesy Mike Kerr

16 January 2008 - Lyneham

Sporting a special forces fit was Hercules C4 ZH879, believed to be the first J-model to be converted. Only a matter of time before it goes olive green? Picture courtesy Colin Norwood

15 January 2008 - Coningsby

Chairman of Lincs County Council opens 'Celebration of Collections'

Councillor David Dickinson (left), Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council, officially opened the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's revamped visitor centre today.

"I'm delighted to officially open these fascinating displays at the Visitor Centre", he said. "The unique working partnership between the County Council and the RAF at Coningsby reflects the importance of Lincolnshire's aviation heritage and brings it to life for present and future generations." The new displays have been composed and arranged by Clive Rowley, himself a former Officer Commanding BBMF.

In addition to the re-opening of the centre, Corgi also unveiled its latest collectors' piece, a series of models depicting the Flight's aircraft in their latest colours, in particular the Lancaster and Hurricane PZ865.

Attending the event was former 550 Squadron wireless operator Flt Lt Harry Bontoft (right), who flew fourteen missions with the squadron in 1944 from RAF Warboys, near Huntingdon. "I am one of the lucky ones," he said: "There were seven of us in our crew and we all survived the war unscathed; there are just three of us left now."

Harry later served with 582 (Pathfinder) Squadron until the end of the war, flying from Little Staughton. "We did one mission that you find in the Bomber Command diaries," he added. "We flew a leaflet-drop to Regensburg just before the end of the war - there were four aircraft, of which we were the last. I wish I'd kept one of those leaflets, although I've no idea what it said!"

9 January 2008 - Lyneham

A presedential visitor with Airbus A319 F-RBFB, although we don't think Nicolas Sarkozy was on board. It's one of two aircraft operated by the French Air Force. Picture courtesy Colin Norwood

3 January 2008 - Mildenhall

Two interesting EC-130Js, both remarkably different - 98-1932 (left) sports some interesting appendages, apparently a 'Commando Solo II PSYOP' aircraft, with rather anonymous-looking 99-1933 (right). Both aircraft are from the 193rd SOS, Penn ANG. Pictures courtesy Neil Evans