BBMF Dakota
Well, Lancman.
Just a couple of points here. First of all, are you aware that the Dakota was a replacement for the Devon and she is used like the Devon was, (although she was not a ‘tail-dragger) as a training aircraft for aircrew to progress to the Lancaster and also to keep current with air time during the months that the Lancaster does not fly? (i.e. during winter servicing)
For the first few years on the Flight the Dak was used solely for training purposes, and the odd display, however over the last 5/6 years she displays as much, if not more than the Lancaster, this is due to the large number of requests that there are for her.
May I remind you that the Dak played a great part in WWII, in many significant operations, for example Operation Manna and D-Day.
The Flight consider the Dak a ‘workhorse’, and are happy with that, ferrying spares, aircrew around the country as well as the roles already mentioned, she is a Godsend at times.
As for the naming, Battle of Britain, all these ‘type’ of aircraft have taken part in WWII, nobody has ever claimed that the aircraft are all actual veterans, however, the flight is a flying memorial to all those aircraft and aircrew both living and passed. Britain was at war for 6 years, therefore the Battle of Britain took place over 6 years, with a significant period during 1940 that was dubbed the ‘Battle of Britain’. The Dakota, as already stated, played a large part in defeating Britain’s enemies at that time, she therefore has a legitimate place on the flight as does any aircraft type (eg the Mosquito) that saw action in WWII.
Fluffy.
Sign In
