Battle of Britain to be commemorated at Air Tattoo

[baronWastelan]

The 70th anniversary of the Battle and Britain will be marked with a stirring international flypast over Gloucestershire.

A wide range of historic aircraft, including Hurricanes, Spitfires and Messerschmitts, will join many of their modern-day equivalents for the commemoration at the 2010 Royal International Air Tattoo.

Organisers of the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford have joined with the Royal Air Force to plan dogfights, the flypast and a moving 'missing man' formation of aircraft among a string of memorable set pieces.

On the ground, a Battle of Britain airfield will be recreated, bringing to life the atmosphere during Britain's 'finest hour'.

Visitors to the Battle of Britain Village will be invited to step back in time as re-enactors recreate the sights and sounds of England in 1940, complete with a static display of historic aircraft, military vehicles and period entertainment.

Military chiefs from many of the countries that took part in the Battle of Britain will be attending, including France, Germany and Italy, along with veterans including Wing Commander Bob Foster, Chairman of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association.

"Many people believe the Battle of Britain was fought simply between people from two nations - England and Germany - but pilots and aircrew from 17 nations took part in total," said Tim Prince, Air Tattoo chief executive.

"We believe the bravery and sacrifice of all those who took part should be recognised."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/gloucest...00/8664576.stm

http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/Abo...attoo/09themes