Hurricane flyover Weymouth to commemorate Battle of Britain

Veterans and members of the public alike visited the Battle of Britain memorial at Bowleaze Cove to commemorate the airmen who fought in the battle, and to watch a Hurricane fly overhead.

Originally a Spitfire had been planned for the event but was unavailable.

The flyover was followed by a memorial service was held in association with Weymouth and Portland Royal Air Force Association (RAFA).

In 2020 a Battle of Britain memorial was unveiled at Bowleaze Cove.

It pays tribute to the 544 heroes who were killed during the Battle of Britain, a pivotal air campaign that took place between July and October of 1940.

Wreaths were lain at the memorial (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Group Captain Rob Tripp RAF said a few words at the service.

He said: "The flyover brought a tear to my eye, as it always does. It is the sound of freedom to me.

"Without those young people both air and ground crews, we would not be here now enjoying the freedoms we have."

The flyover was organised by Rob Oliver who was involved with building the Battle of Britain memorial at Bowleaze Cove. He said: "I wanted to do this as a mark of respect for the boys. You can't thank them enough."

Rob Oliver (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Cllr Anne Weaving was one of the people in attendance. She said: "I loved the flypast and the service was lovely.

"It is so important to mark this day and remember all the boys who fought and never came back. All I can say is not only RIP but God bless."

Carole Harrison, the wife of a former military serviceman, came down especially for the event.

She said: "I thought the flyover was fantastic. Very proud to be British.

"I had the honour of knowing a bomber commander who I believe has his name on the memorial."

Julia Curtis-King was a clerical flight sergeant in the RAF. She says the flyover was 'amazing' adding: Those selfless pilots were so young. They were outnumbered and went out to stop the Germans bombing the UK."