It was September 1939 and Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires battled in the skies over England against German Messerschmitt Bf109s. It was a fight for survival. It was a fight for democracy. It was a fight for England. As Sir Wintson Churchill so eloquently put it… “…. Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few.” Never have truer words been spoken.

Almost 70 years later, we remember and celebrate those few who remain. Those few who fought in the skies over southern England, in untried aircraft; hurricanes and spitfires both. Every day, we lose more of these brave men. Ever year there are fewer and fewer of “..the few.” And yet, we see them, in their 80’s, turn out by the dozens to remember. They remember for themselves and for those they lost. They remember with us.

In the skies over Western Quebec and Eastern Ontario Canada, in September of 2008, there came a roar not been heard since the end of World War II. Eight Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffon engines powering through the sky by means of an Avro Lancaster bomber, 2 Supermarine Spitfires, and 2 Hawker Hurricanes. All eyes looked to the sky as these 5 beautiful, vintage, and rare aircraft from 2 and 3 generations ago flew overhead in tribute.

At the Canadian National Aviation Museum in Ottawa, Ontario at Rockcliffe airport, the museum marks the anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a ceremony that includes air cadets, current military members, and some of the remaining ‘few.’ Several hundred spectators attend the memorial to thank these war hero’s and to remember those who never came back

The aircraft include Canadian Warplane Heritage’s Avro Lancaster. Resorted by CWH some 20 plus years ago, it is one of only two airworthy Lancaster bombers in existence today. Though the Lancaster never flew during the Battle of Britain, it is still an integral part of the air battles of World War II. The other flying Lancaster is flown by the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in England.

The Spitfire’s that participated in the flypast included the Ed Russell Group’s Mk IX, Merlin powered Spitfire and Vintage Wings of Canada’s Mk XVIe, Griffon powered Spitfire. Both aircraft have interesting histories and more information can be found at their respective websites, listed below.

Also included in the flypast were Vintage Wings of Canada’s Hawker Hurricane Mk IV and the Ed Russell Group’s Mk XII, both Merlin powered fighters. The Hurricane, which, spent most of it’s time shooting down the attacking bombers of the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, was Britain’s primary defence fighter and saw action before the Spitfire. The Spitfire was more successful and capable of fighting it out against the Bf109’s but it has always seemed to get much of the glory. Regardless, both aircraft won the Battle of Britain, along with their courageous pilots and ground crews.

So, time marches on and time takes from us these courageous, brave, and extraordinary men. To serve their memory, and the memory of what they accomplished, we endeavour to keep these aircraft flying as a tribute. The next time you see a Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane, or any World War II aircraft, think about those who flew them and what they did. Remember them and look to the skies with pride and with thanks.

For more information about Vintage Wings of Canada visit www.vintagewings.ca
For more information about The Ed Russell Group visit www.therussellgroupairshow.com
For more information about Canadian Warplane Heritage visit www.warplane.com
For more information about the National Aviation Museum visit www.aviation.technomuses.ca

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