22 May 2015
The RAF has painted one of its latest high-tech Typhoon fighter jets in ‘Battle of Britain’ camouflage colours to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the crucial WW2 battle.
The Typhoon is painted with the 249 Squadron identification number of the only Fighter Command pilot awarded a Victoria Cross during the battle: Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson VC DFC. The Typhoon, along with a WW2 Spitfire, will perform aerial displays at air shows across the UK this summer.
The Typhoon will be flown by Flight Lieutenant Ben Westoby-Brooks from RAF Coningsby’s 29(R) Squadron. He said, “It is a great privilege to fly this extraordinary aircraft in recognition of the sacrifices made by our predecessors 75 years ago. Their task of securing the skies was critical in the summer of 1940 and it’s an honour to pay tribute to those few brave airmen who gave their all when the stakes were so high”.
Present to see the unveiling was Flight Lieutenant Nicolson’s nephew, Mr Jim Nicolson, he said, “I’m so thrilled that the Royal Air Force has commemorated this aircraft the way they have. It just looks amazing. The plane is amazing anyway but to see it in those colours it is just fantastic and it is the icing on the cake for me.”
RAF Coningsby Station Commander, Group Captain Jez Attridge said, “This fully operational Typhoon will be a dynamic reminder to all that see it over the summer of the link between the modern Royal Air Force and The Few that defended our nation 75 years ago during the battle. Today that mission endures with Typhoons on Quick Reaction Alert, every minute of every day.”
