July 11, 2017 2.27 pm This story is over 80 months old

Prince William guest of honour for Battle of Britain Memorial Flight anniversary

Prince William was a special guest of honour for the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, at RAF Coningsby for the anniversary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Photo: Sean Strange for Lincolnshire Reporter

Prince William was a special guest of honour for the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Duke of Cambridge met veterans who flew and worked on the aircraft at the event held at RAF Coningsby on Tuesday, July 11.

The prince is patron of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and spent the day speaking to veterans who were invited to the base.

Also at the anniversary was former Countdown co-host Carol Vorderman, who is an ambassador for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Carol Vorderman at RAF Coningsby. Photo: Sean Strange for Lincolnshire Reporter

The event saw the brand-new paint scheme of the BBMF Lancaster PA474 unveiled.

Each side of the Lancaster tells a story, with the port side carrying the markings of Lancaster W5005 AR-L of 460 (RAAF) Squadron which took part in at least 44 operations into occupied Europe from RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire.

Photo: Sean Strange for Lincolnshire Reporter

The nose art depicts a Kangaroo playing the bag pipes in wellies that represent the multi-national crew it carried from Scotland, Wales and of course Australia.

On the side, the ‘bomb log’ also represents the aircraft on its completion of its 30th operation on September 6, 1943.

The starboard side of the aircraft will represent Lancaster LL922 VN-T of 50 Squadron.

The original pilot of LL922 was Flying Officer Douglas Millikin, who is the grandfather of the current BBMF Commanding Officer Squadron Leader Andy Millikin.

It will still maintain the Coat of Arms of the City of Lincoln.