Every now and again an airshow can deliver a moment so powerful that it has every chance of entering airshow folklore, the Duxford Battle of Britain tribute this year was without a doubt one of those occasions. The show was brought to a fitting close each day with a mass formation of 17 Spitfires (15 Spitfires and 2 Seafires). This wonderful sequence saw mass formation displays, formation aerobatics and a seemingly endless tail-chase display.

Brian Smith orchestrated the whole sequence and led the display in the Old Flying Machine Company’s Spitfire MH434, a legend in its own right. Brian brought the flying to a close with a graceful solo display in the Spitfire.

Along with the Spitfire finale there were plenty of other Battle of Britain themed highlights as seen below.

A sight many will remember from years to come. The first pass from the 15 Spitfires and 2 Seafires.

The Blenheim leading three Hurricanes past Duxford.

The Hurricane three ship running in.

N3200 climbs out ahead of the solo performance.

An undoubted highlight of the Spitfire finale, the Seafire III.

The Commanche Fighters Mk I pair.

The Gladiator was put through plenty of graceful loops and rolls.

Smoke On: The BBMF fighters join the Red Arrows during Sunday’s finale.

Sally B sneaks in underneath the first pass of the Big Wing.

Back to Base – Spitfire’s recovering.