Historic aircraft take to the skies as UK marks 84th anniversary of Battle of Britain

Historic aircraft have taken to the skies over the UK to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

It was the first decisive battle in history fought entirely in the air and lasted more than three months.

The day of remembrance recognises the most momentous point in the fighting, as the Luftwaffe, the German air force, launched its heaviest bombing raids on London.

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Several RAF accounts posted videos across social media of aircraft taking part in commemorative flypasts to mark the event.

RAF Cosford shared footage of a Spitfire, which began zoomed in to the aircraft before panning out and showing it flying over a vast, quintessential British landscape.

"Today is Battle of Britain Day when we remember The Few," the post said.

"Who defended our nation and fought against tyranny. We must never forget the sacrifice they made for our freedom."

Elsewhere, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight shared a video on X which showed a Lancaster flying alongside the B-17 Flying Fortress 'Sally B' at the Battle of Britain Airshow at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.

This included footage from the rear of the aircraft showing the B-17 in flight.

Alongside the historic flypasts, there was also a service held at Westminster Abbey in London.

The morning of Thanksgiving and Rededication was attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as well as veterans and serving RAF personnel.

Before the service, wreaths were laid at the RAF Memorial with serving personnel from the RAF present, as well as representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

An Act of Remembrance was also included, with the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour being borne from the Grave of the Unkown Warrior to the Sacrarium.

It was escorted by serving descendants of Battle of Britain airmen, RAF aircrew from former Battle of Britain squadrons and a contingent of RAF cadets.

After the event, an Avro Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight carried out a flypast.