WWII veteran returns to flightline as crews prepare for VE Day 80 flypast

As final preparations take place for a major flypast to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe, RAF crews at Brize Norton welcomed a special guest to the flightline – 99-year-old Dennis Bishop, who served as a ground radio operator in Normandy during the Second World War.

Dennis shared his VE Day memories with aircrew and engineers preparing to take part in the 23-aircraft flypast over Buckingham Palace on Monday, 5 May.

The veteran recalled going to a church, singing and praying when he found out that the war in Europe was over. 

• Reflect, rejoice and remember: How you can commemorate VE and VJ Day 80
• Ross Kemp and Kelly Holmes climb aboard for VE Day 80 party on HMS Duncan
• WW2 veterans urge nation to come together and remember as VE Day 80 approaches

Victory in Europe was announced on 8 May 1945 and saw celebrations across the UK.

Streets filled with cheering crowds, church bells rang out, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the nation.

This year, the UK will mark the 80th anniversary with a large-scale commemorative procession through London and a flypast over Buckingham Palace.

Ahead of the flypast preparations, Dennis was shown around the aircraft by Master Aircrew Steve Moore from LXX Squadron.

"We explained a bit of the aircraft to him, and he was just chuffed," he said.

"We got a little of his story – coming up the beach in Normandy – and I asked him how he looked so young. He said: 'Don't do everything correctly and do a lot of walking'."

The flypast will include a C-17, A400M, Typhoons, F-35s, and aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. All will form up over the North Sea before flying down The Mall and over Buckingham Palace.

"Everyone is really excited," said Flight Lieutenant Mike Chandler, a 99 Squadron C-17 pilot.

"We're deep in our preparation stage to make sure the day's a full success."

The formation is timed to the second.

"It's worked out using speed, distance and time calculations," said Wing Commander Nicola Lofthouse, Commanding Officer of 99 Squadron.

"They start quite spread out and close up as they reach London to give that brilliant flypast everyone will see."

Aircraft will form up behind an RAF Voyager – as if it is refuelling in flight – with spacing adjusted for visibility and safety.

Among those taking part is Warrant Officer Scott Drinkel, a fourth-generation RAF serviceman.

His father, Malcolm, an RAF veteran, came to see the aircraft ahead of the flypast.

"I'm honoured to be here today," Malcolm said. "I'm a proud dad."

"We're losing so much firsthand knowledge of these conflicts," added WO Drinkel. "Remembrance is incredibly important."

And for many, the event is personal.

"Both my grandfathers were in the Second World War," said Master Aircrew Moore. "Not many veterans are left. Even after the 80th, we need to keep celebrating what they did for us."

"It's incredibly humbling," added Flight Lieutenant Chandler. "It's an absolute privilege to dedicate something, even small, to what they went through."