At RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire two Lancaster Bombers took to the skies today for the first formation flight of this aircraft type since the 1960s. The Lancaster “Thumper”, which is part of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been joined by the Canadian Lancaster “Vera” from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario. The two Lancasters will visit some 60 air shows and public events across the UK over the next 5 weeks and today’s flying was in rehearsal for tomorrow’s first public engagement at the Eastbourne Air Show this weekend.

Photographs: Mr Gordon Elias

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2014