Trailing patriotic colours, the Red Arrows completed a spectacular London flypast to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team were cheered by huge crowds lining The Mall this afternoon [May 5] as the aircraft flew above the capital city and Buckingham Palace for the VE Day 80 event.
The flypast was part of commemorations and a military procession, featuring 1,300 members of the Armed Forces.
The events were in tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
Flying from their home base of RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, the Red Arrows’ distinctive Hawk jets – alongside Typhoon aircraft – provided a colourful and striking finale to the flypast, streaming red, white and blue smoke trails.
Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The Red Arrows were honoured to be part of the VE Day commemorations, which are so important in order to reflect on the service and sacrifice made by so many people to defend our values.
“Eighty years later, members of the Armed Forces remain inspired by the Second World War generation and we aim to continue their great example.”
The Red Arrows are in the final weeks of pre-season preparation, with a packed summer of events getting underway at the end of the month.
