Typhoon fighter jets flypast Bracknell -when and where to see it

Peter Hale, who is the last surviving pilot of the 41 Squadron will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Thursday, July 28 with residents and staff from Bickerton House care home on Warfield Road.

Bickerton House, where Peter lives, has organised the flyover for the iconic Spitfire pilot at Elms Park in Bracknell.

At 2pm, two Typhoon Fighter planes will fly over the park where Peter will then be presented with an award by three RAF commanders.

They will fly at around 500 ft in the air whilst soaring over the Bracknell park located on Park Road.

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The Bracknell resident joined the RAF during the second World War in June 1941 at the age of 18.

He became fully qualified to fly from September of the same year, which gave him opportunities to travel all over the world including Canada in 1942 and Belgium in 1944.

In June 2021, just before his 99th birthday Peter was finally honoured for his status as the last remaining member of the Spitfire crew from World War Two.

He was presented with a signed print by two currently serving members of the 41 Squadron. This was Wing Commander, Lee Gordon and Warrant Officer, Stevie Dryburgh.

During the Second World War, the 41 Squadron operated the Supermarine Spitfire which was a key defender in the Battle of Britain and the fighting at Dunkirk.

From 1943 to 1944, the Squadron flew many missions, including flying defensive patrols against low level attacks and escorting essential weaponry to troops on the ground.

From 1943 to 1944, the Squadron flew many missions, including flying defensive patrols against low level attacks and escorting essential weaponry to troops on the ground.

According to Erika Smith, the home manager at Care UK’s Bickerton House, Peter is a ‘much-loved resident at Bickerton House. She said ‘his gentlemanly nature and history in the RAF have made him a hero.’