Battle of Britain Memorial Flight book dedicated to Squadron Leader Mark Long, who died in Lincolnshire spitfire crash

A new photographic book chronicling life behind the scenes of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has been dedicated to RAF pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long.

Lincolnshire photojournalist Lisa Harding, who has drawn on her work from the past 20 years capturing the historic flight on camera, said it was only fitting the book honour Sqn Ldr Long, who was tragically killed when the BBMF Spitfire he was flying crashed into a field on May 25.

“As part of the book I asked many of those involved in the BBMF for some quotes and anecdotes to include alongside the photos. I asked Mark what it felt like being told you’re taking over the stewardship of this amazing British institution and he gave me the most beautiful and humble quote. It was really lovely,” said Lisa, of Coningsby.

“Mark’s quote was the last one in the book. It just felt right to dedicate it to him – in their tribute the RAF said he was ‘the best boss we never had’ and it just seemed so fitting.

“At my request the publishers have added a page to the front of the book for a dedication in his memory.”

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Photos is published by Mortons Books, on July 24, and is a coffee-table style hardback containing more than 230 photos, featuring all aspects of the BBMF, taken at its RAF Coningsby base and events around the country.

The idea came about after Lisa, who annually publishes a photobook called The View from The Fence, was approached by Mortons Books, of Horncastle, to compile one focussing specifically on the BBMF - an RAF display team comprising an Avro Lancaster, six Supermarine Spitfires and two Hawker Hurricanes.

“I’ve spent many years, almost 20, photographing the BBMF around the country at air shows and up here at Coningsby – everything from what it takes to keep it flying and the people involved behind the scenes,’ said Lisa, whose interest in the Lancaster and BBMF was strengthened after discovering her own great-grandfather was linked to the bomber plane. ‘That includes the ground and support crew as well as the pilots, the whole team, all year round, not just when it’s flying but the winter season too, when they’re doing all the maintenance. All that stuff that people don’t know about, or don’t get to see.

“It’s a really nice way of taking some of my favourite photos to create a retrospective look at the flight over the years, with everything all in one place. I also chatted to members of the flight, past, present and future to collect some quotes and anecdotes from their time on the flight.

“I was regaled with takes of their favourite moments of being on the flight, their highlights, the best things they remember and what have they enjoyed most so far. A consistent theme was the many wonderful encounters with the veterans over the years.

“There are some wonderful anecdotes from people who live and breathe the flight on a day-to-day basis, their favourite aircraft, and some very funny stories. It’s a really lovely personal insight into the flight rather than a technical aviation book about mechanics and engineering and I’m very proud of how it’s turned out.”

Lisa spent 18 months whittling down 1,000 photos to around 230 and will showcase many which have never been seen before, alongside other memorable shots including the gathering of three Lancaster bombers at East Kirkby, the last two airworthy Lancasters flying together down the Derwent Valley, the RAF100 Buckingham Palace flypast and the Dambusters 80th anniversary.

“It was horrendous having to narrow the photos down,” she added, “but as the quotes came in, I used them to help me pick some of the photos featuring those who gave them, as for my own favourites, it’s been tricky to choose!

“Maybe the two Lancasters flying over Derwent dam, or another one of a Lancaster reflected in a puddle, which I got absolutely soaked taking!

“Ultimately it’s the people’s stories; when you take photos of the flight, week in week out you really see the passion and enthusiasm for what they’re giving and you can just see how much they love it. The camaraderie and team sprit between people on this team is wonderful, there are no egos, I love that everybody is there for one reason – to make sure we all remember everything that has gone before.”

* Lisa is taking part in a special event at International Bomber Command Centre, on September 12, exploring the BBMF’s heritage. She will be talking about her work and book, alongside Chris Sandham- Bailey, who has also released a book about the BBMF. Tickets for the event which includes a meal, talk and Q&A are available from internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ibcc/news/events/ibcc-lecture-and-supper-series-in-conversation-with-raf-heritage-exploring-the-bbmf-with-chris-sandham-bailey-and-lisa-harding/

* The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Photos, by Lisa Harding, is available to pre-order via Mortons Books, priced £39.99, via mortonsbooks.co.uk/product/view/productCode/15815 and Amazon. It will also be available in selected book shops and the BBMF Visitor Centre.