Prince Harry to celebrate 31st birthday honoring WWII pilots

A former para and an RAF corporal will also take part in the event after winning places on a Spitfire scholarship training programme for wounded servicemen and women, and veterans.

Crowds lined the pier and seafront in Worthing to catch a glimpse of revered wartime aircraft on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain yesterday afternoon.

Mr Forster said: “Prince Harry was adamant I took part in the flypast, a real testament to his personality, a really genuine guy”.

The fly past was planned to start at 12pm but has now been delayed until 2pm due to poor weather.

Hundreds of people in Selsey turned out to watch the spectacular Battle of Britain flyover from positions all around the town.

“Knowing that they had as much warning as they had, with more and more aircraft taking off, and then getting that phone call saying “right scramble, off you go lads” and not really knowing what you’re going to be confronted with”.

Medals that acknowledge the bravery of those who served in both world wars include the 1939-45 Star with Battle of Britain clasp produced by The Royal Mint, which was awarded to every allied airman involved in the campaign.

Today’s flyover marks the decisive day in the summer and autumn of 1940 when Germany tried to destroy the RAF in the first major campaign fought entirely by air forces.

A royal spokesman said Harry was “incredibly honoured” to be part of the event on his birthday.

The flypast was coordinated by Boultbee Academy, which teaches pilots from all around the world to fly and operate vintage aircraft including the Spitfire.

He said: “The South West has somewhat been forgotten and it’s like giving something back to those guys”.

The move ensured that veterans at the event could still take to the skies – including Wing Commander Tom Neil, the only surviving ace from the Battle of Britain.

Battle of Britain live stream: Numerous politicians including the new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will attend the flypast of 40 Spitfires and Hurricanes and a service of St Paul’s Cathedral.

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“The two flights we had were quite significant: the first number 70 squadron that fly A400m which is the newest aircraft, which is why I picked them”.

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