RAF Typhoon seen flying the flag over White Cliffs of the southern coast

The RAF Typhoon Display team have retraced the footsteps of the Battle of Britain pilots, by flying over the White Cliffs of the southern British coastline.

The flight took place ahead of the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and saw the Typhoon, callsign Blackjack, make several passes along the landmark.

This sortie also provided essential training for Quick Reaction Alert, which is the pilots primary role based at RAF Coningsby.

The Cliffs saw plenty of action during the summer of 1940 and has a long history as a location for observation and warning.

This location hosted a Chain Home Radar Station, which helped provide an early warning system along the south coasts of Britain.

Once finished, the system could detect low-flying aircraft, which proved invaluable in getting RAF Fighters airborne.

The RAF will commemorate the Battle of Britain at a service this Sunday (19th September) at Westminster Abbey.

The pilot of the jet, Flight Lieutenant Sainty said it was an honour to fly the flag in such an iconic location.

The Flight Lieutenant added it would be a flight they would remember for the rest of their life.

Charged with capturing the imagery from the air was Senior Aircraftman Lewis, from the Photo Section at RAF Coningsby.

He was also joined by aviation photography specialists Center of Aviation Photography Media for the sortie.

Lewis said:

"Having such a unique vantage point looking down as the Typhoon flew the Union Flag colours over one of the country’s most iconic locations was a photographer’s dream."