hero salute
What time is the RAF flypast for Captain Tom Moore’s birthday?
AFTER raising tens of millions of pounds for the NHS and winning over the hearts of the nation, Captain Tom Moore's 100th birthday was marked by an RAF flypast.
Modern RAF fighters flew over his home in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire to salute the World War Two hero.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
3
What time is the RAF flypast for Captain Tom Moore?
The flypast happened at 8.20am on Thursday, April 30, which is Captain Tom's 100th birthday.
RAF fighter jets flew over Captain Tom's home in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire.
According to the Ministry of Defence the salute celebrated "Captain Tom's birthday and marked his amazing fundraising achievement".
You can donate by heading to .
How can I watch it?
With the worldwide attention received by Captain Tom for his efforts, the event was covered by the media.
Members of the public were advised not to gather to watch the event by the Ministry of Defence.
The MoD said: "The Great British public is reminded not to gather to watch this event and to continue adhere to PHE guidelines on social distancing."
What happened to Captain Tom Moore in WW2?
In 1940, 20-year-old Tom Moore was enlisted to the Army to fight in the Second World War.
He was selected for officer training and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1941.
From December 1941, he served in the hostile Burma, where he was involved in the assault on Arakan.
He was also posted to Bombay in India and sent to Sumatra in Indonesia.
Upon his return to the UK, he became an instructor at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington, Dorset.
His service earned him three medals including Burma Star.
3
What is the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight?
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight carried out the event, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Based in Lincolnshire, its fleet includes six Spitfires and a Lancaster bomber.
They are often seen at events commemorating the Second World War and at state occasions such as Trooping the Colour.
3
LATEST ON TOM MOORE
In 2006, they were used to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Queen.
The marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton was also marked by the Battle of Memorial Flight.
"The mission of the RAF BBMF is to maintain the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country, to promote the modern day Air Force and to inspire the future generations," according to the RAF.
Topics