750,000 poppies dropped from a Dakota plane over the White Cliffs of Dover

Published: 12:28, 10 November 2019

Updated: 15:50, 10 November 2019

A shroud of red slowly fell over the White Cliffs of Dover as the nation remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice this morning.

About 750,000 poppies were dropped from an original Second World War Dakota 'war horse' plane in a touching tribute to the fallen.

The Dakota, flanked by two Spitfires, circled the iconic cliffs before making the symbolic drop at 11am over the site of the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne.

It was on the signal of veterans who served in several conflicts including the Second World War including Steve Craddock from Chatham.

The commemoration marked 74 years since the end of the war and 101 years since the end of the First World War.

mpu1

The moving ceremony was the brainchild of Kent-based Aero Legends and proceeds raised will go to the annual Poppy Appeal.

Ben Perkins, Aero Legends Ltd Managing Director said: “Commemorations like this are incredibly important to remember those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom."

A tail of red came from the Dakota as it dropped the 750,000 poppies in batches above the Battle of Britain memorial at Capel. Picture by @janewilders

The poppies fell directly above the Battle of Britain War Memorial next to the White Cliffs.

The aircraft flew past at an altitude of just 500ft and a team of volunteers are now clearing up the biodegradable poppies, which do not contain plastic.

Scroll down for a picture gallery

The craft set off at 10am and returned at 11.45am to North Weald Airfield in Essex.

Jim Bennett took this picture of the Dakota accompanied by two Spitfires at the RAF memorial at Capel le Ferne

One of the two Spitfires. Picture Jim Bennett

World War Two veterans Roy Briggs (left) and George Prichard on board a World War II Dakota, during a drop of three-quarters-of-a-million poppies over the White Cliffs of Dover in a tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. Picture Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

World War Two veteran Roy Briggs looks out at a Spitfire whilst on board a World War II Dakota, for a drop of three-quarters-of-a-million poppies over the White Cliffs of Dover in a tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. Picture Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

World War Two veterans Roy Briggs (left) and George Prichard before boarding a World War II Dakota, for a drop of three-quarters-of-a-million poppies over the White Cliffs of Dover in a tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. Picture Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

World War Two veteran George Prichard boards a World War II Dakota, for a drop of three-quarters-of-a-million poppies over the White Cliffs of Dover in a tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. Picture Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

A tail of red came from the Dakota as it dropped the 750,000 poppies in batches above the Battle of Britain memorial at Capel. Picture by @janewilders

The Dakota and two Spitfires

The Second World War Dakota, flanked by two Spitfires, heads towards Capel over Folkestone for the Remembrance poppy drop

See how Kent remembered its war heroes

Dover Folkestone Kent

More by this author

Beth Robson

Post or View Comments

View on KentOnline