A FIGHTER plane that took part in the Battle of Britain has returned to its spiritual home at Biggin Hill Airport.

The Hurricane made a dramatic fly-in past Dartford’s Queen Elizabeth II Bridge before touching down at Bromley’s historic airfield, which led the defence of London and the South East in 1940.

The event is in support of the campaign to see a statue of RAF commander Sir Keith Park erected on the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square.

The aircraft, a privately owned Hurricane which fought in a squadron under Sir Keith Park’s command during the Battle of Britain, was met by Battle of Britain veterans including Wing Commander Tom Neil.

He flew from the fighter base at Biggin Hill and is credited with shooting down 18 enemy aircraft.

Campaign leader Terry Smith said: “The incredible sight of the iconic Battle of Britain fighter landing at one of its old bases is a fitting reminder of the huge sacrifices made by the RAF in defence of our freedom during the Battle of Britain. It was the inspirational leadership and tactical prowess of Sir Keith Park which ensured their victory, yet the only tribute to Sir Keith in the UK is a road named after him near Biggin Hill Airport, and one at Uxbridge where he was based during the Battle of Britain. This is woefully inadequate for a man who was central to the UK’s survival in 1940. This event will spur on the campaign as we seek a fitting tribute at the heart of the capital he defended. I urge those who share our passion to visit www.sirkeithpark.com and get involved, by telling their friends and colleagues about this campaign, and supporting our petition.”

A Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was also due to fly into Biggin Hill but had to be cancelled due to poor weather.