A SECOND World War Hurricane fighter will fly across Wellington this weekend as the region continues to celebrate the role of the UK's Armed Forces.

On Sunday, June 25 the flypast will be operated by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, it is one of several wartime aircraft flown as a living memorial to RAF service personnel killed between 1939-45.

The aircraft will perform a flypast over the town's recreation ground at approximately 13:15 having appeared at the National Armed Forces Day events in Falmouth, Cornwall.

Hawker Hurricanes of 302 and 316 Squadrons – both Free Polish squadrons – were the first RAF aircraft to be resident at the newly constructed Church Stanton airfield on the Blackdown Hills when they arrived in August 1941.

Somerset County Gazette: Another photo of the Hurricane fighter Another photo of the Hurricane fighter (Image: Darren Harbar)

But tragedy struck that same month. Sergeant Eugeniusz Kropiwnicki, aged 22, was killed when his Hurricane crashed nearby. He is buried in Taunton Cemetery.

While at RAF Church Stanton, which was later renamed Culmhead, the Poles flew convoy protection patrols in the Bristol Channel as part of the air defence for the South West.

Military historian Chris Penney, who has a family link to the Hurricane, said: “The fighter holds a particular significance as my great uncle served as RAF ground crew during the war.

“He was part of a team that serviced and maintained Hurricanes, keeping them operational for the pilots of 402 (French Canadian) Squadron at Warmwell in Dorset.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force squadron began training to become the first "Hurribomber" unit carrying pairs of 250lb bombs beneath the wings; a role it commenced in November 1941.

“In 1943 he was shipped to RAF Allahabad, India, to continue supporting Hurricanes flying with South East Asia Command.

“Hurricanes performed heroically during the 1944 Battle of Kohima on the Indian border where three antecedent regiments of The Rifles fought in some of the toughest combat conditions of the entire war.

“The Hurricane's appearance on Sunday will be a really appropriate connection to our town's freedom granted to The Rifles Regiment last weekend.”

The aircraft will be in transit between Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall, and its home base of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

There will be a few vantage points to view the flyover: Hilly Head, Wellington Recreation Ground, and Wellington Park.

Wellington Town Council hopes that members of the public can enjoy a picnic at the park as they witness the flyover.

The Friends of Wellington Park will be hosting a live music event from 2.30pm where West Country Duo will be gracing the bandstand.

Teas, coffee, and ice cream will be available during the performance.