The first day of metrological autumn would see Spa Valley Railway’s Bulleid Pacific No 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ back into service after returning from the Swanage Railway in late June. She would be booked to run alongside fellow resident Bulleid ‘257 Squadron’ in late July however finding a leak on the live steam side, the decision was taken to cancel the event while the appropriate repair could take place. A month later and she’s back in service and ready to be renamed to 303 Squadron. Large Prarie Tank 4144 and the Class 73 73140 would also haul services during this special event alongside 303 Squadron.

The reasoning behind this was a mark of respect to the Polish pilots of the 303 Squadron who fought in our skies in the Battle of Britain.

The naming ceremony itself took park at Eridge station, the southern terminus of the Spa Valley Railway. Unlike other ceremonies that I’ve filmed on the channel, this one was highly attended. Being attended by members of the Polish Air Force, the 303 Squadron Air Cadets and a delegate from the Polish Embassy. 34053 will keep the name 303 Squadron for the next year before the ‘Sir Keith Park’ shedplates work their way back onto the engine in 2025.

A special and massive thank you goes to @TheSouthernerYTChannel for supplying some extra footage from the ceremony as I had some difficulties with clearances at times and also, @SharpthorneSteam for sprucing up the Thumbnail for me.

All footage recorded 01/09/24 and is in order of events.

Locomotives featured:
SR Bulleid Battle of Britain Class 34053 '303 Squadron' (Sir Keith Park)
GWR Large Prairie Tank 4144
BR Class 73 73140

Timestamps:
0:00 34053 - On Shed
0:49 34053 & 4144 - High Rocks Lane
2:17 34053 - Eridge Station
2:54 Speech - Peter Spowage & 303 Squadron air cadets
4:07 Speech - Peter Spowage
5:15 Speech - Anna Tarnowska - Waszak
10:43 Speech - Brigadier General Micheal Sprenge
12:52 Speech - Louise Pemberton
20:03 revealing the nameplate
20:54 34043 - Departing Eridge
23:53 34053 - Leamlands
25:21 34053 - Pokehill farm crossing
27:01 34053 (73140) - Pokehill farm crossing

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