Veterans watched as a World War Two Hurricane fighter plane performed a fly-past to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
The Hurricane returned to Croydon's skies the aeroplanes were stationed at the former Croydon Airport site during the war to fly over the Battle of Britain war memorial in Purley Way.
RAF veteran Alan Savage said the annual event, attended by the mayors of Croydon, Bromley and Sutton, attracted its largest ever turnout.
He said: "The Hurricane made three passes and we were able to see the pilot wave he flew so close."
A Spitfire, which was also scheduled to attend, was grounded at Biggin Hill and unable to fly because of adverse weather conditions.
Mr Savage, from Shirley, added: "Hopefully next year we'll see the Spitfire fly past as well."
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