The Spitfire - iconic, legendary, and this year celebrating its 90th anniversary. Because it was back in 1936 that the Supermarine Spitfire made its maiden flight.
It was a weapon of war, and just four years after it first flew it took on the might of the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, an aerial conflict which changed history. The exploits of the Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons made Hitler think again as he drew up his invasion plans.
Shropshire had its part in the Spitfire story. Some were based here, some were even made here. Hundreds were made at Sankey’s in Hadley during the war.
To mark the anniversary let’s bring you a selection highlighting some of Shropshire’s Spitfire links as well as some of the heroes who flew them.
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9. Being caught on camera
RAF Ibsley during the filming in 1941 of the movie First Of The Few starring Leslie Howard and David Niven. The picture was loaned by Wally Milne, who served with 118 Squadron during the war and told us he was the first pilot to fly a Spitfire called "Shrewsbury," because it was bought by the people of Shrewsbury, on operations. Wally said the Spitfire was delivered to the squadron brand new in 1941. Unfortunately we haven't been able to find information to verify Wally's recollection, but he was certain of his memories. | Wally Milne
10. The plane that took Shrewsbury's name to war
And here it is, the Shrewsbury Spitfire, which was bought thanks to a fundraising effort by people from Shrewsbury and surrounds, as seen in a picture published in the Shrewsbury Chronicle of January 9, 1942. Sorry about the poor quality, but even so the name Shrewsbury can be seen printed under the cockpit. | Shrewsbury Chronicle
11. Tern Hill Spitfire
"Tern Hill pilots with Spitfire. No 24 Maintenance Unit, early in 1943," is the caption to this picture used in a research project by Steven Preshous of Bishop's Castle which he did in December 1981. | Steven Preshous
12. Cockpit close-up
This party inspecting the cockpit of a Spitfire at RAF Cosford during the war are wearing a variety of different uniforms, so maybe they are from allied countries. Cosford was, and continues to be, a key training base with many thousands of trainees learning their technical skills there. | Shropshire Star