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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13. The one and only?
An extremely rare photo of a Spitfire at RAF Montford Bridge during the war. It is undated, but probably around 1943. It looks like a Spitfire Vb. In fact this is the only known shot of a plane at this air base. Montford Bridge was a sort of finishing school for Spitfire pilots before they went on operations. | Ian Pride
14. Sealing fine
We know exactly when this picture was taken at RAF High Ercall because it's written on the propeller. It was January 30, 1948. The photo was taken outside J Shed, HQ Site, 29 Maintenance Unit. From left: Stan Morton, Wally Mitchell, Eric Edmondson, Rolls-Royce contract rep, and Jim Harris, and two others. Mr Harris, who loaned the photo, told us: "Certain Spitfire engines were removed and partly dismantled to change some seals. These seals had to be replaced and a jointing compound called 'Wellseal' put on all joints and seals." | Jim Harris/Shropshire Star
15. Spitfires galore
Another photo from Jim Harris, who was at RAF High Ercall from 1940 to 1957. These are Spitfires on 29 Maintenance Unit, part of the airfield complex, in 1948. Hundreds of planes were stored or dismantled at High Ercall after the war, so these Spitfires may not have a promising future. The control tower is in the centre of the two hangars in the distance. The picture was taken from J Shed, HQ Site. | Jim Harris/Shropshire Star
16. Salute a Shropshire hero
One of Shropshire's greatest heroes was Eric Lock, who was a much-decorated Battle of Britain ace. Despite receiving severe injuries he would return to operations. He never returned from a mission over France in 1941 and his disappearance is an enduring mystery, but it seems certain that he came down in the English Channel. | Shropshire Star