D-DAY REVISITED SPITFIRE

The Spitfire was designed by R. J. Mitchell, chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, since 1928 a subsidiary of Vickers-Armstrongs. He continued to refine the design until his death from cancer in 1937, whereupon his colleague Joseph Smith became chief designer. Its elliptical wing had a thin cross-section, allowing a higher top speed than the Hawker Hurricane and many other contemporary designs.

The distinctive silhouette imparted by the wing plan form helped the Spitfire to achieve legendary status during the Battle of Britain and it became an enduring icon.

A replica Spitfire drew quite a crowd at the 65th Anniversary of VE Day celebration at Thornton Hough...