Spitfires over the Forest during WW2
As it is the 90th Anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire and August/September are traditionally associated with the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the next two months temporary display will revolve around the Spitfire.
This will consist of information from our archives pertaining to this classic fighter aircraft of WW2.As well as information on this iconic aircraft we will have extra information on Ibsley Airfield.
Why Ibsley? The sheer number of Spitfire Squadrons which flew from here and the different types of Spitfires they flew makes it the New Forest Airfield most associated with this aircraft. The Spitfires from this airfield were also heavily involved in our offensive actions after the Battle of Britain was won.
Significantly, it was the airfield used ,for the classic world war 2 movie “The First of the Few” or to use the USA title “Spitfire”.
From the movie Left actor and right WW2 pilot
Actor David Niven and WW2 pilot Bunny Currant.
The London Gazette, read:
Squadron Leader Currant is a most courageous pilot and brilliant leader. His untiring efforts and outstanding ability have been reflected in the splendid work accomplished by the squadron which he commands. One day in March 1942, he was wounded in the head during a sortie. Despite this, he flew his aircraft safely back to base. Following a short, enforced rest, he returned with renewed vigour. Squadron Leader Currant has destroyed at least 14 and damaged many more enemy aircraft.
— London Gazette, No. 35621, 7 July 1942 (source Wikipedia).
It is a strange coincidence that on the Sunday before the launch of this display a new member joined FONFA . This member undertook the extensive, multi-year rebuild of the Supermarine Presentation Spitfire: Known as “The Uruguayan” Spitfire, the aircraft was funded during WWII by a £5,000 donation raised by British expatriate staff working for the Central Railways of Uruguay. The Ibsley Connection: On 31st May 1943, the completed aircraft was formally presented to No. 129 (Mysore) Squadron on-site at RAF Ibsley. EE602 went on to fly over 100 operational missions. Its most famous assignment included serving as part of the fighter escort for the legendary Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Memphis Belle” back to the English coast following its 25th mission.
