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BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Manston Spitfire fuselage display marks efforts of Kent pilots
The fuselage of a Spitfire shot down during World War Two has gone on display at a museum to mark the efforts of Kent pilots who served as "spies in the sky".The Spitfire AA810 was part of the RAF photo reconnaissance unit (PRU), which played a crucial role in obtaining intelligence for Allied commanders to plan military down in 1942 and later pulled from a peat bog in Norway by a group of volunteers, the Spitfire AA810 was later rebuilt on the Isle of fuselage is now on display at the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum in Manston, Kent, as part of a bid to raise awareness of the Spitfire reconnaissance team. Museum manager Robert Westbrook said that while people normally associate the Spitfire's role as a "fighter plane during the Battle of Britain" it actually flew unarmed. He said it could only escape enemy fire due to its "speed and manoeuvrability".The museum is working with the Spitfire AA810 project team to highlight the stories of the pilots from Kent who flew these essential AA810 on display was piloted by a young Scottish apprentice engineer, Flt Lt Alastair "Sandy" Gunn, who was attempting to photograph a German battle bailed out but was captured, interrogated, imprisoned and later executed after the Stalag Luft III "Great Escape".The escape attempt was cemented in popular culture in the 1963 film of the same name, which starred Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough and James Garner. Descendants of Kent pilots who were part of the PRU have told the BBC their Wilson, from Deal, said her father joined the RAF when he was 21 and the family were "very proud" of his contributions to the said: "What he did was very brave but he was modest about it."She felt he should be "recognised and appreciated" for his role during the conflict."Even though each generation has changed - it's important to remember what happened in the past," she said. Guy Leaning, whose father Sqn Ldr Anthony Leaning also served as a "spy in the sky", said the PRU's efforts in the conflict were largely said the intelligence they provided helped the Allies win the war. He added: "I think the PRU isn't well known because they carried out secret operations but I am pleased my father, his friends and my two godfathers are recognised for their efforts."He said his father never talked about those who did not return."He lost a friend but they just carried on fighting," he said. The PRU was formed in September 1939 and during World War Two, the team captured more than 26m images of enemy operations and Hoskins, from West Sussex, is the director of the Spitfire AA810 2018, Mr Hoskins and his team recovered Gunn's aircraft from a peat bog in Norway and rebuilt it on the Isle of Wight. He said it was important to tell the stories of the brave pilots, adding: "More than 1,700 PRU pilots and navigators came from 23 different nationalities."According to the Spitfire AA810 project, 39 of the pilots were from Kent; 17 were killed during the operations while four were either captured or evaded capture.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Town e-scooter trial approved despite safety fears
Harlow is set to become the fifth area in Essex to trial e-scooters, despite issues with other schemes in the county. The regulated e-scooters, backed by the Department for Transport, would provide a safe and convenient means of getting around the town, Harlow Council said. It follows similar trials in Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford and Basildon, which have seen calls for the experiment to be dropped, with Basildon ending its scheme in May over the risk to public safety. Alastair Gunn, portfolio holder for planning at the Conservative-led council, said safety concerns in Harlow had been "central" to its considerations. On Wednesday evening, the council's cabinet agreed to progress with implementing the trial. A final decision would be made by the council later this year. "Ultimately what matters is whether this trial gives Harlow residents a better way to get around town and to live their lives," said Gunn. "The e-scooters will be easily affordable for most people and even with speed restrictions, they may well be quicker and easier than driving particularly at peak times." E-scooters would be available at sites around Harlow on a hire or subscription service until at least May 2026. Conditions would include making sure users are over 18, hold a provisional or full driving licence, and pass safety training that includes awareness of other highway users. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. E-scooter trial to be scrapped over safety fears Councillors call for e-scooter trial to be scrapped More than three million rides in e-scooter trial
