Latest news with #Spitfire
BBC News
20 hours 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
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Simon Bannerot's Heavy New Video Part
Simon Bannerot always delivers in his video parts, and by the looks of this new one for Spitfire wheel co., dude's been traveling the world over and leaving skate spots scorched in his path. Seriously, this part is heavy. Let it soak in. "Mega-ditches, rock rides, and one unimaginable Oakland ender, Simon Bannerot's globetrotting ATV skills are in full effect for his new Spitfire part. Edited by Mack Scharff" Advertisement 💻🛹 Don't miss another headline from TransWorld SKATEboarding! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content. 🛹💻 Get to know Simon a bit better with the chill Slice of Life Crailtap did with him a while back: Related: Crailtap's Slice of Life with Simon Bannerot One of the most talented skaters jettisoned in the Lakai collapse, Simon's name has been at the tip of everyone's tongues, wondering what his next shoe sponsor will be. He's seen here wearing Asics in some clips, so we'll see if that develops into a solid deal. Advertisement Related: Jamie Foy Lights Up the Screen in New Spitfire Part 'Charred Remains' Charred Remains ain't a bad name for a part. Kinda makes it sound like it was leftover clips, which for Foy, are probably still better than most pros' bangers. Don't know why Simon just got the Spitfire Part title... Anywho, the clips do the talking, and that ender is bonkers. Nice one, Simon. Watch: Simon Bannerot's Heavy New Video Part first appeared on Skateboarding on May 20, 2025
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Armed forces day at Caldicot Castle is 'one not to miss'
The event on June 28, is free and aims to show appreciation for the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families. The day will feature a line-up of attractions, including a show by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and a fly-past by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring a Spitfire aircraft. A parade of cadets and veterans will be led by a performance from the Band of the RAF Regiment. Visitors can also enjoy exhibitions and demonstrations, and meet representatives from the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services, including Gwent Police, South Wales Fire & Rescue, Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, and Longtown Mountain Rescue. Charities such as the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Help for Heroes, and the Monmouthshire Veterans' Support Hub will also be present. More than half of the free tickets have already been booked. Councillor Peter Strong, Monmouthshire County Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: "We are getting very close to a day that you won't want to miss. "We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors from across Wales and wider. "Let's come together to honour service, celebrate community, and enjoy a day of unforgettable experiences." The event is supported by Monmouthshire County Council, with funding from the Welsh Government, and Caldicot Town Council.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Plaque for Spitfire crash pilot unveiled
A plaque honouring an RAF pilot who died in a Spitfire crash has been unveiled. Sqn Ldr Mark Long was killed when his plane, which belonged to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 25 May 2024. The commemorative plaque was installed in the village of Market Stainton, near Market Rasen, and unveiled during a dedication ceremony at 13:00 BST. On the day of his death, Sqn Ldr Long, 43, had been due to fly over the village as part of a remembrance ceremony for the crew of a Lancaster bomber, which crashed nearby in 1943, organisers said. The plaque for Sqn Ldr Long was organised by Dan Grant, who was also involved in the memorial event for the Lancaster crew. His cousin, Flying Officer Francis Archie Randall, was the pilot of the bomber when it came down in the village on its return from a raid on Berlin on 16 December 1943. Mr Grant, a retired airline captain and aviation historian who lives in Quebec, Canada, raised money for a memorial dedicated to Flying Officer Randall – who was just 21 when he died – and the rest of the crew. He said Sqn Ldr Long had been on his way to perform a fly-past at a dedication ceremony for the memorial when his Spitfire crashed. Mr Grant said he decided to pay tribute to Sqn Ldr Long with a new plaque in his honour, which had been sponsored by the RAF. He paid tribute to Sqn Ldr Long as a man who "dedicated himself to preserving the history of the RAF, as well as defending the freedoms we now enjoy", adding that he could not be "more proud" of him. The BBMF fleet was grounded after the crash, but has since been cleared for flying and is due to take part in events during this year's display season. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. WW2 fighters cleared to fly after pilot death Daughter's tribute to dad who died in Spitfire crash RAF's 'special tribute' to Spitfire crash pilot Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
BBC News
24-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Memorial plaque for RAF Spitfire crash pilot to be unveiled
A plaque honouring an RAF pilot who died in a Spitfire crash is to be unveiled Ldr Mark Long was killed when his plane, which belonged to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), crashed in a field near RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 25 May commemorative plaque has been installed in the village of Market Stainton, near Market Rasen, and is due to be unveiled during a dedication ceremony at 13:00 said the 43-year-old pilot had been due to fly over the village as part of a remembrance ceremony for the crew of a Lancaster bomber, which crashed in the village in 1943. The plaque for Sqn Ldr Long has been organised by Dan Grant, who was also involved in the memorial event for the Lancaster cousin, Flying Officer Francis Archie Randall, was the pilot of the bomber when it came down in the village on its return from a raid on Berlin on 16 December 1943. Mr Grant, a retired airline captain and aviation historian who lives in Quebec, Canada, raised money for a memorial dedicated to Flying Officer Randall, who was just 21 when he died, and the rest of the crew. He said Sqn Ldr Long had been on his way to perform a fly-past at a dedication ceremony for the memorial when his Spitfire crashed. Mr Grant said he decided to pay tribute to Sqn Ldr Long with a new plaque in his honour, which had been sponsored by the paid tribute to Sqn Ldr Long as a man who "dedicated himself to preserving the history of the RAF, as well as defending the freedoms we now enjoy", adding that he could not be "more proud" of Ldr Mark Sugden, the commanding officer of the BBMF, is among those expected to attend the memorial event. He previously paid tribute to Sqn Ldr Long, describing him an "incredible" pilot who "touched the hearts of everyone that he met, always prioritising the needs of others before himself".The BBMF fleet was grounded after the crash, but has since been cleared for flying and is due to take part in events during this year's display season. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
