A new memorial commemorating the workers who manufactured over 2000 Supermarine Spitfires in secret during World War II was unveiled in Salisbury on Friday 9th July. The official unveiling was attended by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, invited guests and several hundred members of the public and saw displays from the Queen’s Colour Squadron, Band of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment and a flypast by a Spitfire from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
One of the people heavily involved with the creation of the memorial was Boscombe Down Branch committee member Norman Parker; an aircraft engineer during World War II and also the historical adviser for The Secret Spitfires film. Other current and former members of the Boscombe Down Branch committee were also in attendance at the unveiling: Andy Cooper (Committee Member) and Roger Beazley (former President).
The full-size Spitfire replica is now on permanent display at Salisbury Rugby Club, which was the location of Spitfire Factory Number 1 during the Second World War. You can read more about the background behind the memorial and see more pictures of the unveiling ceremony on both the RAF News and Salisbury Journal websites.
Gobsmacked! Mesmerised! That’s how I felt when I drove into Salisbury last week and saw this wonderous aircraft above my head! I couldn’t believe my eyes as I stared in wonder while driving slowly past. Awesome! A good job the traffic was slow! I hadn’t driven that road in over 2 years so it was a fabulous surprise to see it. I love the history of the Spitfire and WWII generally. It was a revelation to learn a bit about the existence of the Secret Spitfires.
I shall be making the A345 my regular route between New Milton (home) and Devizes-Lyneham (workplace) instead of my usual route via the A360.
Is there somewhere on this site that gives the wording on the plaque? It would be really useful. When you’re not from the area and are driving past and can’t stop it would be great to be able to find out.