The Spitfire Society is proud to announce that we now have a complete run of periodicals (1984-2018) available to members as digital files. This represents a treasure trove of information so why not join today at http://spitfiresociety.org/content-Membership … and start accessing our exclusive content....

The Spitfire Society is proud to announce that Yvonne Malan has kindly agreed to become a Vice-President of the Society.Yvonne Malan was born in South Africa and educated at New College, University of Oxford. Her research interests include post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice. She is the founder of the prestigious Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture at the University of Oxford. A former Oxford ‘Blue’, she is a keen runner, cricketer and boxer.Yvonne will as part of her role be ...

On the centenary of the Royal Air Force we include ...

James Edgar 'Johnnie' Johnson interview.  British officer served as pilot with 616 and 610 Sqdns, RAF in GB, 1940-1943; commanded 127, 144 and 125 Wings, RAF in GB and in North West Europe, 1943-1945. Served with US Air Force in Korea, 1950-1951.  Elizabeth Henderson interview.  British civilian pilot served with Air Transport Auxiliary at Hatfield, Cosford and Luton ferry pools in GB, 1941-1945.  Eric Melrose 'Winkle' Brown interview.British officer served as pilot with 801 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm during ...

The member's area of the website has many new additions which include the following.  Please ask for log in details if you're a member or please do join the Society to access this exclusive content.Rare interviews with Air Chief Marshal Lord Hugh Caswall Tremenheere Dowding; Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park; Ginger Lacey and Dizzy Allen.  The Spitfire documentary from 1987.Further interviews with Hugh Lawrence Parry who flew Spitfires during the siege of Malta and his experiences as a prisoner ...

Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s, retirement… whatever the occasion, if you’re looking for a special Spitfire themed presents for a special someone, there’s no shortage of tempting offers. A wide range of gifts at very affordable prices can be found at the Society's own shop and Ebay store, IWM gift shop, the RAF Museum Shop, the Air Force Shop, Flightstore and similar outlets. Whether you treat a loved one to a favourite Spitfire T-Shirt, coffee mug or notebook, it’s bound to put a ...

Spitfire Evolution by Paul Beaver, artwork by Jon Freeman and published by Beaver Westminster Limited, ISBN 978-0-993554-50-6, RRP £15, The Spitfire Society members can purchase the book for £10.  To order email paul@beaverwestminster.comPaul Beaver is to be commended for writing a concise story of the remarkable development of the Spitfire.  As with engineering it is far harder to make something that is as minimal as possible rather than something which is bloated or over done.  I can ...

Luftwaffe Bombing Raids on the Supermarine Factories in Southampton in 194026 September 1940 The attack on Southampton was of major importance - enemy formations totalled about 100 aircraft and the main objectives was the Supermarine Aviation Works.  The factory sirens began just after 4pm and on this occasion, gave the workers ample time to evacuate.  The raid was escorted by 60 Me 110 fighters of ZG26 which was protecting the 60 Heinkel 111s of KG55 which attacked in two ...

Luftwaffe Bombing Raids on the Supermarine Factories in Southampton in 1940 24 September 1940 The Supermarine Aviation Works at Southampton were attacked by 17 aircraft at 13.50 and again by 3 aircraft at 16.15.  The first raid was led by Martin Lutz of TG210 and achieved a surprise attack with the workforce of Supermarines receiving little warning of the raid.  The factory sites weren’t damaged but the bombs straddled the railway embankment and crucially the air raid shelters ...

The recent Plywood exhibition at the V&A Museum showcased the innovative use of the material in aviation that is well known.  The de Havilland Mosquito was well covered with a period film showing construction, models and examples of the fuselage and fuel tanks.  The use of a light weight material which wasn't in high demand such as aluminium combined with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine produced one of the fastest aircraft of the Second World War.  Also included ...