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Duxford Spitfire Day - my views

Posted by John S on Sun Jun 15, 2003 03:32:57 PM

All,

Just got back from Duxford and the Spitfire Day today, one word Excellent !!!

There were a number of static Spits on show and these were
ML407 T.9 (Carolyn Grace)
EP120 Mk.V (TFC)
MK912 Mk.IX (Soon to be off to Canada)
MV293 MkXIV (TFC)
RN201 Mk.XIV (HFL)
SM845 Mk.XVIII (HFL)
VN485 Mk.24 (IWM)

Superb Talks by Charlie Brown on how to fly both a Merlin and a Griffon Spitfire - enthralling
and then Billy Drake gave a great talk on his exploits flying the Spit - fantastic listening

This was followed by a simulated scramble of RAF pilots - very good these chaps running like mad towards three Spits that were then started up and scrambled

These three Spits consisted of Mk.V BM597 (HAC) being flown by Charlie Brown, Mk.V AR501 (Shuttleworth) not sure who was at the helm - anyone know?, and also Mk.XIV SM832 (TFC) flown by the guvnor Stephen Grey.
Each gave a superb solo display, Charlie Brown demonstrated his skill in the Mk.V, the Shuttleworth machine was flown expertly and Stephen Grey then showed the difference in power between the Merlin and the Griffon by performing a stunning routine in the "Chocolate" Spit.
Both Charlie and Stephen landed back (the Shuttleworth machine returning home I assume) and were rewarded with a hearty round of applause.

I would just like to thank the IWM for hosting this excellent event and also a big thank you to the 3 gentlemen who provided the spectacle in the air.

John S
(confirmed Spitfire nut)

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