Events for Friday 5th March 2021
On This Day in History
First flight of the Supermarine Spitfire
5th March 1936The Supermarine Spitfire, the only British fighter to be manufactured before, during and after the Second World War, was designed as a short-range fighter capable of defending Britain from bomber attack and achieved legendary status fulfilling this role during the Battle of Britain.According to fighter ace J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson it was the best conventional defensive fighter of the war.
Further Reading
Ultimate Spitfires(Hardback - 224 pages)
by Peter Caygill
The Spitfire is probably Britain's best loved and admired aeroplane. It is also revered around the world. This book looks at the later marques that were modified for various special tasks and differed to a large degree from Supermarine's first early versions that saw action in the early days of… Read more...
Only £19.99 at Pen & Sword Books.Spitfire's First Flight
5th March 1936One of the most iconic planes from World War Two took to the skies on this day 1936 from Eastleigh Aerodrome, Hampshire, UK.
Further Reading
Secrets of the Spitfire(Hardback - 270 pages)
by Lance Cole
This book tells the tale of the brilliant aerodynamicist Beverley Shenstone MASc, HonFRAes, FAIAA, AFIAS, FCASI, HonOSTIV. As R.J. Mitchell's chief aerodynamicist, it was Shenstone who designed the Spitfires wing the wing that gave the Spitfire its crucial advantage in the Battle of Britain and beyond. A quiet man, Shenstone… Read more...
Only £19.99 at Pen & Sword Books.