Oldest Spitfire to survive the war wins heritage award
A SPITFIRE which saw action in the earliest months of the war has been recognised with a prestigious Engineering Heritage Award by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Supermarine Spitfire Mk I K9942, which is housed at RAF Cosford Museum, near Wolverhampton, was noted for the vital role it played in protecting the nation and its pioneering engineering.
The award was presented to RAF Museum chief executive Maggie Appleton by chairman of IMechE’s Engineering Heritage Committee John Wood, with fellow IMechE members in attendance.
Built in Woolston, Southampton, in 1939 the early Mk I fighter is the world’s oldest surviving Spitfire.
Designed by RJ Mitchell, the Spitfire combined strength and streamlining with the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.
RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Tom Hopkins said: “The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history.
“It won immortal fame during the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain.
“Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire which captured the imagination of the British public and enemy alike.
“The Spitfire was developed into many subsequent variants and continued to serve with the RAF until well after the end of the Second World War.”
Mr Wood said: “The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is delighted to present this award to the Spitfire to recognise the huge contribution, its designers and pilots made during the Battle of Britain.
“The UK’s large aerospace industry is built on the rich heritage of engineering innovation which is a legacy of aircraft such as the Spitfire.”
Spitfires first went into service in August 1938 with No.19 Squadron and by the outbreak of war, a year later, nine squadrons were equipped.
Production rapidly built up and by July 1940 there were 19 Spitfire Mk I squadrons available.
Just 1,566 Spitfire Mk Is were built. Birmingham’s Castle Bromwich plant later took over the bulk of Spitfire production.