Lodge Hill Garage Spitfire Launch + Fly Over

Spitfire Launch
Passing Lodge Hill on my bike at lunchtime I was surprised to see the garage showroom protected by sandbags with WWII style troops guarding a Spitfire on a stand on the forecourt.

There was also a red carpet in front of the showroom and VIPs inside.
Spitfire Launch
The press were particularly interested in these ladies with the garage owner. I think both appeared back in April on a BBC4 documentary about the Air Transport Auxiliary or ATA. During World Wat II, lassies with flying skills were not allowed to fly in combat but they became invaluable piloting all kinds of aeroplanes between factory and airfield to supply the RAF.

For a new type of plane they were just given the instruction manual and so had to be very adaptable skilled fliers. I remember from the documentary that the Spitfire was a favourite with many.
Spitfire Launch
They were the WWII uniformed glamour girls whether they liked it or not.

The model Spitfire has been put there by the garage owner to commemorate the ATA. It was front page news  in the Abingdon Herald this morning. Today’s launch  could cause even more of a splash.

—– P.S ———-
Spitfire Launch
Thanks to Ian for a picture of the Spitfire flyover that happened a little later.

6 thoughts on “Lodge Hill Garage Spitfire Launch + Fly Over

  1. Col

    I wondered what they were doing, 1st the frame went up, then I thought I was imagining a Spitfire in bits..I pass most mornings.

    I hope that VOWHDC will grant permission for it to stay, bring Abingdon its own feature. could always call it art I suppose.

    Reply
  2. Spike

    Puts Tracy Emin’s junk in the shade for sure. Aircraft design in the pre-CAD Drawing Office WAS an Art form, especially this one.

    Reply
  3. hester

    Were you really “passing Lodge Hill on your bike at lunchtime” – very energetic – I hope you didn’t have poor Harry in tow!

    Seriously though, I saw on BBC local news that this is part of drive to raise funds for a proper memorial to these brave ladies – several of whom died in the course of their work – at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

    Reply
  4. Backstreeter

    Seriously, I think it is good that the ATA are getting the recognition they deserve. Not so seriously, I was on the bike, but without Harry. He just can’t keep up anymore .

    Reply
  5. newcomer

    For those interested, the TV documentary about the female pilots who delived planes during WWII is on at 11:30 at night on July 13th on BBC4.

    Reply

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