On the 5th March 1936 the prototype of the
Spitfire, designated K5054 took to the air at Eastleigh Aerodrome
and flew into history. This legendary aircraft, designed by
aeronautical engineering genius Reginald Mitchell, became one of the
most significant aircraft in the history of western
civilisation. Arriving just in time to counter the menace of its
deadly rival the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Spitfire played a pivotal
role in winning the Battle of Britain and went on to serve
successfully in all theatres of WW2 , used by virtually every allied
air arm
The Spitfire was both a brilliant fighter
aircraft and a vital morale booster to the hard pressed civilian
population of the United Kingdom, who at the time, stood virtually
alone against the Nazi threat of invasion. The Spitfire became
Winston Churchill’s Excalibur and to this day still commands massive
interest around the world, both for its design excellence and
emotional significance
Many will know the detail of the Spitfire
story but most will be surprised to learn that there is no
definitive international commemoration dedicated to this much loved
and admired aircraft. The Spitfire Tribute Foundation is a
non-profit making organisation, dedicated to creating a significant
permanent structure to commemorate the Supermarine Spitfire, its
designer R.J. Mitchell and the people who built it
To honour this most famous aircraft, the Spitfire Tribute Foundation has embarked on a project to construct a significant artistic representation of the Spitfire. This international tribute will dominate Southampton Water and will be placed just a mile away from the original site of the Supermarine Works, which was the true birthplace of the Spitfire
The fundraising campaign was started in June
2008 at a reception kindly hosted by Prime Minister Gordon Brown at
number 10 Downing Street. The project will require in excess of
£2million and therefore the Foundation is now seeking public and
corporate donations to enable the completion of this stunning and
definitive work. We invite you to become a part of this historic
project with a donation towards its success
