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 Generally accepted as the best known fighter aircraft of all time, the Spitfire was the only aircraft to remain in production throughout World War 2.
From the time of the first flight in 1936 until the cessation of production in 1958 the weight of the aircraft almost doubled, its speed increased by 50%, its flying height, fire power and manoeuvrability were substantially improved and a total of 22,700 were built.
All this in spite of the complete destruction by enemy bombing of the Woolston factories where it was designed and the first production line was established. So how was it done? It didn't just happen! Where was it done after the factory was destroyed? and most importantly who did it? The most accurate details can be found in two books written by men who were there in the exciting period when Mitchell's seaplanes won the Schneider Trophy - the Spitfire was designed - production was started, interrupted by enemy action, dispersed and resumed in just a few weeks, and who were involved in the constant battle to keep one step ahead of the enemy. |
