Spitfire fighter that ‘made poetry of flight’ celebrated in the town

The first Spitfire flight took place on March 5, 1936, and has long been known as an ‘iconic’ fighter plane and a firm favourite among pilots in the RAF.

The Spitfire was the only fighter in production throughout the war, and 27,000 of them were produced.

What is, perhaps, less well-known is how many people flew those planes outside of battle, ferrying them where they needed to be, ready to fight.

The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), headquartered at White Waltham airfield from February 1940 to November 1945, was integral to this.

Richard Poad of Maidenhead Heritage Centre said: “ATA pilots, men and women, ferried Spitfires in vast numbers during the war – more than any other aircraft type.

“They were ferried by ATA pilots 57,286 times, which is enormous.

“So, each airplane was flown by an ATA pilot on an average of at least twice.

“There are records of women delivering hundreds of Spitfires during their time with ATA.”

Though the aircraft were flyable when they came out of the factories, there were parts missing for security reasons.

For instance, if it was going to be a reconnaissance aeroplane, the cameras were not installed in the factory, because that was the ‘number one target for the enemy.’

Instead, an ATA pilot would pick up a new Spitfire and take it to a maintenance unit safely far away from the enemy’s grasp, where it would be finished.

When it was finished, another ATA pilot would then take it to its final destination, ready for battle.

There is also a farm between Maidenhead and Henley – between the main road and Crazies Hill – where 250 photo reconnaissance Spitfires were built or were assembled.

A lot of the parts were built in bus garages – a way of dispersing the production, so it would be less vulnerable. White Waltham-based pilots often flew these Spitfires out of RAF Henley-on-Thames.

Men and women of the ATA flew a number of planes but the Spitfire was a firm favourite, because of its perceived elegance and responsiveness.

“I knew a woman who didn’t know how to drive a car when she learned to fly a Spitfire,” said Richard.

“She said it was so responsive, you just needed to think about [flying] it [and it flew.] It was like having your own wings.”

“Another lady said in her autobiography that the Spitfire ‘made poetry of flight.’

“It's one of the reasons it’s the iconic aircraft of World War Two – because it’s so beautiful. The lines of it were absolutely superb.”

The wonder of the Spitfire has been available to enjoy at Maidenhead Heritage Centre for many years now, thanks to its Spitfire Simulator.

“We actually teach people how to fly, which is very exciting. Nobody has ever got out of it without a silly grin on their face,” said Richard.

“Every time somebody comes to fly the Spitfire, it’s something special, because hardly any of them have ever flown in an aeroplane in their lives.”

A number of wartime pilots have also come to the simulator, which has been a touching experience for all involved.

On one memorable occasion, an elderly former pilot with significantly advanced dementia was brought by his family to try out the simulator.

“He climbed into the Spitfire, took off and the years just vanished – everything to do with flying aeroplanes came back,” said Richard.

“By the end of his session, some of his family were in tears.”

Richard added: “One of the regrettable things is that we have more visitors from outside Maidenhead than we do local visitors.”

Serendipitously, the Royal Borough is laying on a residents’ weekend this month to encourage people to get out and about and enjoy its attractions – tying in nicely with the Spitfire anniversary.

As such, the Heritage Centre has chosen to tie the residents’ offer to the Spitfire anniversary and celebrate its local history.

On March 20, 21 and 22, Maidenhead Heritage Centre is offering residents 50 per cent off its entry fees and 50 per cent off Spitfire flights – meaning the price of a 30-minute flight goes down to £17.50.

Bookings must be made by telephone to 01628 780555 and residents must bring proof that they live in the borough, such as a driving licence with address.

“It's too good an opportunity to miss,” said Richard.