AEROPLANE meets Tim Davies

In the early 1960s, privately owned, airworthy Spitfires were practically unknown — but then a 25-year-old private pilot decided to buy one, and brought back to the UK an example The historic aircraft scene without Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434 is unthinkable. This illustrious and highly original combat veteran is imbued with a provenance and heritage few other warbirds can match, and one that stems not only from its active service but its subsequent existence, too. There was its role in