The standard tome on presentation Spitfires, “Gifts of War” (H. Boot & R. Sturtivant / Air-Britain) includes the detailed service histories of Spitfires Mk.V’s, “Grimsby I”(R7265 & BL588) and “Grimsby II” (R7231). Unfortunately the book does not include any photographs of these particular aircraft. The narrative records that the major donor to the Grimsby Spitfire Fund was a Grimsby trawler owner, Mr Edwin Bacon.
I worked in the engineering shop of the company he founded for over thirty years. A descendant of the founder is compiling a company history and recently asked me if any photographs of “Grimsby I” and “Grimsby II” exist.
Sadly, both of the authors of “Gifts of War” are no longer with us and my inquiry on the Air-Britain information forum has not resulted in any photographs. The original inquirer has also drawn a blank with local resources, including newspapers and libraries.
This is rather a long-shot but I am now posting the same inquiry on this forum hoping someone might know of a photograph of any of the Grimsby Spitfires , or have one in their personal collection and would be prepared to share it with the company
Thank you, C.A. Broadhurst
By: Sopwith - 3rd September 2018 at 20:48
No problem M-62A, you’re welcome
By: M-62A - 3rd September 2018 at 20:31
Sopwith,
Many thanks, I have now ordered a copy.
C.A. Broadhurst
By: Sopwith - 3rd September 2018 at 17:27
There are some copies of the book on Amazon now if you want one
By: M-62A - 3rd September 2018 at 14:23
Ruhr Rover,
Thank you for that information. It the first really positive lead I can pass on to the family. I had thought the local newspaper ought to have some photos, but as I know from personal experience they are not very helpful when you ask them. Approximately when was “Grimsby at War” published?
I am under the impression “Wings for Victory” was a separate campaign. The local archive has a presentation copy of the logbook of the Cleethorpes “Wings For Vistory” Mosquito KB202.
Many thanks, C.A. Broadhurst
By: Ruhr Rover - 29th August 2018 at 10:58
There are photos of ‘Grimsby 1′ in a publication called Grimsby At War’ published by the Grimsby Telegraph newspaper.
The Caption states
“Two Spitfires, Grimsby 1 and II built with the £15,000 raised in the town. Grimsby 1 survived the war but the second machine paid for by Edwin Bacon — was lost over France in 1942”
The photo in the book shows Grimsby II and possibly the close up of the name of No 1
There is also a programme cover shown for ‘Grimsby Wings for Victory Week’ Target: £500,000 Spitfires are shown on the cover
Hope that helps.
Ian
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August 26, 2018 at 12:32 pm