Spitfire Recovered in Normandy

I attended the burial of Flt Lt Smith’s remains in Ranville CWGC Normandy on 19 April. It was the BBMF blue PR Spitfire that flew over. PS915, a Mk PRXIX with a Griffon engine judging by the BBMF website. A very moving ceremony.

Spotted

Interesting thread, and it all falls into place for me now! I also saw the Spitfire on the 19th, flying over Sevenoaks, and posted on the “Spotted” thread. Touching to know where it was going.

🙂 Sounds like too many many incidents just to be a coincidence to me.:)

I noticed the date on the BBMF Flying Display list and wondered what it was doing……….the 19th was the day of my first cross channel flight.

A pleasantly eerie experience for you Andy, I look forward to the book.

Indeed so. I was talking to Moggy that day, and mentioned the Spitfire flying over. I had no idea until today where it was headed, or why.

Wow that is eerie Andy!

I’d like to think so.

This link relating to the recent funeral of ‘Lacy’ Smith may be of interest:

http://www.cwgc.org/news.asp?newsid=222&view=yes

Rather spine-tingling, but on 19 April, and just as I was working on the chapter about Smith for the forthcoming “Finding The Fallen”, I was drawn outside by the sound of a Merlin overhead. A solitary Spitfire flew directly over me, headed towards France. I now realise it was off to Smith’s funeral.

I believe that young man was saying something to you Andy . . . thanks, probably.

Just reading Last of the Few by Max Arthur as this post appeared,certainly confirms why it is important to collect interviews. For many years the Bof B has been portrayed based on official only accounts, but as more personal accounts are published the battle is all the more astonishing. Chilling to read of a pilot who fell asleep while on patrol and so many other incidents which would be dismissed as impossible if placed into a film screenplay.

I was at Biggin Hill to refuel him there and back.
Pilot was the BBMF boss Smithy!!