The Fylde Spitfire Memorial Fund was established in 2008 to raise funds for a new RAF Memorial to both the Aircrew and Aircraft of Fighter and Bomber Command. The memorial will incorporate full sized replica aircraft mounted over flower bed in the outline of a Wellington bomber. Details can be seen on http://www.w3644.com The aircraft in the memorial have links with the Fylde Coast and the Mark Vb Spitfire W3644, was purchased as a presentation Spitfire by the residents of the town in 1941.
As part of our display we have refurbished a replica aircraft which, we believe, once served as the gate guardian at RAF Speke. The markings are those of 611 West Lancashire Squadron, the aircraft identification BS435 FY-Y. We would like to thank Barry Wallond for the research he carried out and the artwork he supplied for the project.
The team will be taking to the road in the Spring and would be happy to attend 1940, aviation related or other events in the North of England.
By: coombesie - 31st March 2025 at 15:14
Good suggestion, if you take a look at www.w3644.com there are some artists impressions of the scheme we are hoping to build, the Paul Boulton Defiant sits in the middle of the display, all suspended over a full sized flower bed in the shape of a Wellington Bomber. All these aircraft have links to RAF Squires Gate and Blackpool Airport. If anyone knows where we could get a mould of a Defiant then we would like to hear from you.
By: coombesie - 31st March 2025 at 15:14
That’s the one, it was painted orginally in 610 colours and sat outside the old Liverpool Airport. We have some pictures of her in her original state and although it is ‘plastic’ it will hopefully play it’s part in raising significant funds for a new RAF Bomber and Fighter command memorial for the Fylde Coast.
By: Jon H - 31st March 2025 at 15:13
That’s the one, it was painted orginally in 610 colours and sat outside the old Liverpool Airport. We have some pictures of her in her original state and although it is ‘plastic’ it will hopefully play it’s part in raising significant funds for a new RAF Bomber and Fighter command memorial for the Fylde Coast.
In that case is has definitely NEVER been sat outside the old Liverpool Airport in Speke! Said replica sat in Hangar 3 at Hooton Park (the other side of the Mersey!) a few years ago – http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/mus/uk/f-k/DSCF0033.jpg There it sat until you guys bought it.
The only replica to have been at Speke is the Dragon Rapide that is there currently.
Hooton Park is effectively the old old Liverpool Airport site (1930-1933), with Speke being the old (1933-86) and John Lennon the current (1986-date). Also before anyone corrects me, dates are only off the top of my head so sorry of they are not quite correct! 🙂
ANON may be able to tell you more about the Spit’s history given his involvment with Hooton down the years.
Finally, may I wish you every success with your plans. The more aviation heritage round these parts the better I say!
Jon
By: scotavia - 31st March 2025 at 15:13
Being a “Sand grown Un” I like the memorial idea. I helped research an as yet unpublished aviation wartime history which highlighted the huge number of airmen that trained in the area. The Ops record books for Squires Gate SGR include photos of presentation Spitfires named Red Rose I and II.
By: coombesie - 31st March 2025 at 15:11
Jon
Brilliant thanks for the information, I have been passed a similar picture in the past but the origins of the replica were sketchy to say the least! We will alter our records to reflect her past. An earlier post says she was commissioned by the 610 Sqn Association, any ideas how long ago and why she was disposed of? Thanks John [email]info@fyldespitfire.co.uk[/email]
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January 3, 2010 at 7:11 pm