Reading about PPS and Doug Bianchi in a really early edition of Flypast, it stated that Doug was seconded to Miles at Woodley for a time in their Spitfire section. My question is what did Miles do in this section? Was it repairs , modifications or did they produce parts for Spitfires? I realise Spitfire production was very spread about but I had not realised Miles were involved . My thanks in advance to any forthcoming answers.
By: Vega ECM - 6th March 2019 at 21:19
The Woodley works manager, reportedly being groomed for promotion to director level, tragically was killed while test flying either the last or nearly the last Spitfire which passed through the repair facility. FG Miles later said that if this works manager had been present in the winter of 47, then Miles Aircraft would not have folded………..where would we be now?
By: Sopwith - 6th March 2019 at 19:51
Ok thank you for that answer farnboroughrob, your reply is much appreciated.
By: farnboroughrob - 6th March 2019 at 12:09
Hi yes Miles was a civilian Spitfire repair depot, as well as doing major repairs to their own types. Remember Reading was a big Spitfire production area so presumably there were plenty full supply of spares around? I had relatives who worked on Spitfire production in Reading, sadly all passed away. One of the key players was Vincents Coachworks opposite the station, a very observable place to have a Spitfire factory!
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March 5, 2019 at 11:01 am