I remember Spitfire flypasts at RAF Cosford ” At Home ” days in the 50’s with Mosquitos dong the pyrotechnic ” bombing run ” target was usually a plywood fort or enemy ship. My pals dad was airfield fire crew & used to rush out with his engine & put it out .
However in the late 50’s my Dad was a F/o VRT ( reserves ) & 2 IC of 2224 Albrighton Sqn ATC at RAF Cosford . I was a 12 yr old probationary cadet & we had our own Spitfire .
Our HQ was at the Crash gate on the Albrighton side of the airfield fed by the disected Old Worcester Rd , & our Spit was parked next to here .
Ibelieve the Spit is now in Cosford Museum ,
It was Mk F 21 LA 226 & at this time 1957/8 was in all siver finish . It was wired down with cables & concrete blocks & was right next to the underground Air Raid Shelter ( Fulll of dank water & Frogs )
The sliding bubble canopy was sedom closed & cockpit was exposed to the elements . I remember swinging on the prop & sitting in the cockpit & winning the war . If I remember it had a seat height adjustment , like a modern car . The Throttle & undercart lever were wired in a position to stop us ” Stupid boy s” from dropping the thing on its belly ..
As the war had not been over very long in the 50s , I dont think we treated our Spit with the reverence it deserved .
I must say hello to an old friend next time I’m at Cosford Museum .
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