2018-02-10
My father recently asked me to drop by a few days before his own birthday, pointing to a small brown box that had come in the mail. He said, "it's for you". I curiously opened it and found myself in awe as I looked down at a beautiful Spitfire pin made from Duralumin fabricated metal, from the original P7350 that flew in the Battle of Britain. Wow! I had never seen this type of thing before, and, here in my hands was a part of flying history. I also wasn't sure how I became the recipient of a gift on his Birthday but there it was.2018-01-06
As the editor (and founder) for www.allspitfirepilots.org, I've been fortunate enough to be in touch with many sons, daughters, grand-children, nieces and nephews of former Spitfire pilots. What's almost universal about them is that in a quest to find out more, they typically end up researching a great deal about other pilots in the squadron or wing. For Kevin Charles, son of Spitfire pilot Alan Charles, this is no different. You can check out Kevin's profile on this site to see the couple of hundred pilots he's posted, along with his own father's page. Kevin has posted a considerable amount of material on the Desert Airforce, and, he attributes that in part to long cricket matches on TV allowing him to read through the ORBs. In corresponding with Kevin, I requested a short article summing up his research interest and activity which you can read below. Plus he just located his father's log book, so stay tuned for more.2017-08-30
Greetings, as we head into fall -- a number of new features are being planned for the site. You may have already seen a few. For one, the squadron numbers and serials flown sections of a pilot page have been given more room, and, soon, more information (incident report) will be able to be added when adding a date / serial no in the pilots 'aircraft flown' section. That will move the site closer and closer to showing ORB / logbook details.2017-08-26
I was recently contacted by the daughter of Captain M. Balan, who flew with Number 4 Squadron of the RIAF during the closing days of WWII and subsequently with Number 4 Squadron in Japan as part of the occupying force.2017-07-21
A great escape of immense magnitude, where 338,000+ UK, French, and Belgian soldiers were evacuated from the choked pocket around Dunkirk. Director Chris Nolan has created what looks to be an extraordinary film using as much 'in camera' footage as possible, including real aircraft. The whole movie evokes a 'being there' sense that transports the viewer back in time. Dramatic, emotional, triumphant -- for saving the British army. On the eve of the Battle of Britain and what many feared would come next, the invasion of England itself.2017-06-16
Unfortunately the 2017 summer cycle tour of the Kent Coastline and other site stopovers (Airshows/Duxford/B of B sites) will be postponed due to injury. Kurt (founder of site) says "I am unfortunately not able to cycle this summer due to upcoming surgery in July and will have to postpone this amazing trip that is dedicated to these pilots and their efforts".2017-02-16
One may not have a Spitfire at their disposal, or even know how to fly, but, one can hoist a glass of ale with the Spitfire logo on it in honour of the actual aircraft and pilots. Possibly in a glass that allspitfirepilots.org puts in your hands. Shepherd-Neame makes the ale which they call a 'Kentish Ale'. They also make Spitfire Gold and Spitfire Lager. They all "take off" and land well in the Shepherd-Neame curved glass with SPITFIRE lettering and logo and that's what we'll have to give away this summer 2017 on our UK visit!2016-12-25
As we head into the New Year 2017, it's time to line up some new activity for allspitfirepilots . org.2016-12-11
Family members continue to pour content in, and we'll cover some of the highlights. But at the same time it's not all family members, and, we are lucky to have some enthusiasts from all over the world adding content. A frequent poster to this site from Croatia has built a considerable interest in Canadian pilot JM Brodie. He was shot down (whose aircraft still lies in shallow waters) and killed while attacking shore targets. Other family members have added their fathers / grand-fathers to the site, and, in typical fashion, have taken an interest in other members of the squadron and added those pilots as well. This is a sure sign a next project will be to add squadron histories and forums to the site, allowing those who may share an interest in a particular squadron to communicate. 2016-07-16
After going live some 10 months ago, it's apparent that relatives of former WWII spitfire pilots are the greatest contributors.