London Underground Spitfire...!?

[Podie]

I've been reading this on the train...



.. and one partcular "extraordinary fact" reads...

the book said:

A collection amongst Underground staff raised enough money to pay for two Spitfires which went into combat with London Transport's Circle and Bar design logo on their fuselages as well as the RAF roundels on the wings.

Any of the aviation fiends know anything about this...?

[Podie]

[Eric Mc]

During WW2, there were lots of RAF aircraft funded by donations from individuals, employers, businesses, countries etc etc. It was all part of the "we're in this together" aspect of WW2 and was actively encouraged for morale purposes.

The story of the Short Stirling "McRoberts' Reply" is very moving.



London Transport actually assisted in the manufacture of Handley Page Halifax bombers.

[Podie]

Eric Mc said:

During WW2, there were lots of RAF aircraft funded by donations from individuals, employers, businesses, countries etc etc. It was all part of the "we're in this together" aspect of WW2 and was actively encouraged for morale purposes.

The story of the Short Stirling "McRoberts' Reply" is very moving.



London Transport actually assisted in the manufacture of Handley Page Halifax bombers.

I was aware of the fact that some individuals had contributed, but the businesses aspect has passed me by.

I was hoping to find a photo...

The book does briefly note about the use of tunnels as factories, including a mention about the Halifax bombers.

[Russ35]

Eric Mc said:

During WW2, there were lots of RAF aircraft funded by donations from individuals, employers, businesses, countries etc etc. It was all part of the "we're in this together" aspect of WW2 and was actively encouraged for morale purposes.

The story of the Short Stirling "McRoberts' Reply" is very moving.



London Transport actually assisted in the manufacture of Handley Page Halifax bombers.

Up here in Lytham St. Annes there is currently a fund in progress to build a 3 plane memorial for the Spitfire that was bought through this scheme. W3644 was shot down while escorting bombers in 1942, with the lose of the pilot and plane. Last year they managed to trace the last surviving member of the pilots family, his sister now living in Bingley.

http://www.w3644.com/index.htm

[FUBAR]

Podie said:

I've been reading this on the train...



.. and one partcular "extraordinary fact" reads...

the book said:

A collection amongst Underground staff raised enough money to pay for two Spitfires which went into combat with London Transport's Circle and Bar design logo on their fuselages as well as the RAF roundels on the wings.

Any of the aviation fiends know anything about this...?

Funnily enough I was in Spitafields 'market' a couple of months back and there is a photo and plaque regarding the 'Spitafields Spitfire'.

Same as the LU but obviously staff and patrons of Spitafields