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The Spitfire remains an icon for millions and emblematic of the war in Europe, although it saw action in every theatre of World War II. The interceptor also has a very special place in Goodwood’s history as it flew from the grass strip here between 1939 and 1945 when the aerodrome was known as RAF Westhampnett. In fact, it was a Spitfire pilot based here, Tony Gaze who first suggested that the airfield’s perimeter track would make an ideal racing circuit.
Video: Does anything look and sound better than a Spitfire?
And did you know that the Spitfire was named after the daughter of Supermarine’s parent company’s Chairman? Sir Robert McLean referred to his daughter Ann as a ‘little spitfire’. A Shakespearean term for a fierce, independent woman.
We are very fortunate that Spitfires still fly from what is now the Goodwood Aerodrome, which is where one can learn to pilot one of these legendary machines at Boultbee Flight Academy. We spoke to Boultbee’s MD Matt Jones ahead of the 75th anniversary of VE day and asked him what makes this plane so special.
In the summer months we get to watch them take-off and land virtually on a daily basis and it is never not awe-inspiring.
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