Comment on The Spitfire
Unless you are British, you will never, nor should you be expected to understand, just how important this little plane is to the British people. Remember, in the early 1940s when the whole of western europe was subject to occupation, Britain stood alone. Following the withdrawl from France at Dunkirk and faced with the threat of impending invasion (remember, Britain has never been subject to occupation by a foreign power for nearly 1000 yrs) the British people saw in the Spitfire a true icon of hope, especially after the defeat of the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Communities raised money during the early 1940s in order to 'purchase' a spitfire for the war effort. I have seen grown men dab tears away at the site of a Spitfire flying over. In my humble opinion, the one true icon of the twentieth century.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2008-06-02 by Nick Darrock from UK
Comment on The Spitfire
Much as I love the Spitfire, it is a shame that it eclipsed the Hurricane, the plane that was crucial in the Battle of Britain.The Hurricane was simpler, quicker and cheaper to make and easier to repair... which is why far more Hurricanes than Spitfires were available when Britain was at it's most vulnerable. Both the Spitfire and the Hurricane played vital roles. The Hurricane stands alongside the Spitfire!
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2008-01-28 by Don E. from de@e3.co.uk
Comment on The Spitfire
Assuredly an ICON. The Spitfire wasn't an 'invention' as is sometimes stated, but an innovative design. A design that was very sucessful in its intended role and its aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The Spitfire played a pivotal role during the war which has since ensured its iconic place in the hearts of our nation forever.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2007-10-25 by Alex Taylor. from Bristol.
Comment on The Spitfire
The sillouette against the sky and the roar of the mighty Merlin mean so much to every lover of aeroplanes. Just witness how heads turn at an airshow. A few years back i was at a show where there was only one piston engined plane, the Spitfire belonging to Rolls-Royce, and it was beautiful.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2007-08-16 by Dave Hodson from Redditch
Comment on The Spitfire
What saved the British was not the Spitfire but the German invasion of the Soviet Union instead. The Me-109 was the most modern fighter plane at that time.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2007-07-03 by Kinski from Amsterdam/Netherlands
Comment on The Spitfire
The Spitfire was, is, and will forever be a symbol of British courage at the world's darkest hour. It's also a symbol of freedom. God bless Mitchell, The Few, and those who flew them after the Battle of Britain. Personally, it's 'my' 'plane, as I was born when the battle started - though quite far from it thankfully!
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2007-06-27 by Zoraida Valcárcel from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Comment on The Spitfire
My father, aged 7 at the time, watched the Battle of Britain from his back garden. I recently built him an Airfix Spitfire and I could see the tears well in his eyes. The Spitfire is so much more than an aeroplane. This machine and the men who flew and died in it to safeguard freedom epitomise why I am proud and priveleged to call myself an Englishman.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2007-03-30 by David Atkinson from Oldbury
Comment on The Spitfire
Everything about this aeroplane declares its Englishness to the world. From its graceful lines, speed and understated aggression to its involvement in the marking of a milestone in our nation's history through the overcoming of insurmountable odds.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2007-01-16 by Jason Weston-Collinson from London
Comment on The Spitfire
I can't believe you can put all this stuff about the Spitfire in the Battle of BRITAIN and how it represents BRITISHNESS on a website about Icons of ENGLAND and not see that something is wrong.
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2006-11-17 by Gill McKinnon from Edinburgh
Comment on The Spitfire
In the picture of Squadron leader IR Gleed , he is sitting in a Hurricane, not a Spitfire
Comment on The Spitfire posted 2008-06-06 by Steve from Sussex