Spitfire U2 - Defender of Malta

Simon Moores has a closer look at Supermarine Spitfire "U2" - Vb BM597 (G-MKVB).

This was built at Castle Bromwich and delivered on 26th April 1942. It served with 315 and 317 (Polish) Squadrons RAF at Woodvale before sustaining damage whilst landing on 13th February 1943. It was repaired, but is thought to have seen no further action. After the war BM597 was assigned to several 'gate guardian' postings finishing up at RAF Church Fenton. Acquired by Historic aircraft Collection in 1993, it was restored to original specification at Audley End and first flew in 1997.It usually flies in the colours of 317 Squadron, but for the duration of the Merlins Over Malta project it wore a unique Malta scheme that has not been seen on a Spitfire since the original aircraft were transported out to Malta during the war.

Between June 1940 and December 1942 Malta became one of the most bombed places on Earth. The battle for this tiny island proved to be one of the most decisive turning points of World War II.Situated just sixty miles south of Sicily, Malta was a vitally important outpost in the heart of the Mediterranean, and with its airfields and deep harbours, held the key to Allied hopes in the Middle East and North Africa: not only was it a crucial staging post, it was also a base from which Allied aircraft, ships, and submarines could cripple Axis supply routes to Rommel's forces in Africa. Had Malta fallen, the Allies would almost certainly have lost the Suez Canal and the Middle East oilfields to the Axis powers, and with catastrophic consequences.

Recognising its strategic importance, the Axis forces were determined to wipe Malta from the face of the earth -- and they very nearly did so. At the start of the siege Malta was woefully ill-equipped, but with the arrival of Hawker Hurricanes in June 1940, the RAF began to fight back. With the arrival of the Luftwaffe in Sicily, these saviours of the Battle of Britain soon proved obsolescent and despite inhuman heroics from the defenders, Malta faced almost certain defeat.

Relief came in the form of the Spitfire Mk V -- the first seven flying into Malta from the carrier HMS Eagle on the 7th March 1942. At last the Island had an aircraft capable of taking on the best of the Luftwaffe. More Spitfires followed and by May 1942, the air battle was almost won.

The Merlins Over Malta Appeal aims to take a Spitfire and Hurricane back to the scene of their epic defence, the islands of Malta GC. On the afternoon of the 22nd of September 2005, if the funds are raised a Spitfire and Hurricane will once again fly through Malta's Grand Harbour. This will be the first time a Hurricane has returned to the island since the war and the first time for a Spitfire since the filming of "The Malta Story" in the early 1950s.

You can buy Corgi Scale models of both aircraft as part of a special collection

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Spitfire
• U2
• Supermarine
• Malta
• History

[carsieplg]

RIP HMS Penelope (HMS Pepperpot) also a defender of malta along with force k who kept the convoys coming this plane arrived two weeks after the Peperpot left just about still floating