Family Members Of A Battle Of Britain Hero Meet The Spitfire He Flew

The family of a Battle of Britain hero have travelled to Scotland to see the Spitfire he flew during the Second World War.

Descendants of Group Captain Bobby Oxspring have been to see the Mark 2 aircraft he flew as he commanded 66 Squadron against the Luftwaffe in 1940 - and scored six victories.

It's currently taking refuge at the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum.

His granddaughter, Jane Patching and her two children were moved by the discovery of the plane.

She said: "It's just so incredible, we only found out about this recently - we knew quite a lot about my grandfather before but we've only recently found out about the plane.

"Lots of different emotions - it's been a very emotional morning." 

Daniel is the great-grandson and he got a chance to sit in the very cockpit Group Captain Oxspring was in, where he flew in battle nearly 80 years ago.

Daniel was the first person to sit in the cockpit since its restoration, and like his great-grandfather, he was the first operational pilot - he reflected on his bravery:

"It feels amazing to know that he flew this and to sit in the seat that he sat in - knowing that he was a brave and wonderful fighter."

The plane is one of only three Spitfire Mark 2A’s in existence.

It was restored after it crashed into Loch Doon in Ayrshire in October 1941.

In 1982 it was recovered from the water - and has taken the last 35 years to refurbish into its current condition.

David Reid, Chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum says "there's still a lot of final touches to do to it" but once it's complete visitors will get a chance to truly experience the aircraft.

"It's not quite finished in the cockpit - it's an ongoing restoration.

"I think it will be the only Battle of Britain Spitfire anywhere in the world where you will be able to sit in it." 

The only MK2 Spitfire's that flew with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are based at RAF Conningsby.