As we began our journey the year is 1931 and we are watching the Chief Designer for Vickers Armstrong, Reginald Mitchell (1895-1937). He is in the processes of developing a new submarine seaplane and feels this is going to be the one. You can feel his excitement and happiness as the plane is unveiled. He has been working on this one a long time and finds it hard to hold back his emotions when he is awarded the Schneider Trophy.

We now fast-forward to 1934. Mr. Mitchell is speaking with his primary test pilot, Alex Henshaw (1912-2007) about a request from the Air Ministry for the need of a new fighter plane. Just a year ago, the Nazis came to power and Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) is hosting the 2nd FIFA (football) World Cup in Italy. You discuss plans to adapt the submarine seaplane into a fighter plane and Mr. Henshaw is excited to be a part of it. After two years, you have finally manufactured a prototype called the Spitfire Mk1. It is now the year 1936.

With the Spitfire Mk1 in production, it is now 1937. The Nazis have been in power for four years and the chance of war is becoming more of a probability than ever before. Alex Henshaw is ready to fly the new plane when it is operational. With its sleek appearance, British engineering and powerful Rolls Royce engine the plane is already making a name for itself. The aircraft can fly at 350mph (563km/h) and can ascend approximately 2500 feet (762m) per minute. Alex Henshaw knows this will be the most advanced plane of the era.

With war fast approaching, the Battle of Brittan has already begun. The year is 1939 and the RAF has already ordered 4,000 of the planes. While the war for British airspace escalates with Nazi Germany, Reginald Miller is has already produced a more powerful plane called the Spitfire Mk II. With its powerful Rolls Royce Merlin engine offering 1150 hp the Mk II is the first model to be used as a fighter bomber.

As tragedy strikes the skies in September 1939 due to a chain station having the radar scans incorrectly fitted, causing the image to be reversed. A squadron using the Hawker Hurricane, also a British bomber plane, in responding to what it thought was an invasion, appeared to be coming from the east on radar (Nazi Germany side) were gunned down by friendly fire, losing 78 planes. The British were suddenly thrown into World War II.

Each March, a celebration is held for the Spitfire at Eastleigh Airport. There are still approximately 50 Spitfires still in existence, mostly used at flight shows. After serving its duty in the Battle of Britain, the Italian Campaign, Allied landings at Anzio, Corsica, American forces over northern Italy and the southern invasion of France to name a few, the Spitfire was decommissioned in 1956. It has been used by the ex RAF to train Yugoslavia pilots, purchased by the Italian government and in 1978 was shipped back to England. In 1986 the Spitfire was sold to the founder of Federal Express and most recently, was purchased in 1988 to be used in the Midland area performing at charity events and memorial functions.