Suffolk Spitfire joins Polish Heritage Flight 

Suffolk Spitfire joins Polish Heritage Flight 

The Duxford based Suffolk Spitfire RW382 has joined the Polish Heritage Flight (PHF) with a commemorative 302 Polish Squadron ‘Operation Overlord’ D-Day colour scheme, as a tribute to international cooperation and unity.

The epic levels of hard work, skill and dedication by the volunteer team, led by Pete Medley of Flying Colours Contracts, with support from Vintage Fabrics at Audley End Airfield, Suffolk Spitfire, Sam Forbes from Marshall ADG and Wisdom Art Prints, has resulted in this stunning dedication. The herculean effort took place across just 36 hours with thanks and gratitude also to Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

Spitfire RW382’s new paint scheme honours the aircraft flown by Polish-American pilot Michael J Murayda, His story is a compelling example of dedication and bravery. Born in Akron, Ohio, to Polish immigrant parents, he volunteered for the Royal Air Force through Canada and joined the Polish 302 ‘City of Poznan’ Squadron. He served during Operation Overlord and subsequently with the USAAF 56th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts from RAF Boxted. This highlights the diverse contributions of Allied forces in the war effort.

302 Squadron operated from Duxford during the Battle of Britain and later went on to provide daylight fighter escort for USAAF B-17 Flying Fortresses. It was the first Polish Squadron to land in Normandy, which underscores their crucial involvement in the Allied victory. Their first base in Normandy was at the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) B.10 Plumetot. A memorial unveiled in Plumetot in 2019 serves as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice and bravery.

The PHF, with Hawker Hurricane G-HURI and now the Suffolk Spitfire RW382, brings to life the legacy of international co-operation and unity. This initiative not only preserves the memory of these courageous pilots and crews, but also inspires the public to remember the vital contributions they made to the Allied victory in the Second World War.

Partners Wisdom Art Prints have released their latest ArtPrint to commemorate Spitfire RW382’s new colour scheme.

Spitfire RW382 was built at Castle Bromwich in 1945 originally as a low-back clipped wing MkXVI. Following a fatal crash in the USA in 1998 the wreakage was shipped back to the UK and rebuilt and converted to a MkIX by The Spitfire Company at Biggin Hill. See more information on RW382 at this link https://suffolkspitfire.co.uk

The Spitfire will make its first public appearance in the new 302 Sqn colour scheme on Saturday

31 August after the annual and 63rd commemoration of homage to fallen Polish Airmen at the Polish Air Force Memorial at South Ruislip. It will fly down from Duxford and land at RAF Northolt and park near to the Officers’ Mess where lunch guests will be able to get up close.