How the Leeds Spitfire Fund proved a soaraway success

It was the Leeds fund which raised close on £30,000 for a new spitfire.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 8th Jan 2021, 16:58 BST
Updated 8th Jan 2021, 17:02 BST
PIC: YPNPIC: YPN
PIC: YPN

The appeal was launched in 1940 by members of the 609 West Riding Squadron who were originally composed of volunteers and was based at Leeds Bradford Airport.

They flew Spitfires and won distinction during the Battle of Britain, being the 1st Spitfire Squadron to shoot down 100 enemy aircraft.

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Frank Heywood, general manager of the Yorkshire Evening News hands over a cheque for £30,000 to the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman C.H. Boyle, and Group Captain C.F. Horsley.Frank Heywood, general manager of the Yorkshire Evening News hands over a cheque for £30,000 to the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman C.H. Boyle, and Group Captain C.F. Horsley.
Frank Heywood, general manager of the Yorkshire Evening News hands over a cheque for £30,000 to the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman C.H. Boyle, and Group Captain C.F. Horsley.

After the war they were disbanded but reformed in 1946 to fly Mosquitos until 1957 when they were completely disbanded.

The Spitfire shown has the words "City of Leeds" on it but it is believed it is not the aircraft bearing that name, as this was lost in action before the photo, plucked from the YEP archive, was taken.

The name was chalked on for the photo but the aircraft depicted is actually believed to be P8098 'Enfield'.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE LEEDS SPITFIRE FUND? Email Andrew Hutchinson at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN*******************

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Related topics:LeedsEmailLeeds Bradford Airport