WWII veterans fly Spitfires again after 80 years

Three Second World War veterans, with a combined age of 300, returned to the skies in Spitfires for the first time in more than 80 years. The flight took place earlier today from Biggin Hill, the famous airfield where so many fighter pilots were scrambled during the Battle of Britain. The three men, each around 100 years old, were helped into the iconic aircraft by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, a charity that supports former service personnel.

The veterans were identified as Paul Terry, Ivan Stains and Alfred Cooley. Speaking after the flight, they described the experience as overwhelming. One said: "I didn't expect anything like that, you know. Whilst I was out there to be honest my mind which of the young lads at fault in them planes. How terrible it must have been good very little room to maneuver. But they were really heroes." Another joked about the contrast between his usual comfort and the cramped cockpit: "You have the life of luxury. Don't you a cushion and then in the spitfire? People lift me up shove the cushion underneath. It was brilliant." A third admitted he had trouble getting in: "I had a job to get in. I really did. I nearly lost one leg getting in there."

The veterans were also asked about the speed of the aircraft. One replied: "I don't know how fast I was going. No, I was going to ask him but I don't know. I spent about 300 mile an hour or something like that." The flight clearly stirred deep emotions, with the men reflecting on the comrades they had lost. They were also looking forward to celebrating afterwards, with one saying he planned to have a glass of wine and another saying he would have a couple of beers.

Military historian Robert Lyman, who joined the coverage, noted the significance of the Spitfire. He said about 20,000 of these aircraft were built just in time for the Second World War, and that the country was not prepared for the conflict but had radar and the Spitfire. He praised the charity for getting the veterans airborne, saying it would have taken them back to the years when the country stood together against Nazi and Japanese tyranny. He also remarked on the physical challenge of flying such a plane at that age, noting the cockpit was designed for young men, not centenarians.

The event was described as awe-inspiring and a reminder of the sacrifice and courage of the greatest generation. The veterans' return to the skies was a powerful tribute to their service and to the memory of those who did not come home.