RAF Museum sends history of Arbroath's WW2 Spitfire
A Spitfire bought for the war effort against Nazi Germany by the people of Arbroath is to be celebrated.
A Supermarine Spitfire at the 2010 RAF Leuchars Airshow.
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 14.04.11
- Published online : 16.04.11 @ 05.04pm
Communities helped the war effort by organising Spitfire funds to buy aircraft for the RAF.
A typical Spitfire fund was set up in Arbroath to raise the £5000 necessary to buy one of the fighters. It was started in August 1940 and eventually reached its target in March 1942.
One of the first fund-raising events in the town was a concert starring Sir Harry Lauder. Other events included a male voice choir from the Polish Army, a boxing tournament at Gayfield and a dance organised by the burgh police.
The Arbroath Spitfire named, inevitably, The Red Lichtie, was built at Castle Bromwich and entered service later in 1942.
The pilot of the Red Lichtie on February 13, 1943, was Squadron Leader, later Air Vice Marshal James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson CB, CBE, DSO and two Bars, DFC and Bar, one of Britain's most distinguished fighter aces of the second world war with 34 confirmed victories.
Arbroath councillor Donald Morrison plans to mark the 70th anniversary of the donation of the aircraft next year.
- Mr Morrison can be contacted on 01241 874522 or cllrmorrison@angus.gov.uk.
"Various events were organised to raise the money," said Mr Morrison. "I would like to hear from anyone involved in local efforts to raise the £5000 required to pay for the Red Lichtie Spitfire, as part of the Wings for Victory campaign.
"After being contacted by local historian Morris Scott, I have become intrigued about the story of Arbroath's very own Spitfire, the Red Lichtie, which played its part against Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
"Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the Red Lichtie being donated and I have been in discussions with Angus Council about making a lasting commemoration to thank the people of Arbroath for their generosity during what were extremely difficult and uncertain times.
"The council still has a plaque presented to the people of Arbroath by the Royal Air Force and it would be good to use this as part of the commemoration."
Red Lichtie's history
Mr Morrison has already been in touch with the Royal Air Force Museum and has received a brief biography of the Supermarine Spitfire — named Red Lichtie — after it was taken on charge by the RAF at Burtonwood on May 24, 1942.
It reads, "Presented by the people of the Scottish burgh of Arbroath with a donation of £5000 in March, 1942, the name is Scottish east coast dialect for red light, probably meaning the one on Arbroath harbour, but is also the local nickname for Arbroath.
"Mk Vb EP121 was taken on charge at No. 37 Maintenance Unit (MU) Burtonwood on May 24, 1942. The aircraft was allocated on May 30 to No. 50 (County of Gloucester) Squadron engaged on convoy patrols, Rhubarb and Roadstead operations from Ibsley, suffering Category B damage on July 24 when Sergeant W.N. Strang landed on the wrong runway and the port wheel collapsed.
"EP121 was allocated for repair in works on July 29, being sent to Westland at Ilchester on August 1.
"Ready for collecting on September 19, the aircraft was delivered six days later to No.39 MU Colerne, then went to Phillips & Powis at South Marston on October 10 to be flown to No. 38 MU Llandow on November 23.
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