September 2025

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 2nd September 2025

See the latest production of the show that inspired the Spitfire Makers!

(Info from the Bishopstoke Players Facebook page)

Book your tickets for a night of fantastic local drama as Bishopstoke Players present ‘The Shadow Factory’ by Howard Brenton!

Set in #Southampton during the aftermath of the Battle of Britain, this powerful play tells the story of how ordinary people became extraordinary when the city’s aircraft factory was destroyed by the Luftwaffe. To keep the war effort alive, production was secretly moved into sheds, garages, and workshops across the city. But as government authority clashed with local resistance, a different kind of battle began—one fought in the shadows.

Ordinary people. Extraordinary courage!

Tickets available via https://www.bishopstokeplayers.uk/buy-tickets/

Bishopstoke Players

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 21st September 2025

It’s nearly 85 years since the two days of bombing that stopped Spitfire production at Woolston.

Yesterday we unveiled blue plaques numbers 15, 16 and 17 in our project to mark the places in and around Southampton where the Spitfire was made.

With more than 50 guests looking on, including the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie, relatives of those whose mothers and fathers worked in the factory and survived the bombing, helped to unveil the three plaques which can now be seen along Hazel Road.

The first, at the entrance to the former City College, Marine Skills building, marks the site of the main Woolston Works factory. The second plaque can be found across the road, on the corner of Lower Vicarage Road, where the name of the “Dreadnought Flats” building reflects a fascinating post war history. The third one was unveiled on the original Supermarine Mould Loft premises, now a sail loft for Doyle Sails.

Spitfire Makers would like to express our gratitude to the owners of all the sites for consenting to have the plaques installed on their properties, and to the Southampton Amateur Rowing Club for opening their boat house to us for a gathering and refreshments afterwards.

The event was covered by BBC South Today and we understand their report will be shown on local news either today, Sunday 21st, or tomorrow.

The raids on the Supermarine factories were on the 24th and 26th September, 1940, and nearly 50 Supermarine workers were killed. Next weekend we are gathering to remember those who lost their lives and to unveil two more plaques at the far end of Hazel Road. (Regrettably, we must again restrict this to invited guests only.)

Photography by Infinity Photography by Sarah Penfold – https://www.facebook.com/infinityphotographysarahpenfold/

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 24th September 2025

It’s 85 years today since the bombing of the Supermarine factories in Woolston, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

Spitfire Makers and The Supermariners have been working to establish an accurate list of the casualties of September 24th and then, two days later, those who died on 26th September 1940.

After the three we unveiled last weekend, we are planning to unveil two more of our blue plaques along Hazel Road this weekend.

Regrettably, we are limited to the number of guests we can accommodate, so our guest list is now closed.

Along with the scenes of the destruction at the railway tunnel, where most casualties occurred on the 24th, I have attached our latest draft of the known casualties. If you are aware of any omission or error, please let us know, as we want to make it as accurate as possible before commissioning a larger-than-usual plaque as a Roll of Honour.

We have received excellent support from Network Rail to clear the area in front of the entrance to the now-blocked tunnel. They did more than a week of work to uncover the previously hidden end of the tunnel walls and create a safe, level area where visitors will be able to pay their respects. (See photos below.) They have also given permission for us to install both a plaque to commemorate the events at the tunnel and the Roll of Honour.

We will remember them.

Photos by Robert Stidworthy – The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust

Posted on Facebook by Robert Stidworthy – 24th September 2025

Poppy Crosses and Wreaths for the 85th Anniversary

It’s 85 years ago today since the bombing of the Supermarine factories in Woolston which resulted in considerable loss of life.

Poppy Crosses were put out on various Supermarine locations in Southampton to Honour the “Supermarine Fallen ” Killed on the Raids on the 24th September 1940 & on 26th September 1940.

And at St. Mary’s Extra Cemetery Southampton where some of the Supermarine Fallen are buried.

Crosses were placed at

Hazel Road ( Woolston Works)

Spitfire Court near ( Woolston Works)

Hazel Road Tunnel Entrance ( Itchen Works)

A Photo of one of the Supermarine Fallen included

“Peggy Moon ” ( Also known as the Girl in Green)

Also Flowers were placed on ” Peggy Moon” Grave .

They were placed there by me on behalf of :-

“Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust “

” Solent Sky Museum Southampton “

” The Supermariners “

” Southampton Roundel of the Spitfire Society “

Also the Royal British legion placed wreaths in Hazel Road, Spitfire Court & at Tunnel Entrance on Hazel Road Southampton

Photos by Robert Stidworthy, The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust

Posted on Facebook by Alan Matlock – 24th September 2025

“Last of the Spitfire Makers”

Thanks to Vernon Pearce, Phil Pearce’s son for sending us this very personal connection to the events of September 1940.

It’s 85 years ago today since the daylight bombing of the Supermarine factory in Woolston, which resulted in considerable loss of life when the Spitfire workers’ air-raid shelter took a direct hit.

My Dad, Phil Pearce, was an apprentice in the factory and had a lucky escape (not once but twice!) You can listen to his story here – https://soundcloud.com/vernon-92422639/dads-lucky-escape

(“Last of the Spitfire makers” – photo by Chris Pearce taken at Spitfire Museum in Southampton on 5 March 2016 to celebrate the anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire)