Shirley and the Spitfire

A Heritage Open Day Exhibition

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The Open Day exhibition took place on Sunday 18th September 2022.

Although many events were cancelled following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, it was decided that the exhibition would take place as a fitting tribute to Her Majesty who, as Princess Elizabeth, had served in the ATS during WWII.

The exhibition was opened by Alderman Linda Norris who, earlier in the day, had unveiled the third Spitfire Makers plaque.

Photos by Sarah Penfold, Michaela Lawler-Levene and Robert Stidworthy

Spitfire Makers were supported at the exhibition by the Shirley Local History Group who provided a great deal of information about Shirley during the war years. Also Friends of St James’ Park, The Supermariners and Solent Sky Museum.

Shirley and the Spitfire – a Presentation by Alan Matlock

During the afternoon the presentation below was run continuously for people to sit and enjoy.

The exhibition was funded by a Southampton City Council Community Chest grant.

The Hollybrook Stores plaque

Prior to the exhibition, Spitfire Makers were delighted to unveil their third commemorative plaque at the site of The Hollybrook Stores in Hollybrook Road, Southampton. The plaque was unveiled by Alderman Linda Norris, who sponsored the plaque, and Glynis May whose father Claude Cox had worked at Supermarine during WWII and had been pulled alive from the rubble after the bombings in September 1940.