Wednesday 31 August 2011

SOUTHAMPTON AND SUPERMARINE

Did you know that the Spitfire was built here in Southampton at the Supermarine Factory in Woolston?
In fact the first test flights took off from Southampton Airport. Unfortunately production was moved after the factory was bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Some of my family worked there, they were moved to another factory in Newbury, where it was thought to be safer.
If you want to learn more about the Spitfire why not visit Southampton Hall of Aviation in Albert Road South, Southampton, Hampshire SO1 1FR.
You might also be unaware that the famous Bouncing Bomb used by the Dambusters was tested in Southampton water.
Now then, where can you find all this information? Are there memorials to such events prominently displayed along Southampton Water? No!
Typical of Southampton Council, showing no pride in our cities history.
If you go to the shores of  the northern French coast, you will find several memorials depicting great events, which in turn brings a feeling of pride to the local area.
Come on Southampton show you care.

2 comments:

  1. My memories of Southampton's history are sadly scant.The Bargate, and Titanic memorial spring to mind. Wasn't the Bargate,part of the Norman wall? is there more of it's vintage left?
    J.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Not sure about the Bargate, but I will look it up.
    Thanks for your interest, are you from Southampton?

    ReplyDelete