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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social

@spitfireaa810.bsky.social
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Restoring Sandy’s Spitfire - the Great Escape Spitfire - to flight. Incorporating the Photographic Reconnaissance Charity, PRU Archive, National PRU Monument Campaign, and the Reconnaissance Heritage Flight. www.spitfireaa810.co.uk

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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 7h
varied lines of trade occurring under the shadow of the aviation activities going on there. Sadly now demolished, the only real reference to its location is the statue on the roundabout that still exists outside.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 7h
away under cover of darkness, most of the photo reconnaissance PR.IVs including AA810 were built here during 1941 and 1942. AA810 started to go together here in the summer of 1941, before final assembly in Henley. Vincent’s garage was certainly a secretive place, with many
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 7h
BUILDING AA810 The secret Spitfire factory: Vincents Garage, Reading. Vincent’s seen here on the left, in close proximity to Reading train station, held many secrets during WW2. One of the biggest secrets being that it was one of three shadow factories in Reading building Spitfires. Transported
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 23h
F/O MERVYN WHEATLEY - FIRST PDU LOSS Mervyn was born today in Lewes, East Sussex in 1913. He would be the first RAF Reconnaissance loss of the Second World War, and indeed was the first Spitfire combat loss of the war.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In total some 150,000 Merlin engines were built across several sites including Derby, Crewe, Glasgow, and with Ford in Manchester. With Merlin 45’s difficult to come by and as they have a few flaws, AA810 will fly with a Merlin 35.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
BUILDING AA810 As we gear up to mark 85 years of AA810, this year we are going to focus a little on the elements of wartime production that produced AA810 in period. A major part was AA810’s Merlin 45 engine which was one of 25,000 Merlin engines built at Rolls-Royce in Crewe.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
back to base where weather was perfect. A good trip 4hrs 40min in all, landing at 15:15. I took it easy for the rest of the day. Our picture today is the RAF Coltishall of 1946 still showing the grass runways Sandy would have landed on.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
cloud and throttled right back as petrol getting short. Began to get worried when coast did not show up, but eventually hit it, after thinking I had seen it two or three times - although these ‘land sightings’ turned out to be oil streaks! Crossed in over Clacton and flew
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
covered by P.R.U. Flew West to Koblenz and took pictures of the Rhine up to Bonn. Flew West again, and photographed Aachen and Maastricht. Set course for home, and was soon over thick cloud again. Descended through cloud over sea and found a gap; got right down on to water under
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Pretty clear over Germany, so went to Aachen first, and then flew East, crossed Rhine, and tried to find Geissen, North of Frankfurt. I had almost given up when I spotted where it was. Made two runs over the town to get marshalling yards, and took the aerodrome too; first time it had been
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
myself level with factory chimneys so went above. On leaving Coltishall I found myself in cloud at once so climbed through 20,000 ft of cloud; ice on windscreen and cockpit cover when I broke cloud. Thick cloud over North Sea which began to clear at Dutch coast and I could route in North of Antwerp.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
ON THIS DAY IN 1941 Sandy was to fly his first trip to Germany: Mission 18 - Spitfire X4499 Did my first trip over Germany. Leaving Benson at 10:10 and landed at Coltishall, near Norwich, to refuel as I had an “F” Type. Pretty poor weather to Norwich, flew below cloud but found
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
MOSQUITO MONDAY PR.XVI NS777, at B58 Melsbroek most likely in October 1944 as the aircraft still wears its D-Day stripes. Assigned to 140 Sqn , the unit had arrived in Belgium at the end of September 1944. NS777 survived the war and passed into service with the Armee de l'Air in June 1946.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Mans, Tours, Orleans, Rouen and Le Havre. Very good trip, everything went well, and I got some very good runs and pictures. Good weather and was out for 3hrs 40 mins. Made a poor landing on return and had a quiet afternoon before going to the pub up the London road in the evening.”
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
SANDY’S BIRTHDAY Today is an important day for the project each year - it would have been Sandy Gunn’s birthday. However on this day in 1941, Sandy had other work to do before he could celebrate his 22nd birthday: Mission 17 - Spitfire X4499 “My birthday. Did a trip to Le
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
proving extremely popular, we had a busy day meeting some very enthusiastic future engineers! We very much look forward to working again with the team next year as the Forces in STEM hopefully expands to a third site for 2027.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
FORCES IN STEM AT RAFM COSFORD We were delighted to return again to the The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands this week alongside other industry STEM providers to welcome 1,400 KS2 pupils keen to learn about aerospace engineering. With our ‘Spitfire 90’ STEM activities
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
leaked. Landed at Mount Farm satellite instead, took all but 30 yards of 1,500 yard runway to pull up. Gave my reports to Intelligence there, got air pumped up and flew back to parent ’drome. Wattie was a bit troubled because I was well overdue even when I first arrived at Benson and shot them up.”
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
photographing various aerodromes one in particular at Chateaudun covered with aircraft. Took marshalling yards at Serquigny and photographed Le Havre before heading home. Crossed coast at 16:00; had a look at Basingstoke. On arrival at Benson found flaps would not go down owing to air bottle having
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Le Mans. Got mixed up with the edge of a front coming in from West began making condensation trails, so had to come down to 26,000 ft. Could not find Le Mans at first; got it, and flew on for Tours, but could not get it in spite of river to guide me. Flew to Orleans, and thence northwards
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
TODAY IN 1941 Sandy was back in the air on operations: Mission 16 - Spitfire X4499 “It was foggy as usual in morning. Given a trip but could not get off early so had an early lunch at 12:00 and got off just after 13:00. Out over Selsey Bill at 25,000 ft; flew to Caen and on to
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
region, and we’ll be delivering STEM content to KS2 & KS3 pupils alongside other great companies and institutions that are innovating, researching and manufacturing across the STEM spectrum. Want to know more about what we do, visit www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/schools
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
FORCES IN STEM - RAFM MIDLANDS As a project we are once again delighted to be supporting the Forces in STEM event at The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands this week. Delivered in partnership with the Royal Air Force Youth STEM team, this event features the very best of the Midlands
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Very true, although the next morning the amount of ash on the car took some cleaning!
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
MOSQUITO MONDAY An RAF Flight Sergeant in a staged photo demonstrates the operation of the Type 35 camera controller in the nose of a PR Mosquito. Part of a selection of photographs taken at RAF Benson.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
the convoy attacked by Blenheims at 14:40 off the Hook of Holland. I landed at Benson at 17:45, having taken off at 14:40. Not too bad a trip though had some trouble with condensation, owing to camera heater not being on.“
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
run down the coast from Den Helder to Ymuiden at 16:00 hrs, flew East and photographed Rotterdam then South to Amsterdam; made three runs; lots of shipping. I also photographed a convoy off Den Helder; eleven ships, but mostly escort vessels. Think it was
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
ON THIS DAY IN 1941 Sandy was off on PR duties again, this time to the Netherlands: Mission 15 - Spitfire X4499 “Poor weather in morning, hoped for an early flight, and was at work by 07:00 but nothing doing. At lunch time weather reported OK over North Sea, so went off on trip to Holland. Did a
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
occasion and gave fabulous readings. A few days later it was a privilege to attend the Battle of Britain Dining in Night and sunset ceremony at Benson’s Officers Mess with our 1937 Staff Car. A most moving evening enthusiastically supported by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
RAF BENSON GATE GUARDIAN REDEDICATION It was a huge pleasure to return to RAF Benson this week to attend the Gate Guardian rededication ceremony alongside station personnel, members of Bill Johnson’s family, and the entirety of RAF Benson Primary School who dressed for the
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
his son Robin all were flown in the new aircraft. Robin would later become a F/Lt in the RAF, serving with 684 and 540 Reconnaissance Squadrons.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
reconnaissance Mosquito operations in December 1941. Our picture shows Ronald Clerke with the then Secretary of State for Air Sir Archibald Sinclair during his visit to RAF Benson on the 13th September 1941, a day when he, his private secretary, and
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
the same aircraft completed a successful reconnaissance mission to Bordeaux and the Bay of Biscay with F/Lt Alastair Taylor DFC and Sgt Sidney Horsfall as the crew. Clerke and Sowerbutts would survive the war, but tragically Taylor and Horsfall would be lost on
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
underwent numerous trials through the summer. The first operational flight was yesterday in 1941, flown by S/Ldr Ronald Clerke and navigator Sgt Henry Sowerbutts. The mission to the Franco-Spanish border was unsuccessful due to a generator failure 20 minutes from the target. 84 years ago today
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
FIRST SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONAL SORTIE OF A MOSQUITO Whilst famed as a fighter/bomber, it was for use in the reconnaissance role that ultimately saw the DH Mosquito go into production. Having arrived at Benson in the evening of the 13th July 1941 with S/Ldr Clerke at the controls, the aircraft
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What attention but very pleasant. It makes one all the keener to do well. Lazed about in the afternoon and saw my photos in the evening. Got everything just right, including the aerodrome at Caen, through a cloud gap. Beginner’s luck!”
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
about 300 true. Enjoyed trip, though naturally a bit worried, watching hard for Huns all the time! On landing once more amused by Watts, grand fellow. Was told that "Winko" had meant to come to meet me and that the Group Captain had been ringing up about me.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Selsey Bill via Caen taking some photos on the way and from there back to Benson. Two hours fifteen minutes total trip time. I went over in the Mark IV long range (Bowser) Spitfire. The Merlin XLV engine very powerful which took me up to 30,000ft without effort, cruising at 180 Indicated,
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
TODAY IN 1941 Sandy was made operational as a member of D Flight 1PRU with just 11 flights and 22:50 hours in the Spitfire: “Mission 13 - Spitfire R7043 Off from Benson at 10:45, down to Selsey Bill, over to Le Havre, but covered by cloud. Flew back to
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
found a small one and put down at what turned out to be Yatesbury, near Swindon. Had lunch and informed Benson. Got 30 gallons of 100 octane after some difficulty and returned to base.” Today’s photo of C Flight 1PRU in 1941 - colourised by Colour by RJM.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
pushed off fast, meteo wind all wrong obviously. Flew roughly east over 10/10 cloud, and came down through a gap when thought I was clear of mountains. Failed to pinpoint, and getting low on petrol. Had a nasty quarter of an hour looking for a ’drome. Finally
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
visible below then, but what looked to be coast of Anglesey showing under cloud edge to left. Flew to what looked like Holyhead and started to photograph it. Not satisfied though, and suddenly realised it to be Pembroke Dock; at least a 100 miles out! Considerably shaken I
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
ON THIS DAY IN 1941… Sandy would fly his last training flight before being made operational: “Had a ‘shaky do’ today. Got off on the Holyhead trip at last; climbed to 23,000ft. Through cloud over Benson, set course and flew over 10/10 cloud until ETA. Nothing
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
thick and coast lines are visible, inland - not so easy. No discomfort, but distinctly cold; must wear flying boots in future. Absolutely no sensation of speed, as movement relative to objects on ground is negligible.” Our image is of members of D Flight 1PRU earlier in 1941.
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
bad for over two hours including climbing to over 20,000ft. I understand that I shall be going operational soon, as someone is needed to replace old Busbridge; hope I have better luck. Impressions of high flying: navigation definitely easy as long as low cloud is not too
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
about 260 mph true, using about a gallon per two minutes. Photographed Bridgewater on way back. From there on cloud became 10/10 below once more; came down through it on ETA, and found myself over the Thames, south east of Benson about Marlow. I got back to base with about 20 gallons left, not
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Padstow. Cloud was pretty thick when I took off, climbed through it and flew on course when at operational height. Weather cleared down by Bristol Channel, and was quite good for photography at Barnstable and Padstow; only about 3/10 low cloud. Cruising at 2,400 rpm and 160 mph indicated,
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
through the cloud eventually more or less where expected, but could not get a definite pinpoint at first. Bit of a flap, as getting short on fuel, but found Didcot junction after a few minutes. In the afternoon did a 30,000ft trip to photograph Barnstable and
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
ON THIS DAY IN 1941… Sandy’s training continued: “Prepared to go to Holyhead once again, but weather was too thick. Went up to 30,000ft over aerodrome for about an hour; very soon lost sight of aerodrome owing to low cloud. Managed to keep fairly well over it; came down
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SpitfireAA810.bsky.social @spitfireaa810.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
numbers of Avro Manchesters on site. Ran into really filthy stuff at Leicester; very black and visibility down to a minimum but got through clearest belt OK. Getting pretty well used to ‘Spits’ now; they’re great machines, none better”.
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