Issued: 14 September 2012
Arbroath Set To Mark Spitfire Sunday
Arbroath’s ‘Red Lichtie’ Spitfire and the efforts of local people who helped raise money to buy the aircraft in World War II will be remembered in a special day of thanks and commemoration in the town on Sunday 16 September.
As people throughout the country hold Battle of Britain Remembrance Services, Arbroath and Area Partnership and Angus Council will remember and celebrate the local effort which helped the “Wings for Victory” appeal to buy the Spitfire.
From 11am until 2pm, celebratory events will be held in Harbour area at the Visitor Centre, the Lifeboat Shed and at the Signal Tower Museum
At 1pm, as part of an ecumenical service at the Signal Tower Museum, there will be the unveiling of two plaques.
Angus Provost Helen Oswald will unveil a plaque to mark the 200th anniversary of the building of the Bell Rock Lighthouse and completion of the Signal Tower Shore Station and to commemorate those involved with the construction. The creation of the plaque, commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers, was driven by Professor Roland Paxton MBE FRSE, the chairman of the Panel for Historical Engineering Works in Scotland and an expert on the history of the lighthouse.
Provost Oswald says: “I am honoured to have the privilege to unveil this plaque which remembers all the people who worked so hard, and in some cases gave their lives, to create this historic lighthouse, still regarded as an engineering wonder.”Squadron Leader Jonathan Greenhowe, who is based at RAF Leuchars and is Airshow Director for Saturday’s 2012 RAF Leuchars Jubilee Airshow, will unveil a refurbished “Wings for Victory” plaque commemorating the efforts of the people of Arbroath to fundraise for a Spitfire Aircraft for the war effort.
Sqn Ldr Greenhowe, whose father was born in Arbroath, says:
“Having personal family connections with Arbroath and as Director of RAF Leuchars Airshow on Saturday – often referred to as a Battle of Britain at Home Day – I am proud to take part in this important event on behalf of serving RAF personnel in Scotland given our close ties with our local communities and their unwavering support.”
At 1.30pm, Arbroath’s Lifeboat is planning to launch on exercise, reflecting the support that the boat gave to many in the past, saving many lives and helping during incidents at the Bell Rock Lighthouse. At 2pm, there will be a fly past display by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire Mk XIX. This aircraft is based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and will perform a full display over the water in front between the Signal Tower Museum and Gayfield Park, with the day culminating in a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota For further details of Arbroath Spitfire story visit www.thearbroathspitfire.com.