Paul Beaver

This presentation gives a fresh angle on the Spitfire by examining the contribution to its development and achievements by some 65 people - ranging from politicians to pilots.

This marks the aeroplane’s 75th anniversary. Without the courage and tenacity of some leading political and military figures and the hard work of lesser-known mortals, there would have been no Spitfire, no Battle of Britain and no ultimate victory in 1945.

Many people in positions of power played their part in the ultimate success of the Spitfire, but a few staked their reputations on a radical design that brought together the best in British design, technology and ingenuity. This presentation tells the tale from figures such as Churchill, Air Marshall Freeman, and Lord Beaverbrook (Minister for Aircraft Production); as well as operational people such as: James 'Johnny' Johnson (the highest-scoring Spitfire ace), and Geoffrey Wellum (the youngest Battle of Britain pilot).

Paul Beaver is a historian, broadcaster and commentator as well as an historic aeroplane pilot who has been flying the Spitfire since 2012. He lives near Salisbury, where he is chairman of Salisbury Wings Week.