The Spitfire Visitor Centre was kindly donated a Spitfire Mark IX replica in 2020 by the late Barry Wallond. Many visitors to RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall would have seen Barry's Mark IX Spitfire, proudly on display in his garden for over 20 years.

In storage since 2020, it is now time to return this Star of the Movie "Dark Blue World" back to her former glory.

The Movie covered the exploits of Czech Pilots, based in the UK during WW2, in particular Sergeant Josef Pipa of 312 & 313 Squadrons RAF. This fundraiser is to restore this Spitfire Mark IX replica back to a condition where she can be placed on display in the Spitfire Visitor Centre, Hangar 42, Blackpool Airport.

The works will be undertaken by GB replicas in Norfolk, specialists in the manufacture and repair of former RAF Gate Guardians. GB Replicas built this Airport for the Movie makers back in 1979/1980, so it is great that they will be part of this Spitfires next story.

The proposal is to paint the aircraft in a 50/50 paint scheme with the Starboard side depicting Josef's 313 squadron Spitfire and the Port side the Dusky Pink Colour of a 16 Sqn 2 TAF PR Spitfire, to mark Josef's role in escorting the Gliders of Operation Market over to Arnhem in September 1944, Josef himself flying photographic intelligence flights prior to the Operation.

The Spitfire Visitor Centre is self funding and each year raises funds to maintain its original WW2 Hangar and the exhibits contained inside. Public visits and support have played a large part in our success over the past 10 years and the restoration of Barry's Spitfire will be the last addition to our fleet of 5 Spitfires in the Hangar 42 collection. The total cost of the restoration is estimated at £26,000 with transport an additional £3000, so your support will be matched by our own fundraising efforts. We hope to unveil the refurbished Spitfire named "Mawgan" in March 2026.

Please visit our Spitfire Visitor Centre website and Social pages for updates on this project. Thank you for your financial Support, it is fitting that we commence fundraising on the 11th November as it is projects like this that we hope will end ure for generations to come, ensuring that "We will always remember them"

The Spitfire was a landmark at "Spitfire Corner" in Cornwall for over 20 years. Sadly her undercarriage collapsed at the time of recovery.

Her condition reflects her 40 years of living outside! She will in future be on display indoors at the Spitfire Visitor Centre, Blackpool Airport.