Military Model Scene

Title: Spitfire Across the Atlantic
Author: Ricardo Martin Lezon
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN: 978-1-78155-357-2

The stories of a pilot and a Spitfire, both during and after WW2. A 160-page hard-cover book from Fonthill Media.
This is the story of Flt Lt James Storey, born in Argentina he came to the UK where he undertook an RAF SSC (Short Service Commission) in the 1930s before going to work in Southern Rhodesia. When war broke out he answered to call to fight with the RAF, serving initially in Kenya before the returning to the UK. It gives fine detail of his wartime service, which found him flying photo reconnaissance Spitfires, before moving on to Met Ascent flights. Both required rather solitary flying but the description of just what was involved in flying long distance missions in an unarmed aircraft, deep into enemy territory is the most detailed I can ever remember reading. It also gives us the story of the building of the Photo Reconnaissance variants of the Spitfire, most having been made in the centre of Reading, a nd which rang a bell with me as we remember that story at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation where I am a volunteer. Then it goes on to the post-war period, when this experienced PR pilot saw the potential of providing aerial photography as a business back home in Argentina. The book give us the story of Spitfire PR XI serial PL972. James Storey managed to be one of the few civilians allowed to buy an ex-military Spitfire, and it was taken from storage and refurbished at the Vickers Armstrong works at Chilbolton in Hampshire, another site of personal interest as the old airfield is now on part of the farming estate belonging to the John Lewis Partnership, where I worked for some of my time working for the company. Once refurbished, with extra fuel tanks, he flew it in stages to Argentina. The longest single leg was to cross the South Atlantic to Brazil, a 1500 mile flight which he made in company with a BSAA (British South American Airways) Avro York, which assisted with the navigation over water. You then find out what happened to both James Storey and the Spitfire itself, as once they got there, the unsettled political situation in Argentina meant he was unable to realise the dream he had worked so hard for.
There are multiple stories within the 2 main stories and I found the whole thing really interesting reading. Finding the two personal connections made it especially attractive for me. Add a section of photos which help illustrate the tale, one which includes what is apparently the longest single flight ever made by a Spitfire, that impressive journey across the South Atlantic. Easily recommended.
Thanks to Fonthill Media for the review copy.

Robin