Griffons, Merlin’s, Spitfires and a daring underwater rescue mission

THE PROBUS Club of Sarum welcomed back Kevin Patience to its recent meeting to give a talk on how he found, dug up and identified a spitfire in Malta.

Kevin grew up in Kenia and joined as a Boy Entry in the RAF in 1961. In addition to flying, training and navigation school, he was trained as a diver and diving instructor.

Diving became very much his passion in addition to his enthusiasm for Spitfires.

In 1967 he was posted to Malta. In addition to his RAF engineering duties he engaged in seabed searches for sunk spitfires.

As Kevin explored the underwater world off Gozo, he came across the remains of a World War II-era aircraft.

The unmistakable shape and distinct features left no doubt in his mind: after extensive search he had found the Spitfire. Kevin and his team had known there must be a spitfire wreck in the bay. However, drifting sand and prolific seaweed turned it into a very difficult find.

Kevin carefully examined the wreckage, noting the aircraft’s (partial) serial number and taking photographs from various angles. He wanted to document his find and share it with the world.

Over the following days, Kevin and his team meticulously researched the aircraft’s history. They learned that this particular Spitfire had crashed during a mission in 1942, when it was shot down by enemy fire. The pilot had managed to eject safely, but the plane had sunk into the depths.

Driven by his passion, Kevin collaborated with local authorities and historical organisations to protect and preserve the site.

Together, they eventually arranged a comprehensive survey and recovery mission to document and salvage at least parts of the Spitfire.

As word spread about Kevin’s discovery, it caught the attention of historians, aviation enthusiasts, and the media.

He also engaged with the locals who recalled that they had cut up and salvaged the pilot’s parachute in July 1942 while they filled the pilot with wine.

From this information and the partial serial number, Kevin and his helpers were able to identify this plane and his pilot, Saunders.

The pilot eventually became a test pilot at Castle Bromwich and sadly died in a flying accident there.

The recovered spitfire is now on display in the Malta War Museum.

Probus Club of Sarum meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at the White Hart Hotel.

Its members are retirees who value intellectual stimulation as well as a sociable atmosphere. Guests and new members are always welcome.

T: 01722 392 043

Local societies join together for family history day

CHILDREN baptised Faintnot, Twitty or Anonymous, a boy who has been given a girl’s name by mistake, a woman recorded as having died on a dung heap – it’s easy to see why tracing family trees has become popular.

Surprise discoveries help make up for frustrations such as several generations using the same first names, the sudden end of a tree line, or a gap in old records which might include your ancestor.

Wiltshire, Somerset & Dorset, Oxfordshire, Bristol & Avon, and Dorset Family History Societies are joining together to help people solve problems in their research for a family history day at the Michael Herbert Hall, Wilton on Saturday, 17th June. There will be information desks for help with getting started and using DNA testing, plus specialist help from The

Rifles (Berkshire and Wiltshire) Museum, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre and South Wilts Industrial Archaeological Society.

Society which is organising the free event, said: “There is a huge amount of information available on the internet which can make searching historic records much more accessible.

“But there’s nothing better than face-to-face help on how to check you’re on the right track, where to go next or what to do if you get stuck.

“Our Family History Day, with its line-up of societies and other organisations, is just the place to pick the brains of people only too happy to share their own experiences and help you find that elusive ancestor you’re looking for.”

David

Weaver, chairman of Wiltshire Family History

More information at: Wiltshire fhs.co.uk/news