About the project

OUR VISION

To create a world-class monument in Southampton that honours the legacy of the Supermarine Spitfire and the men and women who designed, built, flew, and maintained it—ensuring their courage, innovation, and sacrifice continues to inspire future generations.

OUR MISSION

The National Spitfire Project exists to build a monument that reflects the Spitfire’s enduring spirit of hope, engineering excellence, and resilience. Through education, remembrance, and community engagement, we aim to celebrate this iconic aircraft and those who made it possible, while inspiring innovation and pride for years to come.

WHY THE SPITFIRE?

Historical and cultural significance

The Supermarine Spitfire stands as one of the most iconic aircraft ever built — a masterpiece of British engineering and a symbol of courage, resilience, and national pride. Conceived and built in Southampton, the Spitfire played a defining role in the Battle of Britain, where its speed, agility, and revolutionary design helped change the course of the Second World War.

More than an aircraft, the Spitfire has become a living emblem of our nation’s spirit — immortalised in history, film, and memory. It is a lasting tribute to the extraordinary men and women who designed it, built it, maintained it, and flew it in defence of freedom.

SOUTHAMPTON CONNECTION

Southampton is the cradle of the Spitfire. It was here that R.J. Mitchell, working with his Supermarine team, shaped the aircraft that would change the course of the war. Thousands of local men and women laboured in its production — often under bombardment — showing the same determination and bravery as those who flew it in combat. The city’s connection to the Spitfire is unique and enduring, making Southampton the only fitting home for a monument of national significance.

National relevance

Though born in Southampton, the Spitfire belongs to the nation. Its graceful lines and unmatched performance gave Britain both a vital military advantage and a powerful symbol of hope during our darkest hour. To this day, it commands admiration across the world, representing ingenuity, sacrifice, and engineering genius.

OUR PROGRESS TO DATE

2013

Support from Southampton City Council and site allocated

2014

Registration with the Charity Commission for England and Wales

2014

Nick Hancock named as winner of the competition to design the monument

2019

Planning permission granted

2020

UK Government confirmed its support with £3m in match funding

2021

Southampton City Council allocate £0.5m for specialist project management support

2024

Project has now raised £1 million from the private sector including support from all FTSE 100 aerospace and defence companies, the Court of the Crown Prince of Bahrain and major UK grant-makers such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Adrian Swire Charitable Trust

2025

Fundraising has full momentum to reach the £6 million total that will fully fund the project

MEET THE TEAM

TRUSTEES

Jamie Barrett

Jamie is the founder of Evolution5 Construction Limited, Epiphany Developments Limited, Evolution5 Consultants Limited and JBR Collection Limited. He started Evolution5, a property & construction consultancy in 2007, Epiphany a development company in 2015, JBR Collection Limited in 2024 and Evolution5 Consultants Limited in 2025. Prior to establishing Evolution5, Jamie worked for some of UK’s top construction companies, including Balfour Beatty, Mansell Construction, Carillion Building and Tarmac Construction. Jamie is a Chartered Project Management Surveyor with over 27 years’ experience of working in the construction industry. He has also held the role as a Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Building, a registered charity established in 1834 that has over 44,000 members. Jamie has had extensive involvement at both local, national, and international levels of the organisation. Jamie is also an active member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Association for Project Management. He has worked on a variety of projects for both private and public sector clients across education, health, industrial, commercial, defence and residential sectors.

Paul Beaver FRAES VR (Chairman of Aces)

Paul Beaver is very much a hands-on historian with a pilot’s logbook which includes the Spitfire, Harvard and Mustang. He regulars flies the family Cessna and is an authorised civilian and military flying display director. He is a licenced battlefield guide and an acknowledged expert on the Spitfire, the Battle of Britain, the Dambusters raid, naval aviation and current operations. He has written more than 70 books, including, Spitfire Evolution, which covers all 72 variants of the Spitfire was published on 5th March 2016 to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Type 300 which became the Spitfire. He is now working on the Biography of Eric (Winkle) Brown and has completed the first volume of aviation-related cocktails for St Clement-Danes, the central church of the Royal Air Force. Paul’s charity work, besides the National Spitfire Project, includes being a Trustee of the Army Flying Museum and the Billy Fiske Foundation which remembers the first American pilot to die in the Battle of Britain. He is a member of the Aeronautical Heritage committee of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Other memberships include the T E Lawrence Society, the Royal Air Force Historical Society and the Battle of Britain Historical Society. Paul is a Member of No 601 Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force which traces its history back to before the Battle of Britain. Previously, he had been an army aviation reservist, retiring in 2013 with the rank of Colonel. From 2014-16, he was Chairman of No 1010 (City of Salisbury) Squadron of the Air Cadet Organisation and retains a strong interest in net zero aviation and education. He leads a series of study days and residential courses on the Spitfire, Biggles, Cecil Lewis and Double Agents for Andante Travels. Well qualified as a pilot and historian, Paul spent 15 years directly linked to Jane’s including Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of Jane’s Defence Weekly. He made JDW into a household name in 1990 through his broadcasting during the Liberation of Kuwait and eventually became a freelance war correspondent for Sky News and a studio ‘expert’ for BBC News and CNN International, for whom he jointly presented the 50th Anniversary of D-Day (from Normandy), VE-Day (from Moscow) and the Hong Kong Handover. He still contributes to broadcast outlets and documentaries. Paul is also an NSP Ace.

George Cadbury

George has spent 25 years within investment management with a particular focus on helping businesses grow and fund-raising. He is currently focused on investing in the sports sector but was previously a partner of the activist hedge fund, Gatemore Capital following previous roles within fund management. His passion for spitfires was inherited from his father, Peter Cadbury, who had a life-long obsession with the aeroplane forged originally with his close friend, Douglas Bader. With my grandfather having shot down two Zeppelins in the first war and my father having flown during the second, I hope joining NSP as a trustee can be my small way in contributing something to my very proud family tradition.

JOHN HANNIDES (CHAIRMAN)

Having served as a Southampton City Councillor for 29 years (1994 – 2023), John played a major part in raising awareness and boosting the region’s resources for aviation heritage. He also led the formation of the Cultural Development Trust, to support maritime history and the arts. “It’s a privilege to play a part in bringing this international landmark to Southampton, the home of the Spitfire. I’m delighted the Government has backed the project as the UK’s monument to the men and women who built, flew and maintained this iconic aircraft. The Spirit of the Spitfire stands tall as a beacon of hope, courage and engineering excellence. Virtues that are as relevant today as they were in Britain’s ‘darkest hour’ during the Battle of Britain in 1940.”

Mike James

Mike is a chartered accountant and finance director with diverse sector experience, including in the construction industry, property, sports and leisure, and the events industry. He is proud of having worked in football with two clubs, including a role as Chief Financial Officer of a Premier League football club. Mike and his family have always been based in Southampton and are proud to be a part of and contribute to the community.

Paul Lester CBE

Paul is Chairman of McCarthy Stone, Readypower, Marley, Firstport and Apello. He is the former Chief Executive of VT Group plc. Paul is also an NSP Ace. “I’m delighted to support the Spitfire monument in the city of Southampton. The Spitfire inspired a nation, and we hope the monument will inspire a nation to honour its history and inspire future generations to never forget the significance of this awe-inspiring aircraft.”

Royston Smith GM

Royston Smith is the former Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen, ex-leader of Southampton City Council, and past Chairman of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority. He began his career in the Royal Air Force before joining British Airways as an aircraft engineer. With a lifelong passion for aviation, he is dedicated to honouring the Spitfire, its designer, and all who built and flew the iconic aircraft, in its hometown of Southampton. “The iconic Spitfire was instrumental in defending our country during WW2, but particularly during the Battle of Britain. This country and our lives would have been very different but for the heroism of the young pilots who bravely took to the skies in R J Mitchell’s magnificent feat of engineering. We are proud to call Southampton the home of the Spitfire and I am grateful to the Government for trusting us to deliver this project and for supporting it by match funding donation with £3m from Treasury.

ACES

In Spitfire history, an “Ace” was a pilot recognised for exceptional skill and bravery. By calling our ambassadors Aces, we honour that tradition — they are champions of the project, helping to raise awareness and support for the National Spitfire Monument.

Guy Austin Bsc (Hons) MRICS

Guy Austin is a no-nonsense, passionate, and energetic construction professional with a solid history of achievement in the delivery of major infrastructure projects to time, budget, and quality in both the private and public sectors. For many years, Guy was a proven business leader, being one of the owners of a highly successful, large multi-disciplinary construction consultancy business employing some 550 staff in 10 offices across the UK. Guy retired from that business in 2016 in line with the requirements of the Partnership agreement. Since then, he has made a bad job of retirement, delivering a large project of national strategic importance for the Royal Air Force and is currently leading the delivery of challenging projects for the Aston Martin and RedBull Formula One racing teams, a business sector he has worked in for over 30 years. Throughout his career Guy has developed strong and enduring relationships, believing this is the foundation for everything he does, both professionally and personally. Guy is a firm believer in strong leadership, building a culture for success and the importance of a cohesive energetic team with shared goals. Guy is an Honorary Group Captain in 601 (County of London) Sqn RAuxAF. In his spare time, he enjoys indulging his passion for anything with an internal combustion engine, riding motorbikes, especially in far flung parts of the world. He loves driving his cars – be it his 1944 Willys Jeep or his Aston Martin. Guy always looks forward to spending time at his house in Normandy with his wife, grown up family and grandchildren.

George Byczynski

George Byczynski is a defence and security expert specialising in Central and Eastern Europe. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Anders de Wiart Associates, a military doctrine development and training firm. Since 2017 he has been an Adviser to the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Poland, having organised several high-profile bilateral meetings and events, contributing to defence policies and legislative initiatives. Former Adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Lithuania. Founder of British Poles, a media platform with the largest social media influence for Poles abroad. Member of the UK Friends of Ukraine and organiser of several British Parliamentary delegations to Ukraine in 2022-2024. He holds LLM in International Law from the University of Westminster, BSc in International Politics from the University of Brunel, he is a Member of the New Security Leaders of the Warsaw Security Forum. Co-author of the “Report: Three Seas Initiative and the Opportunities for Global Britain” and “Financing the Future – How to attract more foreign investors to the Three Seas Region”. Awarded the Commission of National Education Honours (KEN) by the Polish Minister of Education in 2023 and the “Ambassador of Polish History” state award by the Institute of National Remembrance in 2024. George has organised several fundraisers, including for the General Władysław Anders bronze bust, which was gifted to the National Army Museum, Chelsea. He has volunteered for the Royal British Legion and the RAF Museum.

Rob Day MRAES

Rob has spent over 25 years working as a scientific civil servant, providing evidence for government decisions using skills in engineering, mathematical modelling, and people- and project-leadership. During his career he has led teams of up to 20 STEM professionals and continues to mentor junior staff in their development, whilst overseeing significant aspects of major industry programmes and providing direction to research studies and test & evaluation capabilities. An early interest in historic military aircraft, the Spitfire in particular, inspired Rob to study aeronautics & astronautics at the University of Southampton. Having worked at Biggin Hill and Farnborough, locations rich in aviation heritage, Rob is happy to have subsequently returned to the Southampton area and made it his home. With a strong interest in photography, aircraft in particular, Rob truly considers the Spitfire to be an indelible part of himself.

Sir Gerald Howarth

After Bloxham School, Banbury, Sir Gerald Howarth went to Southampton University, where he joined the University Air Squadron (managing to fly 120 hours on Chipmunks). Following 12 years in international banking, in 1983 he was elected to Parliament as the MP for Cannock & Burntwood, ending up as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher. He lost his seat in 1992, but was almost immediately adopted as the Conservative candidate for Aldershot, Hampshire, where he served as Member of Parliament from 1997-2017. He was Shadow Defence Procurement Minister and then, in 2010, appointed by David Cameron as Minister for International Security Strategy, a post he held until 2012 when he was honoured to be knighted. He was Chairman of the Parliamentary Ukraine and Egypt Committees from 2015-17. Currently, Sir Gerald is President of the British Air Display Association and of the Historic Aircraft Association, as well as a Trustee of Vulcan to the Sky and the British Forces Foundation. Politically, he continues to be involved in politics as President of Conservative Way Forward and a member of the Council of The Freedom Association and broadcasts regularly on defence and political matters. Both his parents served in the RAF in World War II. His father as a liaison officer on Lord Mountbatten’s staff in South East Asia Command, and his mother as a WAAF, a plotter at RAF Coltishall, who had a lifelong love affair with the Spitfire on which she worked at RAF Rednal and about which she wrote in an article published in ‘RAF Parade’, entitled “The ‘It’ in a Spit”. Sir Gerald continues to fly as a private pilot as part-owner of a Chipmunk at Farnborough and shares his mother’s love affair for Spitfires. He has been privileged to fly one of the 2-seat Spitfires operated at Goodwood – a birthday present from his wife who conspired with Paul Beaver to bring him that fabulous experience. “This wonderful project is close to my heart.”

Yvonne Malan

Yvonne Malan was born in South Africa and educated at New College, University of Oxford. Her research interests include post-conflict reconstruction and transitional justice. She is the founder of the prestigious Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture at the University of Oxford. A former Oxford ‘Blue’, she is a keen runner, cricketer, and boxer. Yvonne is pleased to join the National Spitfire Project’s team of Aces as part of her role to be raising the profile of her relative, the late Group Captain Adolph Gysbert ‘Sailor’ Malan, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar. ‘Sailor’ Malan was one of the most outstanding Spitfire pilots and leaders within the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Air Marshal G A ‘Black’ Robertson CBE BA FRAeS FRSA

The son of a decorated Spitfire Ace, ‘Black’ Robertson joined the RAF in 1963, quickly acquiring a nickname that’s remained with him ever since. After three years at the RAF College Cranwell, he spent more than three decades in flying, command and staff appointments, including tours of duty in the USA, Germany and the Falklands. He flew all the RAF’s front line fast jet aircraft and latterly qualified as a helicopter pilot. He viewed five tours – some ten years – as a Whitehall warrior as necessary penance for the privilege of command at almost every level. Black’s tour as OC No 92 Squadron, a unit with a proud Battle of Britain history, followed by appointment as an ADC to HM The Queen, were seen as the high spots of a career where he logged more than 3,600 flying hours. On leaving the RAF, he continued to work at the highest politico/military level, first with British Aerospace (later BAE Systems) and subsequently through his own consultancy businesses. After a period as Clerk to The Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, a county-based quasi livery company, he became a trustee of the David Vaisey Library Prize and a Cranfield Trust mentor. An occasional radio and television commentator, Black began writing in part by way of homage to his father, Flight Lieutenant Ron ‘Robbie’ Robertson DFC, a Spitfire ace who served with both 111 and 72 Squadrons. His flying career came to an end in Tunisia at the hands of Erich Rudorffer, one of the Luftwaffe’s most prolific Experten. Credited with some 220 victories, he ranks seventh in the German air combat hierarchy. Robbie managed to damage Rudorffer’s Fw 190 in a head-on engagement but lost an eye as a result. Privileged to fly with some of the RAF’s best known Spitfire aces, amongst them Brian Kingcome, ‘Ginger’ Lacey, Jamie Rankin and Bob Stanford Tuck, when he died in 1999, he left a legacy of Spitfire memorabilia that sparked Black’s writing career. Appropriately, his fifth book, The Shy Assassin, published in the summer of 2025, is the story of a Battle of Britain Spitfire ace, Cyril Babbage. He continues to write and lecture on aviation matters.

Victoria Taylor

Dr Victoria Taylor is an award-winning aviation historian who completed her PhD thesis on the Luftwaffe and National Socialism in the Third Reich at the University of Hull. In recognition of this PhD research, she was awarded the 2020 Royal Air Force Museum Doctoral Academic Prize in 2021. She also undertook a Masters In Historical Research (MRes) on Britain’s wartime and post-war mythologization of Operation CHASTISE – better known as the ‘Dambusters raid’ – at Hull, for which she was awarded the Royal Air Force Museum’s RAF Centenary Master’s Academic Prize in 2019. Victoria specialises in the history of airpower, aviation, and the public imagination in Britain and Germany during the Second World War. She has contributed to a variety of popular history magazines – such as ‘BBC History Extra’ and ‘Britain at War’ – and academic publications alike, along with featuring widely as an aviation expert in programming for the BBC, Channel 5, Sky History, History Hit, the RAF Benevolent Fund, and the Smithsonian Channel. She co-wrote and narrated Season Two of the RAF BF podcast All Stations, which was entitled ‘Inside the Battle of Britain’, and did the same for ‘Spitfire: From The Ashes’, a BBC Radio 4 special that delved into the history of Supermarine and its most famous creation. Victoria sits on the Editorial Board for the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Journal of Aeronautical History and is part of its Aeronautical Heritage Specialist Group. Her expertise is also channelled via consultancy work, from working as an Historical Consultant for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund’s ‘Back On The Radar’ installation piece and WAAF infographics in 2020, to serving as Project Historian for the Advisory Board of Spitfire AA810 – a cross-party scheme which seeks to restore an original Photographic Reconnaissance Unit Spitfire to the skies.

Viscount Trenchard

Lord Hugh Trenchard served in the House of Lords from 1987 99 and returned as an elected hereditary peer in 2004. He has been a member of the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets (1999), the House of Lords European Affairs Committee (2019 24), and the Industry and Regulators Committee (2024). He is Co Chairman of the British Japanese Parliamentary Group and was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, by HM The Emperor of Japan in 2014. After graduating from Cambridge University, he joined Kleinwort Benson Limited in 1973, becoming a Director from 1986 96. He spent 12 years in Japan, including as Chief Representative in Tokyo (1980 91), General Manager of the Tokyo Branch (1985 88), and President of Japanese operations (1988 95). He also served as Vice Chairman of the European Business Community in Japan, a member of the Executive Committee of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and a Director of the Japan Securities Dealers Association. From 1996 2000 he was Director of Robert Fleming & Co. Limited, heading Japanese investment banking. He also served as joint Chairman of The Japan Society (2000 04) and Director General of the European Fund and Asset Management Association (2006). Lord Trenchard has held senior roles in investment banking, including Managing Director at Mizuho International plc and Senior Advisor to Mizuho Bank. He is Chairman of EPIC Investment Funds PCC Limited, Director of Jade Road Investments Limited, and Consultant to multiple organisations, including Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Laing O’Rourke. He has advised on M&A and equity transactions for companies including NTT, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Canon, Ricoh, and All Nippon Airways. He is Deputy Chairman of The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, having served as Chairman from 2006-13. He served with 4th Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets, TA, from 1972-80 (Captain 1976) and was appointed Honorary Air Commodore, 600 (City of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 2006. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Hertfordshire in 2008 and a Lieutenant of the City of London in 2014.

Air Marshal Andrew Turner

Andrew is delighted to be a National Spitfire Project ‘Ace’. He is the CEO of Saibre Capital, an investment advisory firm, CEO of Space4Sight, a global space advisory service, and a board member on the National Quantum Advisory Board, space, AI, quantum, additive manufacturing and renewable energy businesses. He was formerly the Royal Air Force Deputy Chief, the UK director of global military operations, the chancellor of the defence technical university and a combat helicopter pilot, with 5100 flying hours, on 92 types of aircraft on 19 combat operations. He is the 2ic of the Honourable Artillery Company’s Light Cavalry Squadron, a trained parachutist, plays polo, rows at Henley and has two unruly Jack Russells.

FAQS

What is the National Spitfire Monument?

The National Spitfire Monument is a landmark memorial being created in Southampton — the birthplace of the Spitfire — to honour the men and women who designed, built, maintained, and flew this iconic aircraft during the Second World War.

Why the Spitfire?

The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most famous aircraft in the world. It symbolises innovation, courage, and resilience, playing a decisive role in the Battle of Britain. It remains a powerful national symbol of freedom and engineering excellence.

Why this design?

The monument combines impact, scale, and symbolism. A Spitfire, reproduced at 1.5 times its original size, will soar above Southampton Water on a stainless-steel mast, evoking the countless sorties flown between 1939 and 1948. Its sweeping vapour trail and roundels will give the design motion and meaning, while the base will tell the stories of the men and women who designed, built, and flew the aircraft. It is both an artwork and a place of remembrance.

Why Southampton?

Southampton is the birthplace of the Spitfire. It was here that designer R.J. Mitchell and his team at Supermarine created the aircraft, and where thousands of local men and women built it — often under bombing raids. The city’s historic connection makes it the only fitting home for the monument.

How big will the monument be?

The Spitfire Monument will be a dramatic landmark, taller than Nelson’s Column and approaching the height of the Statue of Liberty, making it one of the UK’s most significant memorials. It will feature a soaring Spitfire, a sweeping vapour trail, RAF roundels, and a base that tells the story of the aircraft and its people.

How is the project being funded?

The National Spitfire Project is funded entirely through charitable donations, sponsorship, and philanthropic support. Just as the original Spitfire Fund raised money during the war, today’s project relies on public generosity and donor commitment.

Can I donate to the project?

Yes. Every donation, large or small, makes a difference. You can give directly through our website, or contact our team to discuss major gifts, legacies, or sponsorship opportunities.

Who supports the project?

The project is backed by the UK Government, veterans, aviation historians, community leaders, and supporters across the UK and beyond.

Where will the monument be located?

The monument will be built in Southampton, overlooking the River Test, close to the historic site where the Spitfire was first designed and built.

Why was the location moved to Mayflower Park?

The project originally looked at Trafalgar Dock, but when that site became part of the £450 million Royal Pier development, Southampton City Council generously offered Mayflower Park instead. Its prime location on the historic waterfront — passed by more than 1.8 million cruise ship passengers annually — makes it the ideal site for a national memorial.

When will it be completed?

Timelines depend on fundraising milestones. Announcements will be shared on our website and social media channels as the project progresses.

There are many Spitfire monuments. Do we need another one?

While there are smaller memorials across the country, none tell the whole story. The National Spitfire Monument will unite every part of the Spitfire’s history — the designers, the factory workers, the ground crews, and the pilots who risked their lives. Southampton, the birthplace of the Spitfire, is the natural home for this national monument. Here, the aircraft was created, built, and defended even under enemy bombing raids. The monument will ensure that story is remembered on a fitting scale.

How can I get involved?

You can support by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about the project. We also welcome partnerships with organisations, trusts, and foundations who share our vision.

How will the monument remain relevant for future generations?

The National Spitfire Monument is not just a static memorial — it will be a place of education and inspiration. Visitors will be able to use interactive technology, such as a mobile app, to unlock videos, photographs, and personal stories connected to the aircraft and its people. This ensures the monument can evolve over time, marking anniversaries, highlighting different historical themes, and engaging students, families, and aviation enthusiasts for generations to come.