Place Name
Without a doubt this was the most iconic war plane of the Second World War – perhaps with the possible exception of Concorde – the most iconic aircraft of all time. The Supermarine Spitfire was a high performance short range fighter that became the Royal Air Force’s emblem of the skies during the Battle of Britain. The aircraft – which underwent several redesigns during its two decades of service – remains hugely popular with enthusiasts. This road is part of the Roundshaw Estate that was built on the former Croydon Airport. Opened as Beddington Aerodrome in 1916 as a Home Defence base by the Royal Flying Corps and as a National Aircraft Factory. After the First World War it was adapted for civilian use and became the country’s premier spot for aviation fans, including Amy Johnson, who achieved worldwide recognition when, in 1930, she became the first woman pilot to fly solo from England to Australia, leaving Croydon, on May 5 and landing in Darwin, Australia, 19 days later. The airport was pressed into military service again during the Second World War as a fighter station during the Battle of Britain. No 92 Squadron flew Supermarine Spitfires from here. The airport closed in 1955.
