Recently, personnel from 19 Squadron participated in the Imperial War Museum Duxford’s 19 Squadron Flying Day. Personnel engaged with visitors from across the world informing them how the modern 19 Squadron conducts UK Air Defence Operations, much like when they were based at Duxford, flying the Spitfire during the Battle of Britain. Lots of history was also learnt from members of the public who served with or had family members who served with 19 Squadron during its flying days. The afternoon air display included many RAF aircraft that defended the skies during WWII but the star of the show was N3200, one of the original 19 Squadron Mk1a Spitfires which crashed in 1940 near Calais during the Dunkirk evacuations but was restored to full working order in 2014.
After the show, 19 Squadron were offered a private tour of N3200 being the first time that the airframe had been with her former Squadron since Squadron Leader Stephenson crash landed her in 1940.
Flying Officer Tasker said:
‘It was an absolute honour to represent the Squadron at its former home at Duxford. It was a great day to speak to the public, inform them of our past and tell them about our future now the unit once again sees itself conducting UK Air Defence Operations. Being able to see N3200 fly from Duxford, then have a private tour of her afterwards was surreal.’
