The Grace Spitfire ML407

One Beautiful Merlin

First, on Saturday when I attended the Grace Spitfire Supporters’ Annual Gathering at Bentwaters. Carloyn flew the Spitfire Mk IX (T) lovingly restored by her late husband Nick Grace and gave us the pleasure of seeing that graceful (no other word comes to mind) sight and hearing that inspiring sound during two private displays.

ML407's Rear Cockpit

Just one of the many benefits of belonging to the Supporters’ Club is the chance to view ML407 up close while socialising with like minded folks. If you’re into aviation and really into Spitfires, then why not think about joining. Visit the ML407 website and take a look and email Carolyn for the forms.

There’s also a lot of really exclusive merchandise that you’ll not find anywhere else. And you can find out where the Grace Spitfire is being displayed next.

Four Beautiful Merlins

Then on Sunday there was on open day hosted by Bentwaters Parks and the Bentwaters Cold War Museum. This time it was four Merlins – not only did Carolyn fly again, but Maurice Hammond brought along three immaculately restored P51D Mustangs.

Maurice Hammond's Private Airforce - Mariell, Janie and Big Beautiful Doll

 One more Mustang and he’ll have his own section. I guess that when you’re a very successful business owner you can afford to reap some of the rewards. And if I was in his place, I’d do exactly the same (except I’d add a Spitfire and Hurricane to the collection as well).

There were more aircraft there, including several more from Maurice’s collection (Stearman and Auster, I believe) and Carolyn’s son with the three Dukes of Cassutt racers.

A big thank you to the owners of Bentwaters Business Park for providing the venue. And also to the crew at the Bentwaters Cold War Museum - I understand that they also had a big hand in the event’s organisation.

And finally, an extra special thanks to the guys at Falcon Fire & Rescue Services who provided the crash cover on both days. Without them, many events like these could not take place. They can provide cover to Special CAT, CAT 1 or H1 Airfield standards, plus CAT 2 cover with prior notice for any aviation event.

Warbirds! I don’t think that even that long-awaited lottery win would be enough for me to purchase and operate one of these wonderful aeroplanes. I’m not sure what the appeal is. They’re expensive to buy, maintain and fly. You can’t use them for regular transport. You can’t make much, if any, money from displaying them.

But there’s no denying the unique emotional effects of their sights and sounds. It may well be very different for different people, but the roar of a Merlin makes my scalp tingle, especially when it’s low and fast overhead. And to watch a Spitfire pull up into an aileron roll adds a lump in the throat to that. So until that dreamed of day when I can write the £2 million (plus) cheque, I’ll just have to see them as often as possible at air displays. Or hope to spot Carolyn Grace’s Spitfire and Maurice Hammond’s P51 Mustang overhead my home town in Suffolk. But if that day ever came, I’d get out my huge list list of places I might visit with the chequebook and my best lines in persuasion… “how much do you want for the one with the D-day stripes then?”