Originally Posted by
DHfan
That's what led to the scenario mentioned by tdracer in post 40 (bottom of page 2) where there were lots of small "backstreet" workshops making Spitfire parts. When the Supermarine works were bombed, there obviously wasn't a convenient empty aeroplane factory standing idle just waiting to be needed and moved into.
To make parts wherever they could was the only real option.
It took Beaverbrook to kick start CB when in fact it should have been flagged up a year earlier, and Supermarine sent along to 'assist'. It was pure luck that the Southampton Spitfire production lasted until Aug/Sept, had they been knocked out earlier then it may have been more than a 'Damm Close Call'. Only about 100 CB Spitfires mde it to the front line for the BoB,and then rather late.