19 SQUADRON SPECIAL PAINT SCHEME 2008...
In August 1938, 19 Squadron were the first to be equipped with Spitfires at Duxford and to celebrate this historic occasion 19 Squadron have submitted a paint scheme, which has been approved after months of negotiations, not only for the funding for the paint scheme, but also for the approval to have a Hawk painted in complete camouflage colours.
This afternoon we had the final ok to get the paint job done!
Next week XX184 will enter the paint shop at RAF Valley as a black trainer and will emerge in approximately three weeks as a fully camouflaged Hawk in the original colours of a Battle of Britain Spitfire as the design below depicts.
Mike Rondot, aviation artist has been commissioned to paint this very special aeroplane and as you can see below it is in formation with a Spitfire over Dover. There will only 70 prints to celebrate the 70years and to date, 20 have been sold. The intention is to have the prints signed by the surviving three 19Sq Spitfire pilots and the aircrew flying on the 24th May , OC19 being one.
" They Can Because They Think They Can "
There are several events planned for this jet and below is a list of these events to date.
24 th May.
Air - Air formation with the BBMF en route to Beaumaris in North Wales, where we will have the opportunity to photograph the jet in formataion not only with the BBMF's Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane but also in separate formations along the route.
26 th May.
We will join in formation with The Red Arrows on the way back from a display again this special jet will be amongst the world famous aerobatic team.
There are plans to attend Waddington, Fairford, Leuchars and Duxford airshows, where the jet will be displayed in all its glory as the show piece of 19 Squadron.
19 Squadrons families day will also be a high light for the jet as we are in the process of trying to arrange a Spitfire gathering to join our 'special' salute to the brave men of the Battle of Britain. Print #1 will be the main raffle prize at this event.
As and when more information becomes available it will be posted on the below web site,
www.19squadron.co.uk, which has been formed especially for this occasion and will be live from monday. You will be able to order one of the limited edition prints available and calendars that will be produced to celebrate the Squadrons glorious history.
All of the proceeds will of course go to the squadrons chosen charity, the Special Care Baby Unit at Bangor.
For enquiries about the prints please contact Fritz on email
[email protected]
For any further enquiries please contact Richard Bland.
e mail.
[email protected]