The installation of a life sized crochet Spitfire

FOLLOWING the successful conclusion of a recent special event held in Liverpool, which celebrated the enduring partnership with Merseyside Polonia, the Southport branch of the Royal British Legion has sought to broaden the tribute to encompass the distinguished service of both British and international airmen who bravely flew in the Battle of Britain and helped to defend our nation throughout the entirety of the Second World War.

To this end, a truly remarkable piece of public art was installed outside The Atkinson, located on:- Lord Street in Southport, Merseyside, on the:- 18 October 2025. This striking sculpture is a dedicated homage to the valiant Polish airmen who so courageously fought during the global conflict. The impressive work of art, which is a life size replica of a Supermarine Spitfire, has been meticulously crafted to commemorate the both the brave British and Polish RAF air and ground crews of the renowned 308 'Krakowski' Squadron, who were notably based at nearby RAF Woodvale for a time during the Second World War. Historical records indicate that the 308 Squadron, known for its tenacity and success, was the 1st flying squadron to arrive at RAF Woodvale following its opening in late 1941, operating Spitfires to defend the vital shipping and industry of Merseyside.

This fantastic tribute has been brought to life through 8 months of diligent planning and construction by the local Royal British Legion branch in Southport. A particularly amazing element of the project is the intricate crochet work carried out by a local group, the Southport Hookers. Furthermore, a massive collective effort was required to get this extraordinary exhibit onto public display, with vital assistance provided by Sefton Council, the aforementioned Merseyside Polonia, a local Caribbean association, and various other community partners.

It's a fascinating, yet if little known, historical detail that during the 2nd World War, the site now occupied by the popular tourist attraction, the Adventure Coast (formerly Pleasureland), was utilised by the Royal Air Force as a strategic storage location for Spitfire aircraft parts. It is therefore highly fitting that on the:- 18 October 2025, this new artistic installation, which had been partially assembled at the tourist attraction itself, made its journey to the civic setting, within the Town Centre, on Lord Street, within a former military vehicle.

This lovingly handmade crochet art installation is an incredible sight, 1 which is already drawing considerable attention from the public. The official unveiling will take place on the:- 23 October 2025, and the Spitfire will be available for all to see on the:- Town Hall Gardens, Lord Street, Southport, until the:- 7 November 2025.

For further information regarding this magnificent endeavour, please visit the Southport Royal British Legion's Facebook Page. Should you wish to learn more about the courageous Polish pilots who flew out of airbases located in and around the Merseyside are, between:- 1940 and 1947, please visit the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee website.

The Royal British Legion is a venerable charity that supports our armed forces community, and they humbly request your assistance. Please consider making a donation today to support their vital work via the following link:- BritishLegion.Org.UK.

Do you have any information or photos of the Pilots who operated from RAF bases in and around Merseyside, especially from:- Liverpool RAF Speke Aerodrome, RNAS Burscough (HMS Ringtail) and RAF Woodvale.

If you are unaware, RAF Speke (Liverpool Aerodrome), RNAS Burscough (HMS Ringtail), and RAF Woodvale were critical operational and training bases during WWII.
 

• RAF Speke was a major civilian and military hub, seeing significant use by the RAF and the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit (MSFU).
   

• RNAS Burscough was crucial for the Fleet Air Arm as a deck landing training facility.
   

• RAF Woodvale was established as a fighter base to defend Merseyside, hosting numerous squadrons, including several Polish units like the renowned:- 308 Krakowski Squadron, as well as the:- 315 and 317 Squadrons, flying Spitfires.

If you are unaware, the Southport Hookers are well known for bringing a bit of magic to Southport UK through Postbox Toppers. To find out more, please visit:- Facebook.

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