The Spitfire: Birth of a British Aviation Icon

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On March 5, 1936, the skies above Hampshire witnessed an event that would reshape the course of aviation and military history. From Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton Airport), the prototype of the Supermarine Spitfire took flight for the very first time—ushering in a new era of fighter aircraft engineering. With its elegant design and formidable performance, the Spitfire would soon become a symbol of British resilience in the face of war.

The Iconic Sound

↓ Hear the iconic sound of a Spitfire fly past. Click Play Below ↓

Audio recording of Spitfire fly-past at the 2011 family day at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire – This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Author: LouiseBrown1981
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Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk XIIs of 41 Squadron in April 1944

A Revolutionary Aircraft Takes Flight

The Spitfire was the masterpiece of Reginald J. Mitchell, the chief designer at Supermarine Aviation Works, part of Vickers-Armstrongs. Drawing from his experience designing high-speed racing seaplanes for the Schneider Trophy, Mitchell applied the same aerodynamic brilliance to the creation of a revolutionary monoplane fighter.

Did You Know? The Spitfire’s elliptical wing design wasn’t just stylish—it reduced drag and improved lift, giving the aircraft a tighter turning radius and better performance at high speeds than many of its contemporaries.

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Photo: Air Historical Branch-RAF/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Prototype Spitfire K5054

On that historic afternoon, test pilot Captain Joseph “Mutt” Summers climbed into the cockpit of prototype K5054. The aircraft, powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, performed so well during the short eight-minute maiden flight that Summers famously declared, “I don’t want anything touched!

From Prototype to Production

The promising performance of the Spitfire’s first flight quickly caught the attention of the British Air Ministry. Just three months later, on June 3, 1936, an order for 310 Spitfires was placed, beginning what would become one of the most celebrated production runs in military aviation.

↑ Click the circles 🔴 in the image above to find out more about each part of the Spitfires Design. ↑

Did You Know? Over 20,000 Spitfires were built between 1936 and 1948, making it the most produced British fighter aircraft of World War II.

Despite early production challenges, the first units reached RAF squadrons by 1938, positioning the Spitfire as a critical asset just as tensions in Europe escalated.

Defender of Britain’s Skies

The Battle of Britain in 1940 cemented the Spitfire’s place in legend. While the Hawker Hurricane bore the brunt of the fighting, the Spitfire was instrumental in duels with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, Germany’s top-tier fighter. Its superior speed, rate of climb, and maneuverability made it a favourite among pilots and a feared opponent in the sky.

Did You Know? The Spitfire’s wings were so thin and strong that eight .303 Browning machine guns were housed within—an innovative feature at the time.

Its agility and speed became not only a tactical advantage but also a psychological one, bolstering the morale of Allied forces and the British public alike.

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A Versatile and Evolving Design

The Spitfire was never a static design. Instead, it evolved through over 20 major variants, adapting to every phase of the war. As roles shifted, so did the aircraft: from interceptor to photo reconnaissance, from air superiority fighter to carrier-based Seafire.

Did You Know? Some Spitfires were specially equipped with cameras instead of guns and flew unarmed reconnaissance missions, providing vital intelligence over occupied Europe.

Later models even incorporated the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, pushing the aircraft to greater altitudes and speeds.

The Legacy Lives On

Even decades after the guns fell silent, the Spitfire remains one of the most recognisable and admired aircraft in the world. Dozens of airworthy Spitfires still grace airshows and commemorative events, their distinctive Merlin engine roar still sending chills down the spine of all who hear it.

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Audio recording of Spitfire fly-past at the 2011 family day at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire – This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Author: LouiseBrown1981

Did You Know? The name “Spitfire” was suggested by Sir Robert McLean, the then-chairman of Vickers, who reportedly described his spirited daughter as a “little spitfire.”

From wartime hero to timeless icon, the Spitfire continues to represent the innovation, courage, and determination of an era defined by conflict and triumph.


The Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight was more than a test—it was the beginning of a legend. Its combination of engineering brilliance, combat performance, and enduring symbolism has made it one of the most admired aircraft in history. From its role in defending Britain’s skies during World War II to its continued presence at airshows and in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, the Spitfire is a testament to innovation and bravery.

Celebrate 85 Years Since the Battle of Britain

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2025 marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain—a defining moment in British history where the Spitfire played a heroic role. To commemorate this significant milestone, we invite you to explore our exclusive range of Spitfire commemoratives, honouring both the aircraft and the brave pilots who flew them.

VE-DAY 50p Coin 

Victory in Europe (VE) Day — 8 May 1945 — marked the official end of the Second World War in Europe. After nearly six devastating years of conflict that had engulfed nations and torn countless families apart, the announcement of Germany’s unconditional surrender was met with an outpouring of relief, joy, and hope. 

Now, 80 years on The Royal Mint have revealed their coin commemorating the historic day – featuring the Peace Dove, designed by the late John Mills.  

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Read on below to explore the story behind the design… 

In 1995, to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day, the acclaimed sculptor and designer John Mills was commissioned to create a commemorative coin design for The Royal Mint. His creation was a beautifully simple yet profound image: a dove, wings outstretched, carrying an olive branch. 

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Mills’ design captured the spirit of 1945 in a single, timeless symbol. It spoke not of conquest, but of healing. Not of division, but of unity. In his own words, Mills aimed to create a piece that would go beyond the battlefield, focusing instead on what came after — the hope, the peace, and the goodwill that victory made possible. 

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The dove of peace has since become an iconic part of the United Kingdom’s numismatic history, treasured not just for its aesthetic beauty, but for its deep emotional resonance.  

In 2025, The Royal Mint breathes new life into John Mills’ legacy for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The design has been carefully remastered, maintaining the heartfelt purity of the original while introducing a powerful addition: the words “IN PEACE GOODWILL” — taken from Winston Churchill’s reflections in his book The Second World War. 

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These words remind us that peace is not merely the absence of war, but needs mutual goodwill, understanding, and enduring cooperation. 

By collecting, gifting, or simply reflecting on the VE Day 80th Anniversary coin featuring John Mills’ iconic design, we connect ourselves to an important mission. We keep alive the dream that one day, the dove’s flight will span a world truly united in peace and goodwill. 

The Royal Mint’s tribute for the 80th Anniversary asks us not to forget — that those who fought for peace did not do so in vain, and that their legacy will live on in every future generation. 

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A Tribute to Royal Service: The VE Day 80th Anniversary Commemorative Set

Eighty years ago, on the 8th of May 1945, the United Kingdom and its Allies celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. VE Day remains one of the most significant milestones in our nation’s modern history — a moment of relief, reflection, and remembrance. As the nation marks the 80th anniversary of this historic occasion, a special commemorative release honours those who led with quiet courage and steadfast duty: the British Royal Family.

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The VE Day 80th Anniversary Royals in Wartime Commemorative Set brings together five powerful scenes from the Second World War, each highlighting the unwavering role of the Royal Family during Britain’s time of greatest need. With strictly limited sets available, this carefully curated collection offers a poignant tribute to their service, sacrifice, and unity with the British people.


A Legacy of Duty in Five Remarkable Moments

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Each of the five medals within the set features an original design by acclaimed artist Jean-Michel Girard, capturing a different facet of the Royals’ wartime involvement. These pieces are more than commemoratives — they are historical reflections rendered in lasting form.

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Queen Elizabeth Visiting Bombed Areas (1940)

As the Blitz devastated London and other cities, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) walked the bombed streets, offering words of comfort and solidarity to those affected. Her presence was both reassuring and defiant — an enduring symbol of resilience.

Princess Elizabeth in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (1945)

In 1945, at the age of 18, Princess Elizabeth — our future Queen — joined the ATS and trained as a mechanic and driver. The medal portraying this moment honours a young woman who served not in name only, but with her hands and her time, setting a powerful example of service.

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The Royal Family on VE Day (1945)

On Victory in Europe Day, the Royal Family appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace before vast and jubilant crowds. This moment, immortalised in photographs and memory, spoke of national unity, relief, and the enduring bond between monarchy and people.

Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret on VE Day (1945)

In a rare and touching gesture, the young princesses ventured into the crowds to celebrate among the public, sharing in the joy and freedom that VE Day brought. Their presence was personal, sincere, and deeply human.

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King George VI Visiting a Munitions Factory (1940)

Throughout the war, King George VI offered calm, determined leadership. His visits to bomb sites, military installations, and factories — including the Nottingham munitions factory depicted here — lifted morale and reminded Britons that they were not alone.


A Fitting Tribute — Limited to Just 1,945 Sets Worldwide

To honour this legacy, only 1,945 sets have been issued — a meaningful reference to the year VE Day was declared. Each set is presented in a themed display box and accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity, underscoring its significance and rarity.

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This is a collection designed for those with a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and the values that carried Britain through war — courage, compassion, and unity.

Whether you are a dedicated collector of Royal memorabilia, a student of Britain’s wartime past, or someone who simply wishes to honour the contributions of the Royal Family, this commemorative set serves as a distinguished addition to any collection.


Preserving Memory with Dignity

In commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this set does more than mark a date — it honours a generation, a Royal Family, and the enduring relationship between duty and service.

The Royals in Wartime Commemorative Set invites reflection. It encourages remembrance. And it ensures that these important stories — of leadership, solidarity, and sacrifice — are never forgotten.

Secure your limited edition set while it is available, and hold a piece of history in your hands.

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