A MEMORIAL paying tribute to the people of Salisbury who built spitfires during the Second World War is being officially unveiled later today.

It will recognise the residents who engineered and constructed the fast fighter/interceptor MK-9 Spitfire aircraft in secret - in their homes, sheds, a bus depot and a hotel - to help defend Britain all those years ago.

After three years of planning, £100,000 raised for the task and 18 weeks of building, the Secret Spitfire Charity can reveal the Spitfire build at Salisbury Rugby Club.

The club’s car park was the site of Spitfire Factory Number 1, and parts made in the garages and bus stations of Salisbury would go there to be assembled.

A ceremony with a flypast is to take place tonight, July 9, at the special site, on the pitches adjoining Castle Road.

The public are welcome to attend tonight's festivities, and the event will be supported by many members of the Royal Air Force.

This official ceremony, starting at around 5.45pm, will be witnessed by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, and Mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin.

Attendees are advised to arrive for 5.30pm and bring seating and refreshments.

A Spitfire flypast will begin at 6:30pm.

Parking will be available on Hudson’s Field, but there will be no welfare facilities or refreshments available on site at the Rugby Club.

Organisers say it is with regret that, due to Covid restrictions, the reception following the ceremony at the clubhouse will be invitation-only.

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