Spitfire at RAF Andreas
Date(s): 1943-1945
Creator(s): unknown photographer
Scope & Content: This image is of Flt. Lt. Harry Newton AFC, pictured with a Spitfire MkXIV and Ground Crew at RAF Andreas (circa 1944). Harry Newton was a veteran of the Battle of Britain (one of Churchill's immortal 'Few') in which he flew Hurricanes with 111 Squadron at RAF Croydon and latterly RAF Kenley, during which he claimed several kills. Harry himself was shot down on August 18th, 1940, a date in the battle which became known as 'the hardest day' whilst in action over Botley Hill Farm, Tatsfield, an incident in which he received significant burns to his hands and face. Following several months of treatment he rejoined his squadron, before moving on to see service with No. 6 Air Observers Navigation School at RAF Staverton as a staff pilot. He was then posted to RAF Jurby joining No. 5 Bombing & Gunnery School in April 1941, on similar duties. Commissioned from Flight Sergeant in August 1942, he later flew as a staff pilot at No. 11 Air Gunnery School at RAF Andreas - the time at which this picture would have been taken. Harry Newton was awarded the Air Force Cross (gazetted 1st September 1944) and released from the RAF in June 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant. He rejoined later the same year and retired on 13th July 1975 as a Squadron Leader. On 'the hardest day,' August 18th, 1940, the pilot of the German aircraft which shot Harry down was also lucky to survive, as he ditched in the English Channel trying to fly his ailing Dornier back to France and almost drowned trying to escape from the cockpit. In 1978 Harry was given the opportunity to meet his former foe, Guenther Unger, at a memorial ceremony at RAF Kenley, after which the two men and their wives became lifelong friends. Harry even learned to speak German so that he and his wife Rona could visit the Ungers at their home in West Germany. In his later years Harry Newton became a popular and familiar figure in the north of the Island. He died on 30th June 1996.
(Information supplied by Paul Quine MHK, 2021.)
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Language: eng
Extent: overall: 12.5 cm x 18 cm
Physical description: black & white print
Item name: photograph
Collection: Photographic Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: PG/7054/14
Subject tags : plane, aircraft, fighter, escort, war, crew, pilot, transport, aviation.