Solent Sky marks 40 years of celebrating aviation heritage

The Solent Sky complex in Albert Road South is packed with fascinating exhibits that shine a spotlight on the area's aviation heritage, including its contribution to the evolution of flying boats.

The museum, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, also focuses on the price Southampton paid for its role in the fight against Nazi Germany.

It was an important port that also boasted two Spitfire factories and a shipyard on the banks of the River Itchen - all of which made it a prime target.

The city suffered 57 air raids, during which 631 people were killed and 1,882 injured.

Southampton will always be known as the birthplace of the Spitfire, which played a key role in the Battle of Britain (Image: Newsquest)

Visitors to Solent Sky can watch a dramatic documentary in which the ferocity of the raids and the destruction they caused is laid bare.

Large areas were reduced to rubble by 2,593 bombs, 36 parachute mines, and two of the V1 flying bombs that terrorised the country. About 45,000 buildings were either damaged or destroyed.

READ MORE: Plan to extend Solent Sky museum given the go-ahead

Many of the bombs missed their intended targets, falling on shops, churches, and houses - leaving scars that are still visible today.

They include Holy Rood Church, the remains of which have been preserved as a memorial to merchant sailors.

Photographs on display at the museum include one of a couple getting married in a bombed out St Mary's Church - another casualty of what became known as the Southampton Blitz.

Another image shows a grim-faced King George VI inspecting damaged streets during a visit to the area in 1940.

Solent Sky hosts a separate museum which celebrates the history of policing and firefighting in Hampshire (Image: Newsquest)

Despite its maritime heritage Southampton will always be associated with the Spitfire, the famous fighter aircraft that became a symbol of Britain's determination to win the war.

Spitfires played a key role in the Battle of Britain - the conflict in which pilots known as "The Few" foiled Hitler's attempt to destroy the RAF.

The legendary aircraft was the brainchild of R J Mitchell, who drew on the experience he gained designing planes for the famous Schneider Trophy air race that wowed huge crowds over a 28-year period.

Dubbed the fastest and most dangerous sport in history, the contest was staged 12 times between 1913 and 1931.

The 1919 competition - held at Bournemouth - was declared void after thick fog resulted in all the pilots taking the wrong course.

The Spitfire was designed by R J Mitchell, who lived at Russell Place in Highfield (Image: Supplied)

Solent Sky exhibits include a seaplane that was designed by Mitchell and took part in the 1929 event.

It also appeared in a 1942 movie starring Leslie Howard and David Niven. Filmed at RAF Ibsley, near Ringwood, The First of the Few told the story of how "R J" battled ill health to create the Spitfire as war loomed.

The planes were built by Supermarine, which saw its main site at Hazel Road in Woolston repeatedly targeted by the German Luftwaffe.

The third and final raid destroyed the waterfront factory, killing more than 150 people.

But Lord Beaverbrook, the government minister in charge of aircraft production, arrived at the scene soon afterwards and demanded more Spitfires. Manufacturing moved to smaller buildings across the city and elsewhere, with work resuming just five days later.

Solent Sky exhibits include an Mk 24 Spitfire (Image: Newsquest)

The biggest and most eye-catching exhibit at Solent Sky is a 1943 flying boat called Beachcomber.

In 1974 it was sold to Captain Charles Blair, of Antilles Air Boats, who was the husband of Forties film star Maureen O'Hara. The couple logged many hours in the cockpit, with Maureen occupying an extra sea installed just for her.

One of the huge wings extends over a Mk 24 Spitfire, the last and least-loved version of the aircraft.

Beachcomber has been part of Solent Sky's collection since 1984. After arriving at Southampton docks the plane was towed to the partly-built museum, which was constructed around her once she was in position.

Other exhibits include a replica of a 36ft plane that served in the First World War, when pilots had to drop their bombs by hand.

The museum's latest acquisition is a BAC 1-11, part of which will house a snack bar (Image: Newsquest)

Solent Sky is arguably less well known than other parts of Southampton's tourist trail, including the Tudor House and Sea City museums.

But the director, Squadron Leader Alan Jones, said it welcomed visitors from all over the world and was a "great favourite" with cruise ship passengers.

He stressed that Southampton was once the "Mecca" of experimental aviation, with 26 independent aircraft companies based in the area.

"Once Solent Sky was established, it soon became apparent that there was a lot more to tell about Southampton’s industrial past.

"The Southampton tram collection is being restored in the museum and the Calshot Spit lightship is shortly to undergo restoration."

READ MORE: How a Southampton museum was built around its star exhibit - a huge flying boat

Solent Sky also hosts a museum run by the Hampshire Police and Fire Heritage Trust. Located on the second floor, it is packed with exhibits charting the history of policing and firefighting in the county.

"Solent Sky is now looking forward to new and exciting developments," said Squadron Leader Jones.

"The museum is seeking heritage lottery funding for an extension of the building to put under cover its Britten-Norman Trislander Aircraft.

"The Trislander was a familiar site over the city, flying to the Channel Islands and back from Southampton Airport for 40 years.

"The extension will also provide a home for a Walrus flying boat which is being loaned by the Royal Air Force Museum. It was designed by R J Mitchell and was on his drawing board at the same time as the Spitfire."

Solent Sky is also planning to open a snack bar in its latest acquisition, a BAC-1.11 airliner that arrived last year.

One of the rave reviews on Tripadvisor says: "Until I went, I didn't know how important Southampton was in aviation history. A special mention for the staff. They are clearly passionate about their museum."

Another adds: "The police and fire service museum is a gem in its own right."