A commemorative plaque has been unveiled at the University of Southampton to mark the Spitfire’s historic links with the city.

The single-seat fighter aircraft was used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, but long before it took to the skies in the Battle of Britain in 1940 – and the remainder of the war – it was manufactured in Southampton.

Though the aircraft was first made in factories in Woolston and Shirley, heavy bombing meant production had to be moved to secret locations, one of which was the Eustice Building at the University of Southampton, where Supermarine’s design office was given temporary accommodation on the campus.

To mark the contributions made by those at the university building during the Second World War, a plaque was unveiled on Tuesday commemorating the selfless sacrifices that were made during that time.

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Alan Matlock, chair of The Spitfire Makers Charitable Trust, said: “It’s important to us that significant locations like this are recorded – it’s the twelfth plaque we’ve installed in Southampton – where the Spitfire production continued after the bombing of the main factories.

“I think it’s important the people of Southampton have a really positive story to tell about the contribution this city made during the Second World War. Perhaps it’s been slightly forgotten due to the sadness of the Titanic story, that’s known by a worldwide audience.”

The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Dave Shields, was present at the plaque unveiling ceremony – that also saw former Southampton MP and trustee of the National Spitfire Project, Royston Smith in attendance.

Speaking to the Echo, the Lord Mayor said: “I’m really honoured to be here as most parts of the country I think are aware of the Spitfire’s connection to Southampton – and its image – but people are perhaps less aware of the identity of the city and the commitment of our citizens to make sure this vital work went on.

“Southampton definitely played its part in defending the country during World War II and defeating totalitarianism.”

In a speech before the unveiling, Mark E Smith, vice chancellor of the University of Southampton, added: “When this event appeared in the diary I was absolutely delighted for two reasons.

“Firstly, I have to confess since I was a young boy one of the real great delights has always been watching Spitfires fly, even though it’s getting rarer.

“The second reason is that this university played a role in developing the Spitfire which helped preserve this country.”