Member of Parliament for South Leicestershire, Alberto Costa MP, has welcomed Lutterworth Museum’s ‘excellent’ new installation of a 77 year old World War Two Fighter Plane engine, recovered from a downed plane during the ‘Battle of Britain’ in 1940.
The engine is from a Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 (p3554) that was shot down over Swanage during the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Hurricane, which sustained heavy fire from a Messerschmidt Bf 109s during the battle, was able to return to within a few miles of an RAF base before the pilot baled out uninjured, while the plane itself crashed into a field nearby.*
Alberto said, “I was delighted to see the World War Two plane engine taking pride of place in Lutterworth’s brilliant museum. The town of Lutterworth has a very and proud aviation history with Sir Frank Whittle’s association to the area, and this incredible piece of history is a very welcome and particularly interesting addition”.
The Curator of Lutterworth Muesum, Mr Geoff Smith, added “I was very pleased Alberto was able to come by and see the museum’s new addition. The engine was recovered from the Hurricane which was part of 607 Squadron from Tangmere, and the pilot of the plane was shot at by a noted German Fighter ‘Ace’, Helmut Wick, who was one of the highest scoring German pilots during the Battle of Britain”.
Alberto concluded, “I was hugely surprised by the Hurricane engine’s remarkable condition, despite being shot down and crashing in a field over 70 years ago, it’s in incredible shape. I would encourage all constituents to visit the museum in Lutterworth to see this excellent historical artefact, I’m sure it’s an addition that will both interest and enlighten people for many years to come”.
Alberto is pictured with the Curator of Lutterworth Museum, Mr Geoff Smith.
*Historical notes provided by Mr Bruce Hubbard, Enderby, Leicestershire.
For opening times and further information on Lutterworth Museum’s exhibitions, visit www.lutterworthmuseum.com