BIGGIN HILL & BECKENHAM: Spitfire pilot Peter Ayerst reunited with his past
A SPITFIRE pilot has been reunited with a piece of his flying history.
Wing Commander Peter Ayerst signed part of a Spitfire MK IX number SL542 at a ceremony at St George’s RAF Chapel, Main Road, Biggin Hill.
He had not seen the plane since he performed its test flight on July 16, 1945.
It had been discovered in a barn in Canada and its owner Marcel Deschamps travelled to Biggin Hill to reunite the 89-year-old with some of the parts.
Mr Ayerst, of Limes Road, Beckenham, said: “I was very surprised when I heard.
“It was good [because] I am always interested in anything concerned with my flying career, in particular Spitfires.”
The plane will now be fully restored in Canada.
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