Gordon’s special 80th celebration

A Spitfire brought Colwell Bay to a standstill, with a spectacular aerial display to celebrate an 80th birthday.

Gordon Ashman, of Totland, a friend of the late World War II flying ace, Sir Douglas Bader, dedicated his flight to the hero. He said: “I have always been interested in Spitfires and struck up a friendship with Douglas over the last 10 years of his life, when we lived close to each other on the mainland.

“While attempting some aerobatics in 1931, he crashed and lost both his legs, but he learned how to walk unaided, but badgered the RAF to fly when the War started in 1940.

“He was credited with 22 aerial victories but crashed and was captured by the Germans. However, he made several attempts to escape and was eventually send to the infamous Colditz Prison.

“I met several of his friends and they lived life to the full. They behaved like university students because, when they flew, they did not know if they would survive the mission and carried on like that for the rest of their days.

“I set off from Goodwood and arranged to fly over Colwell where my family were watching on the beach. So, when we got there, he gave everyone an airshow including a victory roll. I was gripping on very tight at this stage!

“The whole area came to a standstill with people coming out of The Hut to watch us. It was a fantastic flight and a brilliant birthday present.”