The replica is a full-scale model of a Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb, serial number W3649.
Air Commodore Alan Deere, whose aircraft is replicated, survived multiple crashes during his career, including one into the English Channel.
The memorial was officially unveiled to the public on June 28, 2012.
The project was initiated and is supported by a dedicated volunteer ground crew to ensure the aircraft remains in pristine condition.
The specific model represented, W3649, was a high-performance aircraft used extensively in coastal defense operations.
The Fylde Spitfire Memorial, located on the Lytham St Annes seafront, serves as a permanent tribute to the RAF personnel of the Fylde coast who served in World War II. The centerpiece is a full-size replica of a Supermarine Spitfire, specifically modeled after the Mark Vb aircraft flown by local pilot Air Commodore Alan Deere. It stands on a raised plinth designed to give the impression of the aircraft in flight. The site features an information board detailing the history of the aircraft and the local pilots it commemorates. The surrounding area includes landscaped gardens and memorial plaques dedicated to specific squadrons. This site is maintained by the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground Crew, a volunteer group dedicated to its preservation.
From the promenade path directly in front of the propeller to capture the aircraft against the backdrop of the Irish Sea.
Combine your visit with a walk along the St Annes promenade to view the nearby coastal nature reserves.
Check the local community Facebook page for the 'Spitfire Ground Crew' to see if volunteers are on-site for guided information.
Bring a windproof jacket, as the exposed coastal location experiences significant sea breezes.
Do not climb on the memorial plinth or attempt to touch the aircraft replica, as it is a protected monument.
