Spitfire

Something apt for Battle of Britain day, commemorating eighty years since the historic defence of this country by “The Few”
For as long as I can remember, this has been in our family. For many years it stood on my grandparents’ dresser and from a very early age I dreamed of it being mine.
It did eventually pass to me after the death of my uncle, and has been proudly displayed ever since.
It was originally given to my grandparents by a Polish airman who lodged with them during the war. I think he was a technician rather than a pilot, which would make sense as the local RAF base (RAF Sealand) was a maintenance unit. Certainly there is an element of inventive fabrication - we think the base may be an old gas pipe cap!
The inscription reads “Happy Memories, Rom” - his name was Roman - and reflects how well he had been looked after. I know he stayed in touch for a good many years after the war ended as he sent a telegram of congratulations when my mum and dad were married in the late 1950s.
I really must see if I can find out what happened to him, and whether or not he has any descendants - either here or in Poland. It would be fascinating to see their reaction to what he crafted 80 odd years ago.