Deurne: Stampe Fly in 2001

10th Stampe Fly in at Deurne airport on 26 & 27 May 2001

Stampe line-up

Photo Y. Duwelz

The 10th annual Stampe Fly in at Deurne/Antwerpen airport, organised by the Stampe & Vertongen Museum in collaboration with many local companies and authorities was a major success and could boost one of the biggest gatherings of Stampe Vertongen aircraft anywhere in the world. With the help of splendid weather on the Saturday many aircraft based in Holland, France, the U.K. and Germany joined the huge Belgian collection of SV's. Next to the nimble bi-planes such rarities as an Antonov An-2, two Tipsy Nippers, four Harvards, several Stearmans, a Spitfire LF.IXc, a Tiger Moth and a superb Miles Gemini made up a very impressive static line greatly appreciated by the public. This together with the cosiness of the special "family" atmosphere typical of Deurne airfield, made this show already to one of the highlights of the Belgian airshow scene for 2001.

Deurne Stampe Fly in Spitfire LF.9c SM29

To many this Supermarine Spitfire LF.9c was the star of the show. This ex Belgian Air Force (SM-29) machine once graced the entrance to the Royal Technical School at Saffraanberg as a gate guardian. Spitfire MK912 was exchanged by the Royal Army Museum at Brussels against a Bristol Fighter and shipped to the UK in 1988. Having been restored to flying condition, the Spit was acquired by Karel Boss (owner of most of the aircraft presented at Deurne). Now painted to represent the Spitfire flown by Squadron Leader "Mike" Donnet, (c/s which unfortunately doesn't have much of a Belgian connection, except for the pilot), the aircraft is in pristine condition as the "before" and "after" photographs below clearly show.

Photo Y. Duwelz

Spitfire SM29 before restoration