Anger as Crocheted Spitfire Removed for Christmas Tree
A stunning life-size crocheted Spitfire, created to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, will be dismantled from outside Southport Town Hall today despite local outrage. The model took eight months to complete and honors 145 Polish fighter pilots who served with the RAF during the Battle of Britain.
Creation and Significance
The fuselage was built by Bootle’s Men in Sheds Association with support from Polish community groups. It was covered with panels crocheted by the local yarn-bombing group Southport Hookers and unveiled last month. Visitors have been coming daily to admire the Spitfire and read memorials to 12 Polish wartime pilots from RAF Woodvale who died defending Britain.
Removal and Community Reaction
Despite its popularity, the artwork is being removed ahead of Remembrance Sunday to make space for a Christmas tree. Visitors have questioned why the Spitfire could not remain for just two more days, especially since the site’s Christmas events start only on November 15.
The local Royal British Legion, which coordinated the project, stated the focus for Remembrance Sunday is the annual civic commemoration at Southport's imposing war memorial.
The location is central to Southport's Christmas celebrations, and organizers had always planned for the Spitfire to be displayed for just two-and-a-half weeks.
Memorial and Festive Balance
The site simultaneously honors wartime sacrifices and hosts festive events, leading to conflicting priorities between remembrance and Christmas preparations.
Author's summary: The crocheted Spitfire honoring Polish WWII pilots is being dismantled amid local disappointment to prepare the site for Southport's Christmas tree, reflecting tensions between remembrance and festivities.