The Photo Reconnaissance Unit Spitfire that Old Fettesian Sandy Gunn (Ca 1933-1937) flew was shot down on 5th March 1942, 80 years ago.  Hear our podcast on Sandy’s story with aviation expert, Tony Hoskins. 

Historical aviation expert, Tony Hoskins, joined us on the Fettes Community Podcast to tell us about Sandy’s remarkable role as a Spitfire pilot in the Photo Reconnaissance Unit.  Sandy’s Spitfire was shot down on a discovery mission over Norway 80 years ago. Sandy survived and was handed to the Germans.  He was interrogated and imprisoned at Stalag Luft III. Sandy, with his great intelligence and physical ability was part of the mastermind team for the Great Escape, eventually escaping through the tunnel, but sadly captured and shot only a few days later.  

The podcast tells Sandy’s story. Hear too of the remarkable programme to restore Sandy’s Spitfire to fly again as an emblem of the remarkable work of the Photo Reconnaissance Unit and as a feat of engineering to inspire young engineers through a legacy education programme in Sandy Gunn’s name.   If you would like to find out more about the Spitfire restoration visit - https://www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/fettes