HM King Hamad receives model of ‘Supermarine Spitfire’

TDT | Manama                                                                         

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received from businessman Yousuf Salahuddin a model of the Supermarine Spitfire, an aircraft purchased by Bahrain as a gift to Britain during the Second World War.

HM the King, who received Salahuddin at the Sakhir Palace yesterday, was also presented with a special photo album including his personal photos, in addition to pictures documenting the stances of the late His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the citizens and residents in support of Britain during World War II, and a rare picture of the Supermarine “Spitfire” aircraft during its inauguration ceremony.

His Majesty expressed thanks and appreciation to Salahuddin for the precious gift, commending his efforts in documenting Bahrain’s history, and wishing him continued success. The businessman extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to HM the King for appreciating his endeavours, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless HM with abundant health and long life.

HH Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the then Ruler of Bahrain, the citizens and residents made financial donations to fund the purchase of 10 Supermarine “Spitfire” fighter jets carrying the name of “Bahrain”, as a gift to the British Air Force during World War II.

The name of Bahrain was written in Arabic and English from both sides of the cockpit. Iconic Supermarine Spitfire was the iconic British fighter of the Second World War. The late HH Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (1932-1942) set up a special fund for the citizens and residents to make donations to purchase ten fighter jets to support Britain during the war.

The first Supermarine Spitfire aircraft carrying the name of Bahrain was inaugurated in March 1941. Bahrain was among the first countries that had supported Britain during WWII (1939- 1945), as the late HH Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a telegram to HM George VI of Britain (1936-1952) in which he pledged Bahrain’s support for Britain in the war. HH expressed Bahrain’s full solidarity with Britain.