Bench at Olton Library dedicated to one of oldest remaining spitfire pilots

On Friday 11th November the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson, unveiled a bench at Olton Library dedicated to Ken Wilkinson – one of the oldest remaining spitfire pilots.

Councillor Robinson was joined by the Mayoress of Solihull, Mrs Jenny Robinson, Ken’s daughter Penny Cooper and grandson Piers Cooper, as well as Squadron Leader Andy Millikin and Flight Lieutenant Antony Parkinson from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to honour Ken’s flying career.

98-year-old Ken was just 22 when he completed his training, joining the 616 Squadron in August 1940 under the command of legendary RAF ace Sir Douglas Bader.

Ken finished his flying career as a Flying Officer in 1945 after the Second World War.

He recounted his experiences flying the famous spitfire in the Battle of Britain, saying: “I was in the company of some very famous people who were known to everyone in the country.

“The misfortune of war was with you all the time, it went with the job….I was most remarkably fortunate”.

The Mayor said: “I was so pleased to have met Ken and it is a privilege to have been asked to unveil this bench in his honour. We were all truly fascinated by his war time memories flying the legendary Spitfire.

“We owe so much to him and his fellow pilots – they were all remarkably brave men. I believe this to be a very fitting way to celebrate his service and to show our admiration and respect.”

Photo L-R: Flight Lieutenant Antony Parkinson, Mayoress of Solihull Mrs Jenny Robinson, Ken Wilkinson, Mayor of Solihull Councillor Mike Robinson, Penny Cooper and Piers Cooper.