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Spitfire dedicated to Essex war veteran revealed

Spitfire dedicated to Essex war veteran revealed

After months of anticipation the the Essex Memorial Spitfire was revealed to media at the old Essex Memorial Arena Thursday morning.

The replica aircraft is dedicated to 93-year-old former war pilot Jerry Billing.

Billing served in the Second World War and flew the plane on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

A special material was used to create a mould from an original Spitfire, making it so accurate it even picked up small details such as where the screws were placed.

Officials said the significant and most important detail on the model are the black and white stripes, which painted during the war so the allied gun crew would not shoot them down.

The identification numbers on the aircraft will be those that belonged to Billing.

It was supposed to cost about $200,000 to build the aircraft, but officials said many people volunteered their services bringing down the price to about $143,000.

The dedication to Billing will take place in Spitfire Park on Sept. 21. The 93-year-old is in a care home, but there is hope he will be there for the big reveal.

People who want to see the plane before then can go see it from noon to 4 p.m. this Sunday at old Essex Memorial Arena.