THE ROAR of a Spitfire engine echoed again over Southampton as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight brought back |memories from 70 years ago.

The famous creation of city-born engineer RJ Mitchell soared through the skies over Southampton Water as thousands looked on below.

Joined by the UK’s only flying Lancaster bomber and a Hurricane, Spitfire swooped over the sea of people making their way to Netley Abbey and circled Royal Victoria Country Park three times.

Then the trio of fighters made their way to the city’s airport to land at the scene of Spitfire’s first test flight.

The flypast, on Saturday afternoon, marked the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, when the Royal Air Force beat back the German Luftwaffe.

It also provided a cornerstone for Southampton Airport’s 100 Years of Flight celebrations.

There were emotional scenes along the coast as people reminisced about the Spitfire, so many of which were built at the Supermarine factory in Woolston.

David Kitley, a funeral director from Sholing, was in tears as he watched the three planes above Weston Shore.

David, 42, said: “I must admit something overcomes me when I see them, because my grandad was in the war and it brings back the stories he told me.

“I think it’s great that so many people turned out and that there’s a major interest, because we shouldn’t forget what they did.

“They freed us from an evil tyranny and I’m really glad so many people felt it important to come out.”