A ceremony was held at a Royal Air Force station in Oxfordshire to officially welcome back a historic aircraft following a period of restoration work.
RAF Benson hosted the rededication event on September 25, marking the return of the Spitfire Gate Guardian to its prominent position at the entrance of the facility.
The restored fighter aircraft was reinstalled at the base in late August after spending several months undergoing renovation.
Among those present for the occasion were Wallingford’s mayor, Councillor Nigel Hughes, alongside students from the primary school located on the station grounds and additional members of the local community.
The aircraft returned to RAF Benson on August 27 after being away from the site since May.
The reinstatement was carried out with assistance from specialists in aircraft recovery and transportation operations.
Staff at the installation thanked all individuals who contributed to safely lifting and securing the vintage plane back onto its display platform.
A spokesperson for RAF Benson commented that the restored aircraft commemorates the valor and commitment of those who participated in aerial combat during the Second World War, marking the 86th anniversary of the pivotal conflict.
The paint scheme applied to the restored aircraft was selected to pay tribute to Flight Sergeant William Johnson, with the machine serving as a permanent reminder of the dedication demonstrated by service personnel throughout history.
The installation, situated close to Wallingford, serves as an operational hub for British military activities both domestically and internationally.
The facility also accommodates emergency response operations, including air ambulance services and specialised aviation police functions, which maintain round-the-clock availability.