The Y2K Spitfire project is now in its 5th year, we continue to make progress each month and each month we update our web site so that all those that are following our historic Canadian project can be properly informed about our work and the progress we make. Over the years we have had the pleasure of showing hundreds of interested persons through our hangar. One of the “items” of special interest in our workshop is the veteran-signing book. To date we have about 80 signatures and pictures from World War II veterans, RCAF, RAF, Canadian Army and Navy, a few South Africans plus others.

The very first picture in our book features Bob Harmer, a picture taken back in the summer of 2000. Bob was part of the Comox Air Force Museum when the Y2K Spitfire project was in the consideration stage. Bob flew Spitfires during the war so he has a special attachment to this famous aircraft. In the beginning Bob would visit the restoration hangars, sometimes with his grandchildren. He would share Spitfire stories with them and others. Bob was a quite man and his presence in the hangar was always appreciated. Bob attended all our open house events and enjoyed talking to the many people that attended these annual events. Bob paid a short visit at our 2004 event and talked to a few people but because of his health he did not stay long. We are very sorry to announce that Bob Harmer passed away over the Christmas holiday.

Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served until October 16, 1945. During his RCAF service Bob flew with two Canadian Squadrons and one RAF Squadron. He was first posted to 402 Squadron then on to 185 Squadron in Malta and then with 417 City of Windsor Squadron. He saw action in North Africa, Malta, Sicily and Italy. Bob was born in Balder Manitoba. He was a proud of his RCAF service and proud to be a Canadian. The Y2K team and the volunteers at the Comox Air Force Museum will miss Bob very much. Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to his family.

Bob Harmer pictured in one of the many Spitfires he flew during his wartime service with the RAF/RCAF. At the time this picture was taken Bob was a Sergeant in the RCAF. He was proud to wear the Uniform of the Royal Canadian Air force and he loved the Spitfire. Bob will be missed by his loving family.

We would like to extend a very happy and healthy New Year to all of our regular readers. We have taken a few weeks off over the Christmas Season so our progress report will be on the brief side this month.

The Y2K is now upright, the last belly skin was riveted to the fuselage and several of our volunteers flipped the fuselage over and placed it in the new working cradle. The cockpit has been painted green and skinning work continues on the spine. We expect these skins to be fabricated and installed in the next few weeks.

Two happy volunteers, Pat Murphy and Dave McLeod, inspecting the upright Y2K Spitfire fuselage. After two months upside down it's nice to see our restoration project back the way it should be. Skinning continues along the spine.

We have a couple of dates you’ll want to mark down on your calendars for 2005. Our Annual Open House is scheduled for the Victoria Day Long Weekend, Sunday May 22nd from 10 am - 4 pm. We expect to have even a bigger event then last year so plan to attend. The Comox Air Base “Air Show” has been scheduled for Sunday, August 7th. We shall share details in future updates on both these events so stay tuned. If both these events are just half what they’ve been in previous years you won’t want to miss them.

Don’t forget if you're in the neighborhood, the The Comox Air Force Museum is open 7 days a week. We have one of the finest aviation libraries in Canada or you can tour the Y2K project hangar any Saturday. If you have a group that wants to tour the project hangar just call ahead and we’ll schedule a guide that can show you through the Spitfire project.

British interior green has been applied to our cockpit. Harold Mulder has been busy both with a spray gun and the shops machine tools. The last time this cockpit saw paint was in 1945.

Thanks again for your time and support

Pat Murphy
And the Y2-K Spitfire restoration team.

“The Y2-K Spitfire will Fly Again"