By By Kev Hedges Mar 5, 2011 in Travel Southampton - A Spitfire plane has flown over the skies of its birthplace Southampton, in southern England, this morning to mark the 75th anniversary since the world famous aircraft first flew. Today's emotional flight piloted by Carolyn Grace, flew over Southampton for 20 minutes. Mrs Grace, who now owns the aircraft that once flew with 485 Squadron, said, "To be in Southampton for the 75th anniversary of the first flight, to be standing on the ground at the very spot that RJ Mitchell was standing looking at his achievement, it makes my knees go weak. His aircraft represents Britain at its best at a time it was on its knees." reports The Spitfire flown today had been lovingly restored by Mrs Grace's husband, who died in 1988. Hundreds lined the park along side The flight was to honour the 1936 test flight that paved the way for the flying machine to be built in 1944 when it shot down the first German plane on D-Day. It was designed as a short-range interceptor plane by R.J.Mitchell, at his factory based in Southampton. He died in 1937 never having witnessed the world fame the aircraft would embrace.Today's emotional flight piloted by Carolyn Grace, flew over Southampton for 20 minutes. Mrs Grace, who now owns the aircraft that once flew with 485 Squadron, said, "To be in Southampton for the 75th anniversary of the first flight, to be standing on the ground at the very spot that RJ Mitchell was standing looking at his achievement, it makes my knees go weak. His aircraft represents Britain at its best at a time it was on its knees." reports Surrey Herald The Spitfire flown today had been lovingly restored by Mrs Grace's husband, who died in 1988. Hundreds lined the park along side Southampton Water during cold and cloudy conditions awaiting to see a moment of aviation history. More about Spitfire, anniversary flight, Southampton More news from Spitfire anniversary flight Southampton