75th BoB from Duxford

[Airframes]

The Spitfires.

Spitfire Mk1a, AR213.

The second of the Mk1's owned by Comanche Fighters, AR213 was built by Westland in 1941, and went to 57 OTU at Hawarden, near Chester, where it became the personal aircraft of James 'Ginger' Lacey, the Battle of Britain ace Sgt pilot, now a Flight Lieutenant on a 'rest' tour as an instructor.
Service with 53 OTU followed, until the aircraft was struck off charge in 1945.
After being purchased by Group Captain Alan Wheeler, the Spitfire was in storage for many years until, in 1968, it was restored to flying condition for the BoB movie.
If my memory is correct, following disposal after the filming, it was then owned and flown by the Hon Patrick Lindsay, and was, at that time, the only Mk1 flying in the World. A regular airshow performer, the aircraft was eventually grounded in 2003, but returned to the air in 2007.
Now painted in the colours of P7308, XR-D, it represents the aircraft flown by American ace, Pilot Officer William R Dunn, of 71 (Eagle) Squadron, RAF.

 

[Wayne Little]

Sweet!!

 

[Airframes]

The Spitfires.

Spitfire MkVb, BM597.

This MkV entered service in May 1942, with 315 (Polish) Sqn, RAF, at Woodvale, near Southport, Lancashire. In September of the same year, it moved across the airfield to join another Polish unit, 317 Sqn. Its operational career ended in February 1943, following a landing accident and, after being repaired, it was allocated to Vickers Armstrong, then stored until joining 58 OTU.
Retired in 1945, BM597 became an instructional airframe at RAF St. Athan, before eventually being relegated to gate guard duties.
In 1967, it was used to make the master moulds for the fibre-glass replica Spitfires for the BoB movie, before returning to gate guard duties once again. It's final location in this guise was at RAF Church Fenton, in north Yorkshire, from where it was eventually sold in 1989.
The aircraft was acquired by the Historic Aircraft Collection at Duxford in 1993, and restored to its original specification, and now flies in the colours of 317 (Polish) Squadron, RAF.

 

[Jeff Hunt]

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[rochie]

good stuff

last few of mine before i start on the spitfires.

 

[Airframes]

Good stuff, Jeff and Karl.

 

[Tracker]

Great work Guys!
Even thought I could not make it, having your pictures almost makes up for not being there in person. Excellent effort on all your work.

 

[Jeff Hunt]

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[Airframes]

Good stuff Jeff.
Thanks Track, glad our pics help top cover the event - and great to see you back.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

The Spitfires.

Spitfire Mk.LFVb, EP120.

This 'clipped wing' LF.V was delivered to 501 Squadron, RAF, in 1942, when it shot down seven German aircraft. Following an accident, it was repaired and served with 19 Sqn, then based in Cornwall, and later with 402 Sqn, RCAF.
It was later allocated to an OTU (Operational Training Unit), then served some time as a ground instructional airframe, and various 'postings' as a gate guardian.
In 1968, EP120 was used as a 'static' aircraft in the BoB movie, before returning to gate guard duties at RAF Wattisham. Eventually stored at RAF St. Athan, the Spitfire was purchased by The Fighter Collection (Duxford) in 1991, and was restored, making it's first post-restoration flight in 1995.
Now in the colours of 402 Sqn, RCAF, EP120 has appeared in three movies, as well as being a favourite at airshows.

(NOTE: the 'ground' shot was taken at 'Flying Legends' last year.)

 

[rochie]

Good stuff Terry, this one will be the subject for my recently purchased Airfix Spitfire Vb kit !

 

[Airframes]

It was nearly the subject for my 1/32nd scale Spit !!

 

[Wayne Little]

Great pics Terry!

 

[Jeff Hunt]

Cheers,

Jeff

 

[Wurger]

 

[Airframes]

great shots Jeff, especially the Spitfire start-up.

 

[Gnomey]

Great shots guys!

 

[Airframes]

A quick diversion from the Spitfire info, with some shots I've been messing about with, to give a 'period feel'.

 

[rochie]

Very nice Dogsbody