Info on the Spitfire from 253. Squadron

[Danny]

Hello! Does anybody maybe recognize or have info on the Spitfire from the photograph? Photo was taken in Zadar (former Yugoslavia) on April 4th 1945. Marking SW connects it to 253. Squadron RAF.
Other letter is very blurry. After enhacement it looks like a 'T'. Any info is welcome. Thank you!

 

[Wurger]

In February 1944, the squadron arrived in Corsica to undertake escort and anti-shipping missions, returning to Italy in April for similar duties over Yugoslvia. In April 1945 the squadron actually moved to a base at Zadar that had been captured by the Yugoslav partisans during the German retreat from the country. Judging by the number of the exhaust pipes I would say that's one of the Spitfire Mk.IX or VIII servicing in the squadron in 1944-1947

 

[Danny]

In February 1944, the squadron arrived in Corsica to undertake escort and anti-shipping missions, returning to Italy in April for similar duties over Yugoslvia. In April 1945 the squadron actually moved to a base at Zadar that had been captured by the Yugoslav partisans during the German retreat from the country.

Yes, to Prkos airfield near Zadar my theory is that this Spitfire is being transferred there. RAF records state that on 5th April all planes have been transferred there.

 

[Wurger]

I'm not sure if she was transferred there in that way. In tha case there would be also the wings on the trolley. It is very likely she is picked up as damaged kite and is on its way to either a repair center or just to a scrapyard. No spinner and the bottom part of the engine cowling may suggest this.
And a couple od Spitfire Mk.VIII and IX shots found via the net belonged to the squadron in Yugoslavia ...

the pic source: the net.

 

[Danny]

Yep, there are few with Hurricanes also. I searched serial numbers of the 253. Squadron and I managed to find these two:

Spitfire pilots and aircraft database - Spitfire JK868

JK868 is know to have participated in operations in Zadar area

Spitfire pilots and aircraft database - Spitfire LZ830
this one came to Prkos and received partisan markings

the one you send is interesting Spitfire pilots and aircraft database - Spitfire MJ427

but fortunately we're unable to see the tail and there are no photos on the page

 

[Wurger]

The JK868 and LZ830 were the Spitfire Mk.Vc trop so can't be. The MJ427 was the LF Mk.IX MJ427 sounds good. The plane belly landed at Prkos. During a such landing the propeller is usulally destroyed. The bottom of the fuselage is torn or bent at least. So the kind of damages may fit these seen in the pic.

 

[Danny]

Yes, you maybe right. Trolley in the picture is Taskar short semi trailer. Considering the weight engine is probably removed and the tail also. That's my guess

 

[Danny]

The JK868 and LZ830 were the Spitfire Mk.Vc trop so can't be. The MJ427 was the LF Mk.IX MJ427 sounds good. The plane belly landed at Prkos. During a such landing the propeller is usulally destroyed. The bottom of the fuselage is torn or bent at least. So the kind of damages may fit these seen in the pic.

One thing that bugs me that Vc were still used in 1945, for example like the JK868 and LZ830, but god knows how many.. And I'm looking at RAF records for the 23/4/1945 and there is no mention of belly landing, MJ427 is not even on the list that day.

 

[Wurger]

It is in the MJ427 history with the link you posted above, Unless I read something wrong.

 

[Danny]

It is in the MJ427 history with the link you posted above, Unless I read something wrong.

Yes, that's the info on the webpage. But, I also downloaded RAF records book for the March and April 1945 from National Archives. But, what is more important, the dates don't match. Photo on the truck was taken on 04/04/1945 so this Spitfire had to crash or belly landed or else even prior to this date. In the records on the 02/04 there is mention of one engine trouble, but normal landing.

 

[Wurger]

I see. So there has to be a mistake made somewhere. However I have checked on a couple of sources. And it appears that the Mk.Vc trop had the same exhaust pipes like the Mk.VIII/IX. Perhaps it may be the Mk.Vc trop on the trolley. Anyway the date the pic was taken, doesn't mean the crash had happened two days before it. It also could have happened a week or so earlier.

 

[Danny]

yes, of course. It could be way earlier...Maybe I have a match:

Spitfire pilots and aircraft database - Spitfire MJ778

 

[Wurger]

yes, of course. It could be way earlier...Maybe I have a match:

Spitfire pilots and aircraft database - Spitfire MJ778

Sounds good. IMHO you hit the nail.

 

[Danny]

Sounds good. IMHO you hit the nail.

Yes, I'll try to find it RAF records to see if the serial number comes up to see more. Thank you for you time and all the info