Japanese Spitfire

[andy2012]

Did Japan ever capture a spitfire during the war? I have never heard of one, but I was just wondering.

 

[buffnut453]

In a word...no.

 

[GrauGeist]

If the Japanese captured any, they weren't capable of flying...there's only 4 British types recorded as captured and flown for evaluation The Spitfire is not one of them.

 

[andy2012]

What were the 4 types captured?

 

[GrauGeist]

They were the Bristol Blenheim, Bristol Bulldog (actually purchased from Britain), Hawker Hurricane and Hawker Nimrod (which was actually not captured, but bought from Britain and evaluated as the Hawker AXH Type H Carrier Fighter)

 

[andy2012]

Ok, thank you for the information!

 

[buffnut453]

The Japanese also captured Tiger Moths, Miles Magisters and Vickers Vildebeests. And if you extend the list to Commonwealth types, you can add the Wirraway too.

 

[Wildcat]

Mark, how many Wirraways were captured and did the Japanese fly them?

 

[buffnut453]

I've seen pics of just one and I don't think it ever flew.