Photos of Spitfire Mark VIII

[FinishForty]

Just added photos of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum's beautiful Mark VIII Spitfire to my book's Facebook page, here. While there I chatted with a museum staffer who informed me that an American squadron flew Spitfires for a while. (4th Fighter Squadron, 12th Air Force, in North Africa)

 

[T Bolt]

Thanks for posting the pictures. They're very timely for me as I'm currently building a model of one of the American flown Mk. VIII Spits, from the 31st Fighter Group in Italy. I'm building it at part of the current Aces Group build here, and it can be found at this link:
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/11-aircraft-aces/spitfire-mk-viii-fargo-express-lt-l-p-molland-308th-fs-aircraft-aces-gb-30182.html

 

[FinishForty]

Very cool, T Bolt. I'm fascinated by the pics of the Spitfire in USAAF colors. Excellent choice for your model and I look forward to your finished pics!

 

[Airframes]

Hey FF, not just one unit of the USAAF flew Spits. It started with American nationals in the RAF in 1940 -41, in three Squadrons, which then became American Sqns in the RAF, the 'Eagle' Sqns. These in turn became the 4th Fighter Group, 8th AF.
There were a number of units in US forces flying Spits, throughout the war, including Recce and US Navy spotters, the latter during 'Overloard'.
If you wish to learn more, I'll gladly point you in the right direction.
Terry.