Hi everyone,
with the 60th anniversary of D-day coming up I wanted to build a spitfire that would have taken part in the operation that day and I wondered if anyone knew offhand which squadrons took part or which types were flown.
I’m sure some Mk.Vb’s took part, however going through some of my books at home I find anything to back up my idea.
If anyone has any idea’s/info I’d really appreciate a point in the right direction.
Many thanks,
Darren[;)]
Check this out - should have what you are looking for:
http://www3.sympatico.ca/angels_eight/2tac.html
For Canadian Spitfire decals D-day:
http://www.watermarkdecals.com/sheet_48003/48003.htm#
Jack
Jack,
I just went to check out those sites-a mine of information! Thanks very much for your help.
Darren.
If u want something a little unusual, the colour schemes in the centre of the book “Spitfire - The History” has a scheme for a Spitfire VB used for gun spotting over the D Day beaches by the US Navy Cruiser Scouting Sqn 7. There are also two schemes for Spit IXE’s of the 2nd TAF June 44, one of which is a RAAF sqn. If you cant get hold of a copy, I would be happy to describe them for you if you’re interested
P.S. to the above. In case you are not wanting a Spit with US markings, the VB I mentioned above has British markings. Hope its some use to you
How about the Grace Spitfire, mkIX ML407. I believe this aircraft is credited with the first combat “victory” over the beaches on june 6. Since ML407 is still extant, being owned and flown from Duxford by Carolyn Grace, it might be a good place to start.
Chris,
I’d love to hear about that MkVb-it’s my favourite version. I am planning to do a plane with British markings so I’d like to see if I can get hold of that book. Does it have a IBSN No. on the cover?
Snibble,
I’ve got a documentry on video somewhere about the Grace Spitfire. I had no idea that it was in the air on D-day. I’ve seen that aircraft at some shows over here, so I’m off to raid my photo albums and do a pic search on the net. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Well, I’ve certainly been pointed in the right direction ! Many thanks to both of you for your help.
Darren.
“Spitfire - The History” has to be the ultimate Spit reference book, but it’s not cheap , if you can find a copy at all. It’s by Eric B Morgan and Edward Shacklady, and published by Guild Publishing. Just to give you some idea it has 634 pages of reference material! Just in case you can’t get a copy, I’ll give you a brief rundown on the scheme. Standard grey/green day fighter comaflage, light grey undersides, yellow wing leading edges. Full wrap round invasion stripes. For the fuselage if you locate the angled panel line immediately in front of the tail assebly, and divide the area between the bottom edge of this and the aerial mast behind the cockpit into 6 bands. The front 5 are the invasion stripes, and the rear one is sky blue, as is the spinner. For the wings locate thepoint where the fuselage/wing fillet joins the rear edge of the wing, and divide the area between this and the inner edge of the inboard machine gun port into 5 even bands. On the fuselage, the front band goes around the aerial mount at the top, not over it. Roundels and fin flashes are standard in the standard positions, however there is no aircraft serial number. The aircraft is coded “4 Q” in white letters on either side of the fuselage in front of the cockpit. The “4” appears to be as wide as it is high, and the “Q” appears square with rounded corners. The top edge is slightly higher than the exhausts, and the lower edge is just above the fuselage/wing fillet. The front letter is located in the middle of the panel covering the fuel tank in front of the cockpit, and the rear letter is located in the middle of the area immediately below the front portion of the cockpit canopy. There also appears to be a small nazi flag (red, white circle, black swastika) just behind the cockpit door, with its top edge just below the level of the sliding canopy.
Phew! hope I don’t have to do a REALLY complicated one lol! Hope that does the trick for you Darren. If you need more or clarification just yell out
Many thanks Chris,
That’s an impressive desription! Thanks for your time and help it’s much appreciated.
Darren.
I’m pretty sure the Grace Spitfire is now a two seater…one of my references shows a second bubble canopy and room for a passenger.
You’re welcome [:D]
Yes, the Grace Spitfire is a two seater; it was converted after the war as a trainer for the Irish air corps.
How about the 2 RAF Norwegian Squadrons (No.331 and 332) which flew from my local airfield North Weald?
Hello Steve Thorpe[:D]
Do you have any info on the norwegin squadrons, and could you please please share with us
About Grace’s two-seater…I watched a show on the History channel last night called “Spitfire Ace”. Very good and very informative! Alot about the Battle of Britain. And some awsome video footage of Grace’s beautiful Spit and others, not to mention real WWII footage. I sat drooling the whole show (over the Spits, not over Carolyn!) If you ever get the chance, definately watch it!
I saw this show and enjoyed every minute of it. I have done a fair bit of research and I ended up with the grace Spitfire in its original guise MK407 as my subject. I’ve got a kit and markings, I just have’nt got round to building it yet. Maybe I’ll get around to it this year. Darren.