Spitfire Vb W3329 611Sq
 

Nice set of two pictures of Spitfire Vb W3329 611 sq, The Spirit of Uruguay, lost on 07-21-41. According to 611 records
http://www.611squadronrauxaf.co.uk/history/Roll.html
the Spitfire was shot down by Bf 109s and the pilot Sgt. William Eric Grainger, 1164137, has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

The excellent shape of the cockpit seems to indicate that the body of Sgt Grainger would have been recoverable. I wonder why he has no known grave?

Re: Spitfire Vb W3329 611Sq
 

Hi Kaki,

Thanks for sharing this excellent but sad info.

Does the ebay seller show other photos which can be used to identify the landscape as long flat beaches or sand dunes ?

Bertrand

Re: Spitfire Vb W3329 611Sq
 

Agreed, the minor distortion of the spinner looks like it could have ditched ,

the missing canopy could have been jettisoned prior to impact , the rear

fuselage damage is such, that it may have been caused by salvage efforts.

It still gives no clear picture of what happened to the pilot, possibly released

his straps before impact and got knocked out, maybe got out ok then

drowned. An enduring mystery.

Re: Spitfire Vb W3329 611Sq
 

Also notice the unbent propeller standing straight up. Obviously the engine had stopped before the Spitfire crashed.