Photo wanted
 

Hi Guy's

I am trying to find a photo of a Spitfire that crashed, was subsequently stripped, then dumped as scrap in January 1944 at Vivigani. (Goodenough Island ?)

The hulk was found and removed to New Zealand in 1974.

Any photo taken in the 1943 / 1944 era would be most welcome. It is for an ex 79 sqdn pilot friend who flew in (but not crashed !!) that aircraft several times.

I believe it was either found by, or owned by, a Mr M Armstrong or,
a Mr D.Subritzky ? any leads or contact with the gent's appreciated.

Many thanks.

Mervyn

Re: Photo wanted
 

Sorry I cannot find a photo, perhaps the following is the aircraft you are seeking


http://www.adf-serials.com/2a58.shtml

EE849 Spitfire Mk.Vc Delivered 04/43. 10/02/44, 79Sqn Coded UP-E Underscored. Pilot F/Sgt N S I Faulks. During approach to land, the engine cut out causing the a/c to land short and landing in jungle and coral hill. Not recorded as Hit Truck at Vivigani Strip, Goodenough Island 09/43.



A58-142F.VCEE849SS Sussex 16/04/43 UP-E Underscored, later UF-O Delivered 04/43.10/02/44, 79Sqn Coded UP-E Underscored. Later coded UP-O Feb 1944. Pilot F/Sgt N S I Faulks Serv#. At this time in December 1943, A58-142 was coded, UP-E Underscored. The underscoring would be applied when there was already a UP-E coded in use as in this case by A58-140. In January 1944, A58-142 would be re-coded as UP-O. On the 10th February 1944, following having oil throwing up on the windscreen some eighty miles into a escort mission from base, F/Sgt N Faulks, piloting A58-142 as Blue Four, on returning to base suffered a in-flight engine fire on approach. He was forced to land UP-O some 100 yards off the end of the strip.


http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/vet...47075#summary1

Service Record
Name FAULKS, NEVILLE STANLEY
Service Royal Australian Air Force
Service Number 420930
Date of Birth 20 Jul 1923
Place of Birth RYDE, NSW
Date of Enlistment 6 Dec 1941
Locality on Enlistment Unknown
Place of Enlistment SYDNEY, NSW
Next of Kin FAULKS, THOMAS
Date of Discharge 25 Jul 1945
Rank Flying Officer
Posting at Discharge 2 OPERATIONAL TRAINING UNIT
WW2 Honours and Gallantry None for display
Prisoner of War No




Kind regards
Ross

Re: Photo wanted
 

Hello Ross,

Please accept my apologies for the long delay with a reply, I only this morning remembered I had put the post up. (it's probably an age thing !!)

Anyway, many thanks, some interesting 'stuff' there to be getting on with!!

Mervyn.