Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Good Morning,

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1987

This is a photograph of A Spitfire Mk I in German markings, likely "G+X".

My question is whether the white triangle is a British marking or a German one?
if it is British, it means the Germans retained the original "B" Scheme camo. If it is German, it means they likely repainted the entire aircraft.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Not a British marking I have seen before

However the wings are still black and white and the main camouflage is two tone and in a poor state - what makes you think the Germans repainted anything other than the triangle?

MArtin

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

It is believed to be Spitfire P9317/ZD-A captured on 1 June 1940 due to the under-wing two tone painting. It is also believed this became G+X but I am still seeking positive information on this

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Hi Martin,

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1988

The reason I think the above photo shows "G+X" is that the camo demarcation lines on the port nose are the same.

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1989

This photo and the one above show that "G+X" has a gloss paint that results in lots of glare.

The most likely candidate for "G+X" is Spitfire IA P9317, ZD-A, of No. 222 Sqdn. RAF, that "force landed", wheels down, at Le Tourquet airfield on 1 June 1940. However, all the photos of P9317 that I have seen show a matte paint that shows very little glare.

This contradiction, to me, can only be explained by a complete repainting of the aircraft by the Germans.

best regards,

Jim

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Looks like the red (or brown) oil filler indicator on Me109s behind the spinner; on Spitfires the filler was on the lower left cowling (usually with DTD number) where this is shown---maybe needed topping up after landing before flight.


Nick

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Thank you, Chris.

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1990

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/album....pictureid=1991

I have no photographic proof that P9317 is "G+X" but Nick and Martin's confirmation that the white triangle is not British, allows for the possibility that it was given a new paint job. Even the black under the port wing does not have the neat gaps for the gun ports seen on P9317.

Thanks, everyone.

Jim

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Hi Jim. Post 4 - 2nd photo, G-X right side. Rudder is still camouflaged DG/DE "B" Scheme. Possibly being re-painted.
Post 6-- 1st photo; paint chips behind spinner, gun ports still have tapes, could be tape on lower cowling (loose panel)? Different to second photo.


Nick

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Isn't it more probable that the Germans just painted the triangle on the service/access door for maintenance purposes, to align with what was used on German aircraft?

Maybe ZD*A, https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...928d1aa8_z.jpg

Definitely ZD*A, https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...bea7603c55.jpg

In reference to the comments, gloss paint vs. matte paint. Spitfire R7347 - same paint job, some photos appear glossy while others appear matte.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...7cb00baa_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...725ff2d5_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...0de980cb_b.jpg

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

Good eye, Nick. It is unfortunate that, so far, we do not have a photo of the starboard side of the rudder of P9317.

Of course, those were removable rectangular tapes that were placed over the gunports, which suggests the worn black undersides of "G+X" are the original British camo.

Thank you, Revi. The two photos of R7347 do make me rethink my remarks about the complete over painting of P9317.

Your first two photos were unknown to me and are much appreciated.

best regards,

Jim

Re: Question about captured Spitfire.
 

I now have a copy of the colour photo of G-X and the triangle is clearly visible on the nose