140 Squadron Spitfires
 

Can anybody confirm which type of Spitfire 140 Squadron was flying in August 1942? I think it was the PR Mk1D, but would like confirmation.

Thanks,

Regards,

Steve

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

Hi ,

Can this help you :

GroupSquadronBaseCountyArrivedComments16140BensonOxfordshire17/09/41Formed from No. 1416 Flight. Spitfire Ia, 09/41. Spitfire C, 09/41. Blenheim IV, 09/41. Spitfire IV, 02/42. Ventura I, 02/43.


Alain

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

According to Jefford's "RAF Squadrons" they had Spitfire PR VII between June and July 1943.

EDIT, sorry looked at wrong date:

Jefford states Spitfire IV and Blenheim IV for that date you requested.

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

Thanks Gent,

Was the Spitfire IV actually a typo for PR Mk1D (later redesignated PR MkIV) or was the Squadron flying the Griffon equiped Spitfire IV fighter? The former seems more likely, considering the Squadrons role as a reconnaissance unit operated by Coastal Command.

Regards,

Steve

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

Hi Steve,

Yes Mk IDs were later redesignated PR Mk IV. There were 229 IDs produced in total.

Regards,
Michal

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

PR ID was the designation of prototypes used by No. 1 PRU. Production aircraft were called Spitfire PR.IV or simply Spitfire IV. No unit ever used the Griffon Spitfire IV (the F.IV), as only two prototypes were ever built of that variant (subsequently renamed Spitfire XX).

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

Spitfire PR 1D, also known as PR Type D.
Conversion of Mk I for photo recce. Very long range version.
Armament removed. 57 gallon (259 l) integral fuel tanks in wing leading edges, 2 x F.24 or F.8 camera in fuselage behind pilot, 29 gallon (132 l) fuel tank behind pilot. 14 gallons (64 l) extra oil in port wing former gun-bay.
Rounded windscreen plus canopy with bulged canopy sides. 2 Mk I conversions (P9551 & P9552) plus 'production' version based on Mk V airframes as PR Mk IV

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

Gents,

Thanks for the clarification over the Spitfire IV.

Regards,

Steve

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

As a new member to the forum, I thought I would start by adding a little photo to this thread. My grandfather was a founder memeber of 140 Squadron from 1416 Flight in 1941. I have attached a photograph of the officers of the Squadron in front of a MK 1D.

I am looking for as much info on the squadron as possible, but also have quite alot so I hope to be able to share it.

Nick.

Re: 140 Squadron Spitfires
 

I hadn't realised that the PR Mk.IV was armed. The PR wing (or D wing) had extra fuel tanks in the leading edge. Could the aircraft be a PR Mk.VII/PR Mk.1G? Or was the armament an option on PR Mk.IVs?