Hi Guys,
Ian - 124, 131 and 616 Sqn were the main operators of high altitude Mk.VII Spitfires. According to RAF squadrons by W/C Jefford the following also used the type – 118, 313, 518, 519, 611 Squadrons and possibly 154(?)
Ian and Bruce - of the Aussies with 124 Sqn, DP Kelly had a few claims with the Mk.VII. Ironically they were both at low altitude.
3 Oct 43 – 1 Fw 190 probable, Spitfire ON-N
14 Feb 44 – 1 Bf109E destroyed, Spitfire ON-U
The probable may have been later confirmed. I do not have the a/c serials.
There is a combat report available from PRO for RJM Johnson RAAF for 13 June 1943. I think the claim for this date was actually by GL Nowell RAF (his biography, Resurgam, was written by Vincent Adams-Winter RAAF, also of 124 Sqn). Another source suggests Kelly may have another destroyed claim during 1943.
Kelly later flew with 616 Sqn RAF and lost an eye in combat. Despite the injury, he returned to the squadron (non-ops) and trained pilots to fly the Meteor.
http://www.australiansatwarfilmarchi...views/156.aspx
Drew