[Alex Smart]

Hello Marko,

MH654
31st FG 309th FS codes "WZ-*-XX" named "Gaye".

A/c was camouflaged , as can be seen in group of a/c photo published in Ventura "American Spitfire" page 57, also (same picture) in " In a now forgotten sky" page 206.
In "Spitfire International" page 446 -
"US 12th AF;31st FG, 309th FS ('WZ- XX') 31.1.44; Rtd RAF in 1944 ( MAAF) ; Crashed Cat. FB/E 21.10.44, SOC".
So I expect that it was stripped of camouflage whilst in American service to confuse the enemy as the transition to P51's was takeing place. OR after return to RAF at an MU before being sent to a squadron .

Alex