Spitfire I (P9453)

[Leo Etgen]

Hi guys

Feldwebel Kurt Goltzsch (43 victories, RK, died of wounds 26 September 1944) of 8./JG 2 claimed a Spitfire fighter as his third victory on 14 September 1940. It appears that this was Spitfire Ia (P9453) of PRU, RAF. Would anyone have the name of the pilot of this aircraft on this occasion? Many thanks.

Horrido!

Leo

[kaki3152]

Sure, from Coastal Command Losses 1939-1941 by McNeill.
The name was F/O A.E Hyde Parker.

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Leo,

F/O Hyde-Parker took off Heston at 07:55 on a low level reconnaissance to Boulogne. His aircraft was a Green PR Spitfire, not sure what type but in a document dated 19 Jun 40 P9453 is listed as a practice and experimental machine with armament fitted and with split F.24 8" cameras. I don't know if P9453 was still this standard when lost but if so it could probably be classified as a prototype Spitfire PR Type G.

Best Regards

Andy Fletcher

[Leo Etgen]

Hi Carlos and Andy

Many thanks to both of you for your answers. While searching online I came across some information that suggested it was a Type E conversion although I then came across information that only one aircraft was converted to the E standard (N3317) while there existed five conversions to the G standard. I think that I will let the Spitfire experts clear this one up! Many thanks to both for your help.

Horrido!

Leo

[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Leo,

I think you are correct in that there was only 1 PR Type E conversion which was N3117. N3117 was later converted into a Type G.

I believe there were many more than 5 Type G conversions made.

Cheers

Andy Fletcher