Spit IX DH codes

[stefaan]

Hi Guys.
I have come across a photo with SAAF Doug Loftus as a pilot.
It has a code 'DH' in white with black outline. Cannot see any other info.
Could not find any code like that in RAF sqdn codes, and it was not a SAAF code.
Any ideas??
Thx
Stefaan Bouwer

[Graham Boak]

Combat Codes has DHL as Col DH Loftus, WL 7 DDAF Wing. Recorded on unknown Kittyhawk MedME 1943-44 and Spitfire Mk.VIII serial 5501 in South Africa 1946.

I hadn't realised any Mk.VIIIs went to SA. Must revisit Spitfires in SAAF book.

[PeterA]

Originally Posted by Graham Boak

I hadn't realised any Mk.VIIIs went to SA. Must revisit Spitfires in SAAF book.

Just the one. The first SAAF Spitfire 5501/JF294 and it survives to this day at Saxonwold.

This Spitfire arrived in South Africa in High Altitude finish. It subsequently was changed to an all metal polished finish and the serial 5501.

Known to be the the personal machine of Col Loftus, and there are number of shots of it in service, this is the first I have head of it carrying his personal code.

Stefaan. Does your shot show a two or single colour camouflage finish and does it have retractable tail wheel?

PeterA

[stefaan]

Hi Guys.
Thx, This must be it.
It is in Grey/Green with 'Muggins' written on L side. Can't see the tailwheel. Shot taken of guys on wing 3/4 L back, shows only front of nose.
Stefaan

[VoyTech]

Originally Posted by stefaan

It is in Grey/Green

Is it a colour photo?

[PeterA]

If your image is in two colour camouflage I think it is unlikely to be JF294/5501 and I would query the entry in Combat codes.

JF294 was always in high altitude medium sea grey upper surface through the 'Cavalcade' demo flights and then it appears in a number of shots in all metal polished finish as 5501.

The entry from the shortly to be published Spitfire Survivors book:-

When the ―Cavalcades‖ were over JF294 was allocated to No.11 O.T.U. and took up
the SAAF serial 5501. With the closure of the unit, 5501 was transferred to No.7 Wing in October
1945 where it became the personal aircraft of Col Douglas Loftus and was flown in bare

polished metal finish. Being very much a ―one

-off‖ it was decided that JF294 should be transferred

on loan to the South African War Museum with effect from 17 November 1948, and on 9

August 1955, the Museum purchased it for a nominal sum of R32-10 (Sale No. 153).

Without sight of the image I think it more likely that your shot was a personal Mk IX mount between his P-40 and 5501.

If you can post the image it would help to compare wheels, exhaust stacks and several other features with JF294 to eliminate or even confirm the ID.

PeterA

[Graham Boak]

I'd check the history of Loftus and 7 SAAF - they were operating Spitfires from 1944 so I suspect the picture comes from this period. It could also be postwar, if a Mk.IX.

Looking in Squadrons of the SAAF, I have found two other Mk.VIIIs in 2 Sq, JF353 coded DB-1 and JF521 coded DB-2. Curiously, 92 Sq RAF also coded its Mk.VIIIs with numbers, presumably to distinguish them from the Mk.IXs which was the main equipment. 1 Squadron also had at least six Mk.VIIIs, all with AX.x codes, but no reference to any in 4 or 7 Sqs. These did not get to SA after the war, of course.

[stefaan]

Hi Gragam.
7 sqdn did not have Mk VIII (that I have seen/read)
The only sqdn's that got them were they guys protecting the a/c to Sicily, and 7 sqdn came in when the MK IX's were available.
1 sqdn got them when they were in Malta, and also gave them numbers. If Loftus was allowed to use his initials, it must have been that he was high up in HQ with 7 wing.I recall that he was Wing Leader at some stage.
I thus don't think it is 7 sqdn, but 7 wing Spit.
Be good
Stefaan

[Graham Boak]

Yes, you can see the AX codes underneath.

[stefaan]

Hi Graham.
There they are, clear as day, so I need new glasses.
It May be the old MK VIII, but the trip to was over a year later.
It is possible that he kept it as a hack all the time as it was not in active use
anymore.
Could also be another 1 sqdn MK IX that he took over.
Wish we could get hold of his logbook.
Be good
Stefaan