Turkish Spitfires shot down 1941

[Brian]

Hi guys

I have seen it written that two Turkish Spitfires were shot down by Bulgarian AA fire sometime in 1941. One pilot was killed and the other interned but later released.

Any information?

Cheers
Brian

[Leendert]

Brian,

Actually, this was on 9 February 1948!

One Spitfire crashed in the Black Sea, drowning the pilot sergeant, while the other made a forced landing, upon which the pilot lieutenant was arrested.
AA fire was from small arms and it all happened near Bazopol.
The Spitfires were given "red rocket" warnings, but did not land, newspapers of that time report.

Regards,

Leendert

[Icare9]

Yes, a bit early for Spits in the Med! I know the Turks did negotiate to buy some early Mark Spitfires but I think that a higher priority came along before much was done. I believe they were "reacquired" by the RAF and used in the Western Desert campaign, as we had the spares and the Turks didn't!

[VoyTech]

Originally Posted by Icare9

Yes, a bit early for Spits in the Med!

Definitely not. Mk I L1066, originally despatched for Poland, was delivered to Turkey in September 1939. Two more Mk Is, P9566 and P9567, were sold to Turkey in May 1940.

[Brian]

Thanks again. Leendert

That makes sense!

Cheers
Brian