Spitfire TB326 302 Squadron

[Leendert]

Spitfire TB326 of 302 Squadron reportedly was damaged/destroyed on a ferry flight on 16 April 1945. It was SOC in July 1945 by 151 RU, stationed at Wevelgem, Belgium at that time.

Trying to match any Spitfire loss/accident on said date (16-4-45) with a still unresolved crash of such type at Donk near Maldegem, Belgium (13 km E. of Brugge). Pilot could bail out and was slightly injured. Two other Spitfires of same flight proceeded to Maldegem airfield, a witness wrote in his diary.

I've been thru other Spitfire losses in FCL and 2 TAF, Vol. 3, but no hits location wise.

All info and suggestions welcome, thanks.

Leendert

[VoyTech]

According to official paperwork TB326 was flown to B.59 (Ypres/Vlamertinge), and there it 'ran off end of runway, u/c collapsed'. It was categorised cat. B, but not repaired.

[paulmcmillan]

VoyTech

Please can you confirm date of this incident? I have seen both

12.4.45 and 16.4.45 mentioned


Thanks

Paul

[paulmcmillan]

Voytech

Just seen your reply oin RAFcommands understand dates now!

Paul

[Leendert]

VoyTech and Paul,

Thanks for clearing this up. As an aside, it's interesting that B.59 Ypres-Vlamertinge is mentioned for a change. This airfield was hardly ever used by the RAF (nor by the Germans for that matter), so a reference to it is a small miracle in itself.

Regards,

Leendert