Spit IX DH codes

[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