Sgt Butler 118 Sqn

[AndyMa]

One thought that has struck me is that Butler may have been detailed to pick up a Spitfire from 401 Sqn Biggin Hill, for delivery to 118 Sqn at Ibsley.

The incident meant that the transfer never actually took place at that time, so the aircraft, after being ROS, remained with 401 Sqn for a bit longer before eventually going to 118 Sqn in ealry January.
So a 118 Sqn pilot flying what was at the time of the incident still a 401 Sqn aircraft.