140 Squadron Spitfires

[VoyTech]

Originally Posted by Steve49

Was the Spitfire IV actually a typo for PR Mk1D (later redesignated PR MkIV) or was the Squadron flying the Griffon equiped Spitfire IV fighter?

PR ID was the designation of prototypes used by No. 1 PRU. Production aircraft were called Spitfire PR.IV or simply Spitfire IV. No unit ever used the Griffon Spitfire IV (the F.IV), as only two prototypes were ever built of that variant (subsequently renamed Spitfire XX).

[Matzos]

Spitfire PR 1D, also known as PR Type D.
Conversion of Mk I for photo recce. Very long range version.
Armament removed. 57 gallon (259 l) integral fuel tanks in wing leading edges, 2 x F.24 or F.8 camera in fuselage behind pilot, 29 gallon (132 l) fuel tank behind pilot. 14 gallons (64 l) extra oil in port wing former gun-bay.
Rounded windscreen plus canopy with bulged canopy sides. 2 Mk I conversions (P9551 & P9552) plus 'production' version based on Mk V airframes as PR Mk IV

[Steve49]

Gents,

Thanks for the clarification over the Spitfire IV.

Regards,

Steve

[oowebb]

As a new member to the forum, I thought I would start by adding a little photo to this thread. My grandfather was a founder memeber of 140 Squadron from 1416 Flight in 1941. I have attached a photograph of the officers of the Squadron in front of a MK 1D.

I am looking for as much info on the squadron as possible, but also have quite alot so I hope to be able to share it.

Nick.

[Graham Boak]

I hadn't realised that the PR Mk.IV was armed. The PR wing (or D wing) had extra fuel tanks in the leading edge. Could the aircraft be a PR Mk.VII/PR Mk.1G? Or was the armament an option on PR Mk.IVs?

[BABIN]

Hello Nick,

I'm searching, too, about 140 Sqdn.

My search concerns the loss of a Mosquito of this Sqdn, crashed in my area of France on 5th of June 1944. I can send to you the information I have about this crash : documents, pictures ... if you are interested, please send to me an e-mail : pierre.babin.babin@wanadoo.fr

Best regards

Pierre