140 Squadron Spitfires - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

Steve49 · #1 26th June 2007, 11:45

Can anybody confirm which type of Spitfire 140 Squadron was flying in August 1942? I think it was the PR Mk1D, but would like confirmation.

Thanks,

Regards,

Steve

Alain57 · #2 26th June 2007, 14:43

Hi ,

Can this help you :

GroupSquadronBaseCountyArrivedComments16140BensonOxfordshire17/09/41Formed from No. 1416 Flight. Spitfire Ia, 09/41. Spitfire C, 09/41. Blenheim IV, 09/41. Spitfire IV, 02/42. Ventura I, 02/43.

Alain

Amrit1 · #3 26th June 2007, 14:49

According to Jefford's "RAF Squadrons" they had Spitfire PR VII between June and July 1943.

EDIT, sorry looked at wrong date:

Jefford states Spitfire IV and Blenheim IV for that date you requested.

Steve49 · #4 26th June 2007, 15:13

Thanks Gent,

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? The former seems more likely, considering the Squadrons role as a reconnaissance unit operated by Coastal Command.

Regards,

Steve

Fairlop · #5 26th June 2007, 21:23

Hi Steve,

Yes Mk IDs were later redesignated PR Mk IV. There were 229 IDs produced in total.

Regards,
Michal

VoyTech · #6 27th June 2007, 13:25

Quote:

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 · #7 4th July 2007, 17:15

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 · #8 4th July 2007, 17:28

Gents,

Thanks for the clarification over the Spitfire IV.

Regards,

Steve

oowebb · #9 7th November 2007, 11:43

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 · #10 7th November 2007, 12:01

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?

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