Crashed Spitfire photo identification No.611 Sqd

[Fairlop]

Is there any unknow graves in that area?

Rick, a quite number ! Unfortunately.

Michal

[Franek Grabowski]

I would say the man has W/O badge, visible just where are cockpit door hinges.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Franek,

If this pilot was a W/O then from the list of names in the Hut-six list via CWGC the only W/O is -
W/O. Victor Cecil Mayo Wheeler who was lost on the 5th July 1942.
This could well be the pilot as - all that is in the CWGC page except names of both parents and widow is -

Remembered with honour
LEICESTER (GILROES) CEMETERY
Sect E E Grave 239

So would he fit details already given in the thread ?

Alex

[Spitfire 9]

Hello Alex,

Quote from notes I have here,

V.C.M.Wheeler, Warrant Officer RAF. W.E.Mech 566827.

Passenger killed in crash of Magister near Kenley on the 5th July 1942, age 24. from Leicester. Same burial details as you indicate.
Of course we know that 611 were opperating from Kenley at that time.........

So, definitely not our man.

Mervyn.

[Alex Smart]

Hello Mervyn,

Thanks for the update .
I did wonder about the fact there was a Grave in the UK.
You have cleared that mystery up for me at least.

Still leaves the question of the pilot in the photo open .

Thanks
Alex

[Spitfire 9]

Hello again Alex,

I have a feeling that this one may just beat us. (for the moment anyway!)

I do have a photo of 'a' FY-B Spitfire, in the far background of others which are MKix, there is no chance of the serial id however, as I don't record Spitfire camouflage / colors etc, I have no idea of when various size markings etc were applied / used.

My photo shows a bigger port side fuselage roundel so, I doubt 'my' FY-B would be the correct one anyway.........

Regards all,

Mervyn.

[VoyTech]

Originally Posted by Spitfire 9

I do have a photo of 'a' FY-B Spitfire, in the far background of others which are MKix, there is no chance of the serial id however, as I don't record Spitfire camouflage / colors etc, I have no idea of when various size markings etc were applied / used.
My photo shows a bigger port side fuselage roundel so, I doubt 'my' FY-B would be the correct one anyway.........

It is probably EN133, featured in several publicity photos taken when No. 611 converted to Mk IXs. Although EN133 FY-B was lost over France (S/Ldr J.H. Slater killed, Rodeo 188 on 14 March 1943), it is definitely not the aeroplane in the photo we are discussing here.

[Spitfire 9]

Hi VoyTech !

Thanks for that, you are right.

I have since found several publications which feature this aircraft including 'Spitfire at War' Alfred Price, which shows a close-up shot from exactly the same photo I have.

There is also an air to air shot in 'Spitfire Remembered' Philip Moyes.

Mervyn.

Originally Posted by VoyTech

It is probably EN133, featured in several publicity photos taken when No. 611 converted to Mk IXs. Although EN133 FY-B was lost over France (S/Ldr J.H. Slater killed, Rodeo 188 on 14 March 1943), it is definitely not the aeroplane in the photo we are discussing here.

[Fairlop]

It is probably EN133, featured in several publicity photos taken when No. 611 converted to Mk IXs.

... and taken during various periods as we can see from the art below the cockpit. White blank disc was later completed with the art (Churchill ?).

Michal

[Jennings]

Originally Posted by Alex Smart

Hi,
March 14th 43, S/Ldr Slater AFC in EN133 "B". [was a presentation a/c]
Alex

Anyone by any chance know the identity of the presenter of EN133? She carried a 12" diameter badge below the windscreen on the left side that has some kind of a design in it. I would be MOST grateful for any information on this a/c.

Thanks!

JH