eBay: Allied intrest

[edwest2]

https://www.ebay.de/itm/235760147368...Bk9SR-KVz63FZA
https://www.ebay.de/itm/235758872392...Bk9SR-aVz63FZA

[AndyMa]

Thanks Ed. Does anyone know the serial of this Battle please? (PM-X of 103 Sqn)

[Martin Gleeson]

Hi Andy,

The serial of that wreck in K9372, lost on 10 May 1940. It is actually one of the most photographed Battle wrecks, as it was located just beside a road.
However, I have never seen any evidence that it had the individual aircraft letter 'X'. Any idea where that came from ?

Regards,

Martin.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Originally Posted by Martin Gleeson

Hi Andy,

However, I have never seen any evidence that it had the individual aircraft letter 'X'. Any idea where that came from ?

Regards,

Martin.

Martin
If the two photos show the same aircraft (which looks very likely - same damage etc),
you can see a very clear X on the first photo, taken from its starboard side.

Previously it has been listed as PM-K but I will certainly go for PM-X at this point

Cheers
Stig

[AndyMa]

Martin,
Thanks for the answer. As Stig said, X is painted on the side - it's clearly the same aircraft photographed from two sides.
I had already flagged up a problem in my records with K9372 being PM-K, as it seemed to clash with P2191, lost on 14May40.
Andy

[Martin Gleeson]

Andy, Stig

These two photos do not show the same aircraft. The 'X' Battle has a partial serial visible, I believe one can read 'L5..0'. A Fairey Battle specialist and I believe this is in fact L5580 of 12 Squadron, lost on 13 June 1940 and which was known to be 'PH-X'. The terrain better suits a June 1940 loss also.
103 Squadron had an unusual habit regarding the painting of markings on their Battles. By 10 May 1940 some - but not all - had the aircraft letter and unit code both painted forward of the fuselage roundel. K9372 in the second photo is an example of this. Also many photos of the K9372 wreck show a more undulating terrain, much more in keeping with losses during the first week of the campaign.

Hope this helps.

Martin.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Interesting Martin

Blowing up the image, I agree it no longer looks like K9372. Odd they met their fate in a very
similar fashion

That means we are back to square 1 when it comes to the code of K9372

Cheers
Stig

[Martin Gleeson]

Stig, Andy

I think I may have found an answer. I believe it is 'PM-A' for K9372. Out of the 60 or so saved EBay photos of this wreck that I have, there is only one that on closer inspection shows 'A' just above the wing root and exactly where I would expect to find it on this wreck. I know of no other 'A' with 103 Squadron at this time, although it was probably carried on a replacement aircraft later in the campaign.

Regards,

Martin.

[Stig Jarlevik]

Thanks Martin

60 you say? I have only saved two....

Cheers
Stig

[AndyMa]

Martin,
Thanks for the extra work on solving this one.
Andy