Spitfire loss

[markjsheppard]

Hi all

Trying top find a bit more out on a Spitfire loss.Unfortunately the serial is not fully clear to me.

Spitfire II P7687? The last two digits might be different) Coded XT-E, presumably of 603 Sqn. The Sgt pilot was killed. I cannot find a 603 Sqn loss that matches the serial - looking through the serials.

Any help would be most appricated.

regards

MS

[Chris Goss]

P7387 21 Nov 40?? Sgt R E Plant killed

[Fairlop]

Hi Mark,

The 603 Sqn used at least two Mk.IIs with serial P76**. P7683, XT-H "Londonderry" and P7686 but it looks the (mentioned) P7387 is that your. Sgt Plant collided with He111 A1+GM on 21 November and crashed at Buckland Farm, Widdenham.

Regards,
Michal

[markjsheppard]

Chris/Fairlop

The photo I saw was from a Luftwaffe collection so I am asusming it was lost on a Rhubarb in the later half of 1941.

It had the sky blue fusealge band as well.

Unfortunately the serial was just not clear enough.

Still looking as it does not seem to be the two mentioned?

Will try and get a clearer look at the serial.

regards

Mark

[Fairlop]

Mark,

I believe you have a pictire of YT-A, P7697 or ?
Sgt W. Kay, 65 Sqn, Spitfire IIA, s/d on 21 August 1941.

Michal

[Fairlop]

... I found a copy of that Spitfire in my database.

Michal

[markjsheppard]

Michal

Yes, I can confirm it is the same one.

So is it a 603 Sqn aircraft or an Ex-603Sqn aircraft with code that has not yet been changed?

Still no closer to the identity of the pilot?

regards

Mark

[Alex Smart]

Hello,

Simular photos of lost pilots have also been shown for X4668 and P7784.
P7697 is that shown in the photo.
From 65 (YT) Sqn Pilot Sgt. W. Kay.

Alex

[Fairlop]

Mark,
The 65 Sqn used "YT" code. A very similar to "XT" of the 603 Sqn.
P7697 "Zanzibar I" - 45 MU 4/12/40, 222 Sqn 14/3/41, 485 Sqn 31/5/41, 65 Sqn 12/8/41 so no connection with No.603 Sqn.

Alex,
Have you a good copy of Mungo-Parks´s wreckage in your possesion ?
His last fight is in my plan for one of the next Revi articles.

Regards,
Michal

[markjsheppard]

Alex/Michel

no wonder I could not find the loss under 603 Sqn!!

Could not see the YT code and automatically thought it was XT.

The photo was not of solely of interest to me because the pilot is seen in the wreckage though I decided it would be good to find out who he was instead of it just being an unknown.

Thanks for helping solve a mystery and also putting a name to one of the many brave pilots.

regards

MS