M20gull

Sorry, I meant to include the reference. It's a footnote to 'Spitfires over Malta'.

I'm wary of getting too interested in Malta Spitfires as I can already see how much time could be spent on it! But here goes, just on the transfer of 601 Squadron. The ORB for 23 June says "S/Ldr Bisdee DFC and 8 pilots" had arrived at Aboukir from Malta though it does not says how many planes. Michael le Bas is quoted in Alfred Price's book as flying "one of 8 Spitfires". Of the 8 quoted I think BR459 is operation Salient rather than Style. Your proposed BP977 does fly with 601 in Egypt but not until 5 August, presumably meaning it needed to be repaired after the accident on 26 June. So 9 Spitfires are recorded on Malta and also with 601 in Egypt. In Alfred Price's "Spitfire A Documentary History", Le Bas confirms the first stage of the flight from Malta to LG07 near Mersa Matruh as 800 miles, for which they used the 90 gallon tank, before staging on to Aboukir. Price says no more Spitfires were exported from Malta to Egypt, and the Battle of Mersa Matruh started on the 26th and was all over by the 29th which prevented any further flights. Brian Cull lists 10 Spitfires, 4 of which match the list above: BR136, BR175, BR192, and BR232. Of the other six, I think two are exports to Takoradi (BP983 and BR114), two are probably exports to Takoradi (BR134 and BR135) and the remaining two are probably lost in Malta but the Movement cards look odd: BR133 FF 3-4-42 8MU 4-4-42 RAF Abbotsinch 26-4-42 Malta 8-6-42 FACE 10-5-43 SOC FH8.20 NAfricanASC 31-10-43 SOC 8-3-44 BR344 FF 16-4-42 6MU 18-4-42 RAF Renfrew 28-4-42 Malta 8-6-42 ? SOC 17-5-42 BR133 is SOC twice; BR344 is SOC in May following the accident in Malta that killed Sgt Frank Stanley Howard (777674) who died of wounds on 20-5-42. Regarding the number of pilots that made the journey, using the ORBs and Brian Cull's Spitfires over Malta I can identify 26 pilots in total, first flying Egypt in the period between 1 and 13 July.

This seems to raise more questions! If MA357 was used to standardise the FIXT how come EN253 and some others described as FIXTs pre-date MA357? In Spitfire the History the chapter on Mk IXs is headed Type 361/378 and although the documentation for 361 is discussed the Type 378 is not to be found in the text. So what is the Type 378? In the secretprojects link it is described as F IX but I cannot find any other references. I had spotted the FIXT reference in MA399 but foolishly had not noticed that one of the specials, MA504 is also a FIXT. There is a reference in Spitfire the History to testing at Vickers in December 1942 comparing the IX temperate and VIII tropical filter. The tropical VIII (Type 360) has different filter elements in the temperate intake. I think I had assumed that the same might apply to the IX but I cannot find confirmation.

I did have an objective of choosing a different model after completing the NMF IXs. There are going to be three: BR114 in its early form with an overall pale blue as in the Aeroplane Spotter article a speculative FRVI, BS106 in dark blue with oblique camera AB450 in the test pattern, PRU over Dark Sky so a V, VI and Vii then maybe a speculative IX from the Italian flight in high altitude.

I think it is time I moved on from this subject or I am never going to get a model finished. Regarding my list of questions, this is where I have got to: Are there any other flights that I have missed? I have not found any. High altitude threats were not present elsewhere. I suppose I could count some of the Mk VI/VII flights but they are not really what I am looking for. What about the High Altitude Flight at Boscombe Down? Rafweb confirms that there was a flight there but I have no further details. I know it was connected with contrails. I did look at what Spitfires were based at Boscombe and nothing leaps out except for one aircraft that is used to test windscreen heating to reduce misting. This was a problem that Galitzine faced in the slipstream of a Ju86. That might also explain the extra pipe on BR114’s exhaust. And the one at Bari? I cannot find anything about this other than the mention in the report. None of the units on the rafweb list look like they might host a high altitude.flight but the 1SAAF detachment is close by. Are there any aircraft I have missed? I have not found any more anywhere. Or photos? No Is there an additional data source for the 1943 Mk IXs in Italy? I have not found any Were the Ju86s in the Middle East R1s or P2s? I think they were probably R1s given the ceiling they were able to keep. That might also explain why they were hard to identify. Is there an answer to the Bing Cross questions: 252 wing? 219 group? 274 squadron? I think Bing is just mistaken. When he comes to it in April 1942 it is still 252 wing and becomes 219 group while he is in charge in December. The Hurricane squadron is not 274 but could be 1 SAAF or 80. Where does BS354 fit in? I still have not found this one. Did BS343 have a role? It seems a bit rough to ship it all that way for spares but they would have been needed. No role that I can find. Were Mk VIIs ever modified in squadron service as suggested by Alfred Price? 124 Squadron did continue with “SS” flights after the move from Northolt. This is not mentioned in 124’s ORBs. I might have a look at the other VII squadrons to see. Is there any more biography for Reynolds or Gold? I cannot find any. Reynolds in particular is hard to find more on. Is there any more information on Jimmy Nelson’s Mosquito accident? I have looked on the Mosquito serials database and the Hampshire air accident website. Nothing obvious leaps out. What is an FIXT? MA399 is given this description in Spitfire the History along with 16 others. Is it really a tropical F Mk IX? Nothing has come up. I’m not sure what mods you would make to tropicalise a IX. What did Crosby & Co do for the tropical Mk Vs? The company is mentioned on 63 entries in the production database, all Malta or Middle East Vbs and Vcs. Nothing else has come up, my best guess would be something like fabrication of the Vokes filter housing. What is standard camo for Middle East from 1943? I added this because of a discussion about the colours used by the squadrons providing convoy protection after May1943. I can see that desert colours would not be most suitable for convoy work but have not seen any reference to another scheme. I know there are IXs operating in the desert in desert scheme but most of those arriving through Casablanca were intended for Italy and should in day fighter scheme. Of course this does not preclude a local scheme being devised by Aboukir! Which is the third Northolt IX? Cannot be sure but I think I have changed to the view that BS274 was the third one but got diverted to the testing role. Were any of the other Northolt aircraft apart from BS273 modified? I have seen no evidence of this apart from the development work on AB450

500lb bombs are not discussed. They did a test with 2x250lb bombs but no clue how they were loaded. I particularly love their description of the Spitfire as "most unsuitable as a dive-bomber".

They were not permanent. During this phase the squadron was used for dive bombing ops and fighting ops sometimes on the same day and the bomb racks were constantly being put on and taken off. You can sense the frustration in the Operation Record Book.

On the second page of this topic https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235032793-spitfire-vc-codes-serials/ there are some pictures of a crashed 2 SAAF Spitfire that looks to have been repainted in day fighter scheme. The photo quality is not as good but the first one looks like it still has a leading edge strip. I think from the ORB that the desert colour photos were from immediately after the return from Malta for the fitting of the cannon so I wonder if they were mid repainting when the photographer arrived.

I know this is not Spitfires but... I am still looking for the Hurricane squadron that tried to intercept the Ju 86 in Bing Cross's book. I am now on 1 SAAF. First page I look at: Two pilots remain at Edku with our "special machine". This is their lucky Hurricane with 4 interceptions. 8 of the guns are removed leaving two in each wing, some armour plating and the air filter also removed. On a scramble on 6.6.42 the sector controller measures them at 39,000ft. The next page: two more with B Flight at El Gamil. They spend June trying to reach high-flying recco aircraft without success, arguing with AHQ as to what type they are. 80 Squadron is involved with their own high-fliers and the role passes to 94 Squadron.

A copy of Classic Warbirds No. 12 The Anzacs has arrived. There are three photos of special Mk IX Spitfires in the biography of Jeff West: JK980 in the photo that I have already linked to A close up shot of the pilot in the cockpit which shows very little of the aircraft but could be JK980 again A photo identified by the pilot as being EN399 in a completely unpainted scheme with no serials either. It is in use as it is plugged in, with the cockpit open. The photo is from three-quarters behind so armament can not be confirmed. All three are described as Aboukir 1944. I would have thought 1943 made more sense as these aircraft were flown by West when he was with 80 Squadron. I think I need to track down a copy of Spitfires and Spots, the book by West’s grandson.

The mod for the balloon hood fit was dated (according to Spitfire the History) 20.10.41 which is about six months in to the Mk V production run. Vc first production was 31.10.41 so presumably very few, if any, would have had the old hood. I cannot find any Mediterranean Spitfires (Malta or North Africa) that are that early so they all should have the later hood. I suppose that does not prevent asking for some to be shipped.

I promised some questions that remain to be considered. I accept that there may not be answers to them! Are there any other flights that I have missed? What about the High Altitude Flight at Boscombe Down? And the one at Bari? Are there any aircraft I have missed? Or photos? Is there an additional data source for the 1943 Mk IXs in Italy? Were the Ju86s in the Middle East R1s or P2s? Is there an answer to the Bing Cross questions: 252 wing? 219 group? 274 squadron? Where does BS354 fit in? Did BS343 have a role? It seems a bit rough to ship it all that way for spares but they would have been needed. Were Mk VIIs ever modified in squadron service as suggested by Alfred Price? 124 Squadron did continue with “SS” flights after the move from Northolt. Is there any more biography for Reynolds or Gold? Is there any more information on Jimmy Nelson’s Mosquito accident? What is an FIXT? MA399 is given this description in Spitfire the History along with 16 others. Is it really a tropical F Mk IX? What did Crosby & Co do for the tropical Mk Vs? The company is mentioned on 63 entries in the production database, all Malta or Middle East Vbs and Vcs. What is standard camo for Middle East from 1943? Which is the third Northolt IX? Were any of the other Northolt aircraft apart from BS273 modified?

I would like to say I had finished but I still have a series of questions that I am going to think about. See the next post.

I will investigate canopies and I am definitely going to look at paint patterns for desert Spitfires. One I came across recently was this photo of AB326 which flew the first Spitfire operation in the desert and I think is an example of exchanged colours. This photo is during the training phase before operations started as it has no aircraft letter.

And a complete aside. Googling Galitzine I found that his son Emanuel (known as Manny) won a poetry competition in the local paper for my home county, West Sussex. Of course it mentions Spitfires! https://www.westsussextoday.co.uk/news/mannys-prize-winning-poetry-prince-2428994

A quick postscript. Many of the aircraft had a life after their period as special high fliers. Some ended up in Squadron service. One went to the Armee de l’air, some to the REAF and some to the RHAF. One of the Northolt VIIs ended up on the Shoeburyness ranges for testing explosive decompression. Galitzines’s BS273 was shot down in France in the Summer of 1943. I assume that they had most of the modifications removed!

Northolt SS Flight Aircraft operated by the SS Flight at Northolt from August 1942 to January 1943 when they transferred to 124 Squadron at North Weald: VI - BR318, BR326, BR585 VII - AB450, BS121, BS142, EN285 IX - BR639, BS271, BS273 BR318 left the SS Flight and transferred to 616 Squadron 8.10.42 BR585 left the SS Flight and transferred to 124 Squadron 10.10.42 BR639 crashed at North Weald after moving from Northolt but before transferring to 124 Squadron. I have only found three of the planes in photos: BS142, BS273 and AB450 BS142 (2nd production VII) in its delivery colours - Day Fighter Scheme with sky band https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Spitfire/Spitfire/pages/Factory-fresh-Spitfire-MkVII-RAF-BS142-England-Sep-1942-web-01.html BS273 in its delivery colours - Day Fighter Scheme with sky band, incorrect serial BF273. http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spitfire-IX.html For the modified version of BS273 the details are: Modifications wooden propeller armour removed machine guns removed special lightweight finish normal wingtips. Colour scheme The flight were told to paint it PRU blue (and this is the colour specified by AZ Models) but Galitzine describes “a special lightweight finish, which gave it a colour rather like Cambridge blue” (hence DK opt for Sky blue). Other details are unknown but we could assume B roundels consistent with these colours, PR fin flash, serials and no aircraft code but it all seems to be a guess. AB450 is the prototype VII converted from a Mk V. Photos in Day Fighter Scheme exist: https://www.destinationsjourney.com/historical-military-photographs/supermarine-spitfire-mk-vii/?amp=1 https://i0.wp.com/www.destinationsjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/AB450-Converted-from-a-V.jpg?w=750&ssl=1 https://i0.wp.com/www.destinationsjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Spitfire-Mk.V-converted-to-prototype-Mk.VII-AB450.jpg?w=750&ssl=1 https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Spitfire/Prototypes/pages/Spitfire-7-Proyotype-AB450-1942-01.html and photos in apparently High Altitude Scheme exist: https://royalaviationmuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Col-Beverley-Christmas-640x250.jpg Colourised: https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Spitfire/Prototypes/pages/Spitfire-VII-prototype-converted-from-a-Spitfire-V-AB450-and-later-served-with-the-Special-Service.html The fitting of the fin guard that is seen in the Day Fighter photos is on the database after the painting in the trial colours. In the High Altitude scheme there is no fin guard and no cannons either. The timescale of the modifications and paint schemes is therefore confused. But it does seem reasonable that at some stage it was painted: • Day Fighter Scheme (with the fin guard, no sky band or yellow leading edge, dark spinner) • High Altitude Scheme (no guard, no cannons, note fin flash with white stripe and pale spinner, possibly white, and under wing roundels) • PR blue upper/deep sky (No.2 pattern) under surfaces AB450 (in high altitude scheme) and BS273 (as BF273 in sky blue) are on the DK Decals set https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dk-decals-72046-spitfire-mk-vi-vii-ix--1096910

1944 Mk IXs in Middle East Mk IXs used by various Squadrons (94, 213, 9 SAAF, 10 SAAF, 41 SAAF) in the Eastern Med (Egypt, Palestine and Cyprus) between April and November 1944. Five, possibly all six, are in photos. Operated to the marker/striker combination. Photos can be found here : https://www.key.aero/forum/historic-aviation/84234-special-lightened-high-altitude-african-spitfires Modifications Strikers - MA504, MA792, MH931 Machine guns removed Radio removed Armour removed IFF removed Extended wing tips of local design Markers - MH946, MH993, MJ227 Cannons removed Armour removed IFF removed Extended wing tips of local design Colour scheme Natural Metal Finish all over, darker on the armoured panel over the fuel tank. No markings other than serials. MA504 and MH946 are on the DK Decals set https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dk-decals-72046-spitfire-mk-vi-vii-ix--1096910

1943 IXs in Italy Six Mk IXs used by a High-Altitude Flight attached to 1 Squadron SAAF in Sicily and Italy between September and November 1943. There are no photos that I have found so far. Known serials: MA251, MA565 (A/C “6”), so four unknown Modifications Machine guns removed Armour removed IFF removed Colour scheme Unknown. Reference in a log book to “Blue baby”. Could be anything: Light Mediterranean Blue? High Altitude Scheme? The latter is in use in Italy at this time. I’m expecting them to be numbered but with no squadron code. As 1 SAAF has Vs and VIIIs together during this period the VIIIs have aircraft numbers instead of letters already but with a squadron code.

1943 Mk IXs in Middle East Mk IXs used by 103 MU with 451 Squadron from June(ish) 1943 onwards and by 80 and 74 squadrons in 1943. I can identify four special aircraft and one possible. BS342 appears in two photos; one in the Ducimus book and this one https://www.alamy.com/supermarine-spitfire-mkixc-bs342-238-sqd-1943-image69929307.html EN399 which I have yet to see (photo is in a book that is in the post) [update: book has now arrived. photo identified by the pilot as being EN399 in a completely unpainted scheme with no serials either. It is in use as it is plugged in, with the cockpit open. The photo is from three-quarters behind so armament can not be confirmed.] JK980 is in one photo that I have seen: https://rnzaf.proboards.com/thread/23661/don-subritzky-photo-collection?page=5 http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Spitfire.jpg JL228 is not photographed but is used by 451 squadron in high altitude interceptions and later by 80 Squadron BS354 possibly appears in one photo that I have not seen; “possibly” because the plane in question has no serial so is identified speculatively. I have not seen BS354 in any of the ORBs in a special role. From March 1944 it is flying with 213 Squadron and is included as a Mk IX (standard). Modifications Extended wing tips, BS342 and JK980 have Aboukir filter (cannot say on the others). Combat reports for these planes all show cannon only so machine guns are assumed to be removed and holes covered. I would assume that they lose armour too as that is consistent with the other specials but I have yet to see a definitive reference. In December EN399 is flown by 74 Squadron for a R/T test suggesting they keep the radio but no mast is visible on the photos of BS342. JK980 does however have a radio mast. Colour scheme BS342 is High Altitude Scheme in both photos, the Ducimus one with a dark spinner (black in the AZ model and the DK Decals but could presumably be red) and the second one with a light spinner, presumably Medium Sea Grey. EN399 is interpreted as bare metal [update: no serials] JK980 is High Altitude Scheme with light roundels, no aircraft letter, black serials, MSG spinner. BS354 photo is interpreted as all over pale blue. If all four of these aircraft were developed by 103 MU I’m at a loss to see why they would be in different colours but it is possible, and it is also possible that the colour scheme evolved over time. These specials are supported by a cast who are not photographed in any special colours, nor specified as being modified: IXs: JK641, MA399, MA455, MA456, MA478, MA504 Vs used after JK641 and MA504 are damaged: ES303, ES359, JG803, JK138 MA399 (“C”) plus one other is in the background of the Ducimus picture of BS342. They are in a camouflage scheme, with aircraft letters, but too poor quality to discern tones. The second one seems to have “S” and I suspect is MA456. MA456 is in a photo https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C275616 taken later when with 451 Squadron in what looks like desert, pale colour through the cockpit in similar tone to the yellow ring round the roundel, dark spinner, presumably dull red. BS343 is shipped with BS342 but not mentioned anywhere that I have seen. BS342 and JK980 (both In high altitude) are on the DK Decals set https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dk-decals-72046-spitfire-mk-vi-vii-ix--1096910

Mk VI Markers Six Mk VIs shipped to Egypt via Takoradi specifically for the High-altitude role, arriving in October 1942. Three are subsequently used from February 1943 by 680 Squadron which is a PRU. No trace of them after August 1943 when the last is returned to 103 MU. BS124 (“A”) https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234951708-spitfire-mkvc-103-mu-at-aboukir/&do=findComment&comment=3602311 and BS134 (“C”) https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235088896-special-high-altitude-spitfires/&do=findComment&comment=4010465 and https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234951708-spitfire-mkvc-103-mu-at-aboukir/&do=findComment&comment=3981373 are in photos at the same time as BR114, my suggestion is at Shandur as the photos are associated with 6 Squadron which had a training flight there and the Delta Defence Flight was also there. BS106, BS133, BS149, BS427 are the other four. BS106, BS133 and BS149 are the three used by 680 squadron. Modifications No machine guns, Vokes air filter (I suppose that these six planes could all have been tropicalised before leaving the UK so might already have the Vokes filter, bigger oil tank and pressurised fuel tank). Colour scheme Open to interpretation. I would be happy with a standard desert scheme as are DK decals. BS124 is on the DK Decals set https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dk-decals-72046-spitfire-mk-vi-vii-ix--1096910 There are no photos of them in their PRU role so any model would be speculative (which I am not above doing). I can see a mixed Bosun Blue FR VI with machine guns deleted, oblique camera, Vokes filter, 90 gallon slipper tank, pale blue roundels, grey serial BS133, no fin flash.

Mk V Markers Mk Vs that are used to support the modified Strikers in the Marker role. These may have no modifications at all but the ADF serials database suggests that BP981 had some performance modifications. On some operations Hurricanes are used for the support role. BP981, BP987 are probably included in this photo as this has to come from a period before J A Cox’s disappearance and the 451 Squadron ORB suggests only three Spitfires at this stage with all others being Hurricanes: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C50551 There is not much detail to see. Main thing to note is the three-bladed props. Other Mk V markers include BR586, EP192 and ER504 but no photos so no suggestion of colour schemes other than presumed to be fairly standard desert markings.

Modified Mk Vs Mk Vs modified by 103 MU at Aboukir and used from June 1942 right the way through to June 1943. They are variously used by 94, 123, 145, 451 and 601 Squadrons as well as the MU/Delta Defence Flight. BR114 is the only one that appears in photographs and at three different stages. Modifications: This list is derived from various documents and photos plus the earlier really helpful post from @Dave Swindell. Removal of all armour-plating, including the windscreen though frame retained Removal of machine guns, followed by replacing the cannon with machine guns, probably 0.5” Brownings Removal of the Vokes filter and replacement with an Aboukir filter Increased compression ratio Deep cowl over the oil tank Gun heating pipes removed from the exhaust and additional piping from the exhaust, purpose unknown. Extended wing tips of local design without navigation lights Four blade prop (but not from a Mk VI as they are not in the Middle East at this stage) Canopy does not look standard appearing very straight-sided Radio removed when Markers introduced; including plating over the radio hatch Oil cooler with enlarged outlet Also suggested in the contemporary report that the rudder control was lightened and bolts shortened to save weight. These modifications seem to have been made sequentially, may not all have been made to all examples and may have been changed back subsequently. The Mk Vs in 1943 appear to have a much lower ceiling than in 1942 so I wonder if they resorted to a standard compression ratio for ease of maintenance when in squadron service. Colour Scheme: Photos of BR114 are all on this topic courtesy of @Magpie22: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234951708-spitfire-mkvc-103-mu-at-aboukir/&do=findComment&comment=3602311 Photo 1 is the Aeroplane Spotter photo reproduced in the August 2009 Flypast. http://village.photos/images/user/81f74b86-49c1-40c0-922c-7b213cd5613f/932132ce-ac63-4687-994b-98daf9b54406.jpg I think this suggests an overall pale colour scheme with B roundels. Could be Sky, Sky Blue, Mediterranean Light Blue? Photo set 2 is the accompaniment to the Mk VI Markers late in 1942 with aircraft letter “B” https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Spitfire/Spitfire/pages/Spitfire-MkVc-RAF-103-Maintenance-Unit-BR114-in-Aboukir-Eygpt-1943-web-01.html This shows a camouflage in B pattern, presumably earth/stone over blue. Hard to say which blue as it is all in deep shadow. I commented that I was not expecting to see a V in B pattern as it should have stopped before the V production but I keep seeing them now. If the earlier plane was BR114 then it must have been repainted by this time. My guess is that the MU in Aboukir had both sets of masks and carried on using them. There is a lot of filler/primer on this one – various colours proposed: brick red, white, silver. It looks pale but not white, paler than stone, not much red in it. The size of the stripe by the fuel tank suggests paint to me rather than filler so maybe primer grey? Light colour spinner. This image: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234951708-spitfire-mkvc-103-mu-at-aboukir/&do=findComment&comment=3605135 dated 1942 from http://www.joewillis.co.uk/JAWillis/1942.htm shows underside not so dark after all. This also shows the bare metal nose to the oil cooler. And then thirdly at 451 Squadron in 1943 http://village.photos/images/user/81f74b86-49c1-40c0-922c-7b213cd5613f/217423a4-7c5a-44f2-9efa-7dff53adacbf.jpg Repainted with the occasional stencil but still in B pattern, again presumed desert scheme but now with dark spinner, maybe dull red. The other aircraft that I have identified are BP985, BR234, BR363 and BR487. BP985 does get lot of mentions in histories but only occurs occasionally in the ORBs. BR234 is the one lost by Genders in September. BR363 keeps cropping up in various places, as does BR487 but not in any photos sadly. Some have previous operational experience and presumably end up at Aboukir for repair. BR363 arrives from Malta with 601 Squadron. BR234 and BR487 are Nigerstown diversions that should have gone to Australia. These last two would presumably have to have been re-painted locally after the ferry flight from Takoradi anyway. BR114 (from the second set of photos in desert scheme) and BR234 (in overall sky blue) are on the DK Decals Set https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dk-decals-72046-spitfire-mk-vi-vii-ix--1096910

I'm now ready for a summary. This concentrates on the modelling aspects, i.e. modifications and colour scheme, rather than operational as that was my original objective when I started. I'm going to put each category in its own post as follows: Modified Mk Vs Mk V Markers Mk VI Markers 1943 Mk IXs in Middle East 1943 Mk IXs in Italy 1944 Mk IXs in Middle East Northolt I'm going to repeat a point from my first post: "I'm no expert on modelling or Spitfires and will certainly update stuff when I'm challenged." and this one: "I won't be posting photos but will link to them where appropriate." I have covered a lot of ground and I am sure to make a mistake somewhere along the way.

I'm not sure about the reference to 219 Group in the previous post. The relevant chapter of Cross's book starts "252 Wing ... had come up in the world by April 1942 ... It had been upgraded to a Group, No 219 with me in command" . The internet suggests that 219 Group was not formed until December 1942.