Spitfires Mk.IX over Africa - photos needed please

[DominikS]

Hello!

I'm looking for photos of Spitfires Mk.IX used in North Africa. I've already found some photos but not many. Could you, if not a problem for you, post here every photo you can find. I'm waiting for Eduard's Early Mark IX Spits and I would like to build as many as possible (although I'm almost 100% sure that there won't be any Desert Spitfire in the box). So for the start I planning to build Skalski Circus Spits and Colin Gray's Spitfire (I'm a happy owner of Victory Aces of the Empire so can build one).

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers

Dom

[Daniel Cox]

Hi Dom,

As far as I am aware there aren't many extant photographs of what you seek that said you would be best served by investing in the following publications; Polish Wings 13, Supermarine Spitfire IX 1942-1943, (highly recommended) and Spitfire The ANZACs (recommended) plus if you search through some of what is available at either the Imperial War Museum, RAF Museum and or the Australian War Memorial you may find more of what you seek.

Cheers,

Daniel.

[NPL]

quite something here, although mainly American:

Ludwig, Paul and Malcom Laird, American Spitfire: Camouflage and Markings (Ventura Publications: Wellington N.Z., 1998).

Ludwig, Paul and Malcom Laird, American Spitfire: Camouflage and Markings. Part 2 (Wellington N.Z., Ventura Publications, 1999).

and then you have this:

Thomas, Andrew, Spitfire Aces of North Africa and Italy (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces, 98. West Bay, Botley: Osprey Publishing, 2011).

It isn't so bad after all

NPL

[Stefaan]

Hi Dominik.

The SAAF had Desert Mk IX's at end of Desert, Sicily campaign. Thier Codes were AX.

SAAF no 9, 11, 41 sqdn had IX's but that was after the Desert campaign. Thye were operating much more East of usual Allied guys after 1943.

There are number of sites and books, so you can google and see what you get.

Hope it helps

Stefaan

[derek burton]

Try herehttp://hannesfaure.yolasite.com/photographs.php lots to trawl through very interesting and i am sure there are MkIX`s.

Dek.

[Jennings Heilig]

A short history lesson is in order here:

The very first Mk.IXs entered squadron service in late 1942.

The Africa campaign was effectively over by early 1943. The Afrika Korps and the Italians surrendered in May '43.

There was very little opportunity for the Mk.IX to participate in the actual fighting on the continent of Africa before the surrender of Axis forces there (if any). Certainly they flew in desert camouflage during the Sicily campaign and on up into Italy, but in Africa proper, not likely.

[JasonC]

A quick search shows that the very first Mk IX's entered service in July 1942.

I was also under the impression that they served in North Africa with the Polish Fighting Team, presumably in desert camouflage?

Regards,

Jason

Edited September 14, 2013 by JasonC

[DominikS]

Hi Guys

Thanks for every info. I've all the books mentioned above. Nonetheless, thank you. I also try to spend some time on IWM website. Yet it's sometimes hard to find needed pics.

@Jennings - I am quite aware when they came to Africa (the PFT was one of the firs units to get them).

Being lucky owner of "Luck of the Draw" book I found there nice photo of 92 squadron's Mark IX QJ-10. I also found QJ-3 in one book (I think Airlife's Spitfire Mk.VI-24). Are there any other photos of this unit?

I also want to build 72 squadron's Spit IX "PAT", are there other photos apart of the one in Osprey's book?

[Daniel Cox]

A short history lesson is in order here:

The very first Mk.IXs entered squadron service in late 1942.

The Africa campaign was effectively over by early 1943. The Afrika Korps and the Italians surrendered in May '43.

There was very little opportunity for the Mk.IX to participate in the actual fighting on the continent of Africa before the surrender of Axis forces there (if any). Certainly they flew in desert camouflage during the Sicily campaign and on up into Italy, but in Africa proper, not likely.

Hi All,

An accurate history lesson is in order here:

The very first Mk IX's entered squadron service in June of 1942 and became operational 28 July 1942 with 64 Sqn RAF.

Jason is correct, the Polish Combat Team flew the Spitfire Mk IX aircraft on operations during the North African campaign. 145 Sqn RAF which the Polish Combat Team was allocated to, converted to the Spitfire Mk IX during late March 1943. The Polish Combat Team also known as the Polish Fighting Team initially operated from Bu Grara thence La fauconnerie, Goubrine, Helga and finally in Ben Gardane late in May 1943. The Polish Flight was subsequently disbanded following the end of the North African Campaign.

Shown below are some extracts from the Operations Record Books of 92 Sqn and 145 Sqn RAF which prove that the Spitfire Mk IX not only served during the North African campaign but also was involved in combat as well with more than one unit;

92 (EAST INDIA) SQUADRON.

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.446 S/L.W.Harper. Ops. 1040 1150

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.458. P./O.R.Probert. Ops.1040 1150

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.308. F./O.B.Baker. Ops.1040 1150

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.152. P./Wilson. Ops.1040 1150

Top cover to 601 Squadron,on sweep over Cekbira Area.

Saw 2 Me 109's in Square Z.05. S/L.W.Harper fired from

300 yards but makes no claim.

145 SQUADRON

Bu. Grara. 1943. 6th Apl.

5 Polish F.9's were more successful in a late afternoon patrol. 5 109's were encountered South of Cekhina. F/Lt. Horbaczewski attacked one 109 and saw the pilot bale out. (the parachute failed to open) at Z.2365. He was attacked in turn by another E/A. and his engine caught fire. He turned onto his back to bale out, but the fire went out and he glided to Gabes. A/C. Cat. 2. F/O. Wyskowski got in behind the 109 attacking F/Lt. Horbaczewski and damaged it considerably before being obliged to break off by another E/A. on his own tail. This a/c. is claimed as a Probable. W/O. Majchrzyk damaged a third 109 before he had to evade 2 109's approaching from 1,500' above. The rest of the patrols were without incident.

6-4-43 EN315 F/O Wyskowski Ops 14-55 16-15 Patrol over Bomb Line

6-4-43 EN300 W/O Majchrzyk Ops 14-55 16-15 Patrol over Bomb Line

6-4-43 EN459 F/L Horbaczewski Ops 14-55 / Patrol over Bomb Line landed at Gabes

Despite presumptive claims to the contrary the Spitfire Mk IX saw ample opportunity to participate in actual fighting on the continent of Africa and did in fact see combat during the North African campaign over Africa proper.

Cheers,

Daniel.

P.S. Hi Dom, One unfortunate thing regarding the IWM website is that not all of the IWM's collection is currently available online in either browsable form or readily purchased form. As to photos of 92 Squadron Spitfire IX aircraft I haven't seen many pictures of Mk IX's from 92 Sqn excempting EN458 in 'Ted' Sly's book of course, there are however a number of images that show 92 Sqn Spitfire Mk VIII aircraft in Italy.

[DominikS]

So I decided to refresh old meat. I've been searching for the photos of Spitfire Mk.IX used by the RAFin N.Africa. So far I've found the following photos (all from the Internet):

I have also this profile, although I've seen the photo (profile taken from Russian website).

There are also numerous photos of Spitfires used by Polish pilots of the Polish Fighting Team.

I'll be very grateful for any help with the photos of RAF, SAAF and USAAF Spitfires IX used in N.Africa. Because, as I have already mention, I'd like to build as many African Nines as possible.

[Jennings Heilig]

Those are undoubtedly desert camouflaged airplanes, but what's to say those photos aren't taken in Sicily or Italy?? It may have happened, but I've not heard specifically of the Mk.IX having taken part in the North African campaign..

According to "the Bible" (Morgan & Shacklady) EN152 never served in North Africa. She went from Gibraltar to Malta to Sicily (in July '43). EN458 (top photo) appears to have been in the same group, but never made it to Sicily.

[Graham Boak]

You are probably right about particular photographs being taken in Sicily or Italy, but despite this there is absolutely no doubt that the Mk.IX did see combat in North Africa in the hands of the Polish Fighting Team/145 Sq and 92 Sq. See the extracts from the Operational Record Books for April 1943 in post 9. From memory, the Mk.IXs were also used as top cover for the fighters intercepting the large Luftwaffe transport flights near the end of the campaign.

I suggest a reading of the classic Fighters Over Tunisia for more detail, but this will no doubt be covered more fully in the forthcoming volume 3 of Chris Shore's new History of the Mediterranean Air War.

Edited to remove the assumption that J was right about EN152.

Edited September 29, 2014 by Graham Boak

[Troy Smith]

Those are undoubtedly desert camouflaged airplanes, but what's to say those photos aren't taken in Sicily or Italy?? It may have happened, but I've not heard specifically of the Mk.IX having taken part in the North African campaign..

Always helps to read a thread first.

Hi All,

An accurate history lesson is in order here:

The very first Mk IX's entered squadron service in June of 1942 and became operational 28 July 1942 with 64 Sqn RAF.

Jason is correct, the Polish Combat Team flew the Spitfire Mk IX aircraft on operations during the North African campaign. 145 Sqn RAF which the Polish Combat Team was allocated to, converted to the Spitfire Mk IX during late March 1943. The Polish Combat Team also known as the Polish Fighting Team initially operated from Bu Grara thence La fauconnerie, Goubrine, Helga and finally in Ben Gardane late in May 1943. The Polish Flight was subsequently disbanded following the end of the North African Campaign.

Shown below are some extracts from the Operations Record Books of 92 Sqn and 145 Sqn RAF which prove that the Spitfire Mk IX not only served during the North African campaign but also was involved in combat as well with more than one unit;

92 (EAST INDIA) SQUADRON.

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.446 S/L.W.Harper. Ops. 1040 1150

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.458. P./O.R.Probert. Ops.1040 1150

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.308. F./O.B.Baker. Ops.1040 1150

6/4/43. Spitfires. IX.EN.152. P./Wilson. Ops.1040 1150

Top cover to 601 Squadron,on sweep over Cekbira Area.

Saw 2 Me 109's in Square Z.05. S/L.W.Harper fired from

300 yards but makes no claim.

145 SQUADRON

Bu. Grara. 1943. 6th Apl.

5 Polish F.9's were more successful in a late afternoon patrol. 5 109's were encountered South of Cekhina. F/Lt. Horbaczewski attacked one 109 and saw the pilot bale out. (the parachute failed to open) at Z.2365. He was attacked in turn by another E/A. and his engine caught fire. He turned onto his back to bale out, but the fire went out and he glided to Gabes. A/C. Cat. 2. F/O. Wyskowski got in behind the 109 attacking F/Lt. Horbaczewski and damaged it considerably before being obliged to break off by another E/A. on his own tail. This a/c. is claimed as a Probable. W/O. Majchrzyk damaged a third 109 before he had to evade 2 109's approaching from 1,500' above. The rest of the patrols were without incident.

6-4-43 EN315 F/O Wyskowski Ops 14-55 16-15 Patrol over Bomb Line

6-4-43 EN300 W/O Majchrzyk Ops 14-55 16-15 Patrol over Bomb Line

6-4-43 EN459 F/L Horbaczewski Ops 14-55 / Patrol over Bomb Line landed at Gabes

Despite presumptive claims to the contrary the Spitfire Mk IX saw ample opportunity to participate in actual fighting on the continent of Africa and did in fact see combat during the North African campaign over Africa proper.

Cheers,

Daniel.

[Daniel Cox]

Hi All,

Shown below following damage received during 6 April 1943 at Gabès, Tunisia, is a North African Campaign (10 June 1940 to 13 May 1943) Spitfire FIX: EN459 of the Polish Combat Team that was attached to 145 Squadron (Sqn), Royal Air Force (RAF).

145 SQUADRON

Bu. Grara. 1943. 6th Apl.

5 Polish F.9's were more successful in a late afternoon patrol. 5 109's were encountered South of Cekhina. F/Lt. Horbaczewski attacked one 109 and saw the pilot bale out. (the parachute failed to open) at Z.2365. He was attacked in turn by another E/A. and his engine caught fire. He turned onto his back to bale out, but the fire went out and he glided to Gabes. A/C. Cat. 2. F/O. Wyskowski got in behind the 109 attacking F/Lt. Horbaczewski and damaged it considerably before being obliged to break off by another E/A. on his own tail. This a/c. is claimed as a Probable. W/O. Majchrzyk damaged a third 109 before he had to evade 2 109's approaching from 1,500' above. The rest of the patrols were without incident.

6-4-43 EN315 F/O Wyskowski Ops 14-55 16-15 Patrol over Bomb Line

6-4-43 EN300 W/O Majchrzyk Ops 14-55 16-15 Patrol over Bomb Line

6-4-43 EN459 F/L Horbaczewski Ops 14-55 / Patrol over Bomb Line landed at Gabes

It is also worth noting that Spitfire FIX: EN458 of 92 Sqn, RAF was also flown by Flying Officer (F/O), 402810, Edward (Ted) Lyell Livingstone SLY, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during 12 & 15 April 1943 following flying Spitfire IX's with 92 Sqn from 24 March 1943.

For further images of Spitfire IX aircraft from the North African Campaign, I recommend purchasing the Stratus title, Polish Wings 13 - Supermarine Spitfire IX 1942-1943 by Wojtek Matusiak.

Cheers,

Daniel.

[Daniel Cox]

According to "the Bible" (Morgan & Shacklady) EN152 never served in North Africa. She went from Gibraltar to Malta to Sicily (in July '43).

Spitfire FIX EN152 did serve in the North African Campaign with 92 Sqn as evidenced below.

Incidentally according to his log book and the Operations Record Book (ORB) of 92 Sqn, EN152 was also flown by Ted Sly during 25, 26 & 27 March 1943. Shown below is an entry from the 92 Sqn ORB that notes EN152 as flown by Ted Sly.

In Morgan & Shacklady (2000), EN152 is noted as being "NWA 31-3", as far as I am aware NWA refers to North West Africa.

Cheers,

Daniel.

[VoyTech]

Non-Polish 145 Sqn pilots also flew PFT Spitfire IXs, and there were some Mk IXs delivered directly to 145 Sqn proper in the same period. S/Ldr Lance Wade, commanding 145, had his own personal Mk IX, EN186, in which he scored 3-0-1 victories during April 1943. Available photos show this Spitfire without any codes. Some veterans of the squadron remembered that it was known as 'Bluebird' because its camouflage was not the standard Desert Scheme.

[DominikS]

@Daniel

Thank you for your involement which is very helpful.

The biggest problem with African Spitfires Mk.IX is rather poor quality of the photos. The best are those with Polish Spitfires of the PFT. I wish there were more.

@VoyTech

I assume that you are the author of Polskie Skrzydła about Spitfires Mk.IX. Do happen to have access to other photos of "Bluebird" apart of that in the first part of the book?

Frankly speaking it's very strange that one can find so many photos of different aircraft used by Allies in Africa, but Spitfires.

So let's keep fingers crossed that someone will find a huge set of Spitfire IXs (but not only) pictures from Africa.

[VoyTech]

Dominik, I think there may have been some photos of EN186 at IWM. Go to their website and search for the name of Lance Wade.