History
Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX, R.A.F. Serial MH603 was built by Vickers Armstrongs at Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory, with construction number CBAF.IX.5589 delivered to 39.M.U. Colerne on the 15 October 1943. It was first taken on charge by 405 A.R.F. at Croydon.
Its first squadron was 331 (Norwegian) Squadron, and was flown on operations by Capt. Bjorn Bjornstad. According to the AM78 it was taken on charge on the 3rd January 1944. But it was first flown on the 2nd January 1944 and was coded FN-B.
Its next move was to 6.M.U.Brize Norton on the 9th March 1944. From the 1 June until 11 August 1944, where it was flown by W/O.S.G.Barker of 274 Squadron, under the command of S/Ldr. J.F. (Stocky) Edwards.
On the 21st August 1944 it was taken on charge by the Flight Leaders School at Milfield. It was transferred on an unknown date to the Central Flying Establishment Langmere. It suffered a flying accident, category B, and was sent to Air Service Training Hamble, to be R.I.W. and was ready for collection on the 25th September 1945, and then went to 33.M.U.Lyneham Wiltshire. It was recorded at the Air Ministry Home Census of March 1946, and was selected for sale to South Africa on the 15th October 1948, and went to 47 M.U. at Sealand for packing. ME603 sailed from Birkenhead on the 2nd February 1949 for South Africa on the S.S. Clan Campbell. She arrived in South Africa on the 16 March 1949.
 Nothing is known about its South African service at this time. It was obtained by Steven Atkins and sold to John Sykes, who started rebuilding it to an airworthy standard. The aircraft was sold to Dr. Joe Scogna of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the project was moved to Q.G. Aviation in Fort Collins, Colorado.
In April 2008, Spitfire IX MH603 was purchased by Provenance Fighter Sales
In February 2009 the Spitfire was purchased by Pay’s from Provenance Fighter Sales who had ownership of the aircraft since April 2008. The restoration will take place in Scone by Pay’s and will be restored as authentically as possible. |
