452, the first RAAF Squadron in Fighter Command was formed in the UK in April 1941 at Kirton-in-Lindsey.

The personnel set sail for Australia for the defence of Darwin in June 1942.

W3529 was ‘on charge’ in the UK rather than Australia and in consequence is not regarded in the conventional sense as an RAAF Spitfire with an A-58 serial.

The full history of both the ‘Caithness’ Spitfires, including a photo, can be found on page 90 of the ‘Air Britain’ book Gifts of War.

Mark

Great info Mark. You say “both”, were there two of them?
I will have to get a copy of the book you describe. What were the code numbers in the pic, and what squadron? That would be a good start for a model.
Im nearly finished building a Mk Vb, the “Prinses Beatrix”, from the Dutch 322 sqdn. I can post pics of her if you lot wouldnt mind, or would like to see her.
Thanks,
Barry