I have a P8 ‘M’ series compass that i am trying to find out more information on, and would value some help.
It has an Air Ministry plate, is painted in Dark Admiralty Grey and is marked with a reference number 6A/726. The rim of the compass face shows that it is a P8M compass No. 136106 B.
The box it is in, is stamped to say it was examined 25 June 1941 in Glasgow, and again on 29 December 1941 at a location i can not read. I understand however from internet research that whilst early versions of the Supermarine Spitfire (plus the Hurricane and Typhoon) were fitted with the P8 standard type Air Ministry magnetic compass, the unit was modified later in the war with what the report calls “the rare P8 M”. I am trying to find out more on what aircraft the compass should be from, if indeed the P8M is from later in the war than the box indicates and if the ‘M’ type is rare as the web research suggests.
It is fully functioning, in good condition with all its fluid intact and working springs, if slightly creaky. With thanks in advance, Nick.
[email]nicholas.ellins@btinternet.com[/email]
By: Bruce - 10th August 2008 at 07:27
I’ve got three or four of them, all from Ebay over the years, so I dont think they are particularly rare.
I suspect that many of the earlier P8’s were modded to P8M status over time, and are directly interchangeable.
Bruce
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August 9, 2008 at 7:19 pm