Source: Boot, Henry . – Gifts of war : Spitfires and other presentation aircraft in two world wars / . – Tonbridge : Air-Britain (Historians), 2005 . – 0851302483 – assume his main sources were RAF Forms 78. 1180 & CWGC.
Lytham St Annes was a MkVb, Serial No. W3644 bought with a donation of £6000 presented in April 1941 & was taken on charge at No. 6 M.U. on 16 July 1941. Sent to Air Service Training at Hamble on 1 Aug 1941 for repairs, these being completed 27 Sept & delivered to No. 6 M.U. Brize Norton 3 days later. Sent to No. 1 Civilain Repair Unit at Cowley on 24 Oct & awaiting collection on 1 Feb. 1942. Flown to No. 37 M.U. Burtonwood on 11th Feb & allocated to No. 19 Squadron on 16 Apr – unit flying Ramrod & Rhubarb ops from Hutton Cranswick. On 23 June W3644 was shot down by Fw 190s of JG2 & crashed into sea south of Star Point. Its pilot – 20 year old Sgt A.L. Ridings 1058734 of Middleton, Lancs. is commemorated on Panel 92 of the Runnymede memorial.
This book also has a photo of the “artwork” on W3644 – source quoted as IWM Ref. HU88780.
Excellent stuff, thank you very much. Does anybody know were Star Point
is?
Regards Phil.