MERLIN TYPE XLV ENGINE

Hello, my name is David. I am assisting a French Historian in researching a Spitfire crash site in Normandy.

This site was only located a few weeks ago, and currently the Merlin engine, complete with ID plates, and 2 x 20 mm guns have been located and retrieved.

I am wondering if anybody could advise me on how to link the engine ID plate information to an airframe – construction or aircraft number.

We want to research further into the pilot and squadron information, however with only the engine ID details we have little to go on so far.

The engine is a Merlin type XLV No 67319 – A 280002.

Were there manufacturing archives for Spitfire which listed aircraft, engine, and airframe numbers.

We also found a propeller housing, which revealed it was a 3 blade Spitfire, so a possible V series aircraft.

I would appreciate any advise on how I can possibly identify this aircraft. If anybody can help us I would be willing to share the backstory of what we have researched so far, along with photographs and updates on the archaeology in Normandy. 

Please contact me for further information.

Thank you

David