Hi, I wonder if anyone would have some info/pics of spitty serial number W3529? It was a presentation spit Mk Vb called “Caithness” I found this info on a website during a routine google search, but no more info is to be found.
Just thought Id see if the clever bods here would know any more?
Thanks,
Barry
By: miniman - 19th January 2007 at 09:53
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
By: Mark12 - 19th January 2007 at 09:42
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
By: QldSpitty - 19th January 2007 at 09:35
Cheers.
Why would it have been bounced around squadrons like that?
Luck of the draw I think…..
By: miniman - 19th January 2007 at 09:12
Why would it have been bounced around squadrons like that?
I was interested because it was called Caithness. Thats my neck of the woods. Now ive got to find a pic and make a model of it! “Not another”, I can hear the missus saying.
Thanks,
Barry
By: Moggy C - 19th January 2007 at 09:08
Morgan/Shacklady gives
1847 Chattis Hill ‘Caithness’
First Flown 5-7-41
24MU 7-7-41
452Sq 5-8-41
Flying Accident Cat A damage 21-2-42
129Sq 8-3-42
131Sq 22-10-42
To Vickers Supermarine 18-11-42 Fuel system mods and wing stiffening
610Sq 27-1-43
310Sq 30-6-43
313Sq 24-7-43
402Sq 4-12-43
Scottish Aviation Limited 13-6-44
57 OTU 4-10-44
577Sq 14-6-45
Struck off charge 25-10-45
Moggy
By: miniman - 19th January 2007 at 09:00
Hi there, It was first used by 452 sqdn apparently. I then have it listed in 129, 131, 610, 310, 313, 402, and 577 squadrons. I dont know what the score is with all these squadrons though. It seems a bit weird to me.
Thanks for helping.
Barry:)
By: QldSpitty - 19th January 2007 at 08:48
She wasn,t in Australia…
Just searched through the Adf serials and she didn,t serve here in Australia.The only Vb in service here was ER735 .Was she 457,453 or 452 squadron?
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January 18, 2007 at 1:55 pm