Spitfire at RAF Coltishall

Is there anybody out there who remembers the Coltishall Spitfire when it was the RAF’s only Firestreak-equipped Spitfire?

It was 1961, 23 Sqdn’s Javelins were moved out to Horsham St Faith and 74’s Lightnings were trying out the delights of their soon-to-be new home at Leuchars. Coltishall’s temporary occupants were the Lightnings of 56 and 111 Sqdn while Wattisham’s runways were repaired. At the end of the detachment, the visitors decided that a small gesture was appropriate and one dark night, the dummy Firestreaks standing either side of the doors to Station Headquarters were magic-ed away. The following morning they were to be found hanging by lashing tape, one under each wing of the Spitfire. The Spitfire – and Coltishall’s Station Commander (G/Capt Bird-Wilson?) – were not best pleased and official retribution followed.

Or so I’ve been told, of course ………..

LA198 Mk 21
see http://www.104thlocking.org.uk/GateGuardians.htm

Nice list of the aircraft that were at Locking, I’ve got photos of the Canberra and Meatbox (from above in a helicopter) somewhere. The Gant was replaced with a Marconi S259 (Type 95) Air Defence Radar. I’ve also seen the Spit XI (MK356) at Locking, however this time it was airborne. It did a sun set flypast for the Officer’s Mess Battle of Britain Ball in 1998 just before the Station closed. The majority of camp itself has now been flattened.

LA198 Mk 21
see http://www.104thlocking.org.uk/GateGuardians.htm

Bigvern,

That is a bit ambitious methinks.

Sorry Mark, My source of initial info is attached and the Canada reference I found on a number of web pages when I looked up Spit survivors to comfirm where the aircraft is now. I’ve only touched one Spitfire and that was to help take the prop off one on a pole at Locking in mid 1985 so that it could be painted (I’m not sure, but it had a bubble top, a griffon engine and there were 5 blades on the prop, hence I think it was a Spitfire 21). The next time I was there it had been replaced with a Red Arrows Gnat. (I’m more of a Hurricane man).

Richie

Spitfire SL542 4M-N – Currently airworthy in Canada.

Bigvern,

That is a bit ambitious methinks.

Still under restoration with a long long way to go surely.

Here is a shot at Coltishall on 23 July 1970 by the late Stuart Howe.

Mark

SL542

Anyone got any more information on this Spitfire. Last I knew was that it was under restoration. I hadn’t heard of it having flown. If so when did she fly and anyone have any photos of it??
Thanks..
Neil Medcalf

Spitfire SL542 4M-N – Currently airworthy in Canada.

Thanks for the info would be nice to see it back in the air