I have been continuing my search for information on BL907. I understand the accident card is missing, but have found out the folloing information:

The ORB:

28th February 1945; “Court of Inquiry assembled on 20th February 1945 to investigate, report and fix responsibility for flying accident on 17th February 1945 to Spitfire BL907. President F/Lt Fleet, 48 MU and member F/Lt Smith 9 MU.”

From Gifts of War:

Spitfire BL907 was a presentation Spitfire named Spirit of Natal. It was presented through the governor general’s fund and South African Mayor’s fund, the total raised being £26,1949 of which £202,000 was donated by Natal. According to the book it was delivered to 9 MU on 4th October 1944, but on 17th February 1945 crashed while on a test at Donington, near Albrighton. Photo in IWM.

I have obtained the picture of the Spirit of Natal from the IWM, but have noticed something that has got me wondering. Since the picture is copyright of the IWM I can’t post it up, but I’ve cropped the section that has got me puzzled. The picture appears to show that the canopy is a PR type, with the additional bulges on the side:

The picture shows a gunsight, and external bulletproof windscreen also.

Could anyone provide any further information to help? Could BL907 not be the Spirit of Natal?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sean