Jim Merizan ownedex-RNZAF Mosquito NZ2384, formerly ZK-BCV. What has become of that Mosquito? It was in flying condition in the USA for some time.

I wish it would come home to New Zealand.

That’s sad news, thanks for the report John.

Only a few days ago I heard that Apollo astronaut Gordon Cooper’s ashes were shot into space, and I hadn’t realised that he too had passed away. Brave men all from those early rocket days. Godspeed to them both.

What are the significance of the black and red crosses, as opposed to the black and white ones, in the kill markings?

Also, is that an egg that Donald Duck is sitting on? 😮

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments. Actually the New zealand Hurricane is a Mark II, painted to represent P3351.

It may be restored to its latter war Mk IIA configuration but Sir Tim Wallis’s Hurricane was P3351 originally, and so wears its own colour scheme that this aircraft wore in the Battle of France. It’s not any old Hurricane masquerading as P3351, as your statement may imply.

It was built in early 1940, and in September 1941 after a small accident it was repaired, and at the same time modified to Mk IIA Series I standard. The major part of that was an engine change to a Merlin XX. Due to this mod it was renumbered DR393. But essentially it was and is the same aircraft.

This airframe did fly in France, Britain and Russia in combat. Of course a lot of it is new build, but then the same can be said for most Hurricanes restored lately by Hawker Restorations, including R4118 judging by the restoration photos.

R4118 certainly has more Battle of Britain history, as P3351 spent a lot of the battle in the repair depot. It appears to have been crashed and rebuilt about the same number of times too. But I don’t think either should detract from the other, both are worthy as being recognised as veterans of the Battle, in my opinion. And most of all, I think it’s fantastic that both are flyable and are at opposite ends of the earth so people can see them in the air.