| Accession Number | RELAWM31795.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Aircraft |
| Location | Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 2: Air Europe |
| Maker |
Vickers Armstrong Ltd |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, West Midlands, Birmingham |
| Date made | 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa Fighter Aircraft : RAAF
Description
Spitfire Mark IIa all-metal single engined, single seat low wing monoplane fighter aircraft, registration number P7973. It is fitted with a Mk V spinner and Rotol RS5/24 variable pitch propellor. The propellor appears to be a Jablo type (fabric covered wood).
History / Summary
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many other Allied countries including the RAAf during and after the Second World War.
The Spitfire was built in many variants, using several wing configurations, and was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. It was also the only British fighter to be in continuous production throughout the war.
This particular machine saw service with 222 (Natal) Squadron RAF, 452 Squadron RAAF in mid 1941, and 313 (Czech) Squadron , as well as with a number of operational training units and the Central Gunnery school. During its service with 452 Squadron it was flown by one of Australia's greatest air aces, 'Bluey' Truscott. He gained his first 'kill' in this aircraft. Whilst being flown by a Czech pilot Sgt Mrtvy over France in September 1941 it hit a telegraph pole, with half a meter of the pole embedding itself in the aircraft's port wing.
It was selected for the AWM in 1944, and shipped to Australia in 1945. It is unique in retaining its original Second World War paint scheme.