Post by Beemer on Sept 24, 2010 14:05:57 GMT 1
I was looking through my albums for a specific photo when I came across these two gate guards, one a Spitfire and the other a Lightning. I could not remember where they were taken so I did a bit of digging.
G-LFVB / EP120/AE-A (cn CBAF.2403) Spitfire EP120 seen at Wattisham, is presently one of four airworthy examples of the Mk V version anywhere in the world. EP120 was built at Castle Bromwich, entered RAF service in May 1942 with No. 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron at Ibsely. W/Cdr "Pat" Gibbs claimed with this Spitfire his first kill - one Do 217. After two accidents and repairs served since April 1943 by the Canadian No 402 (City of Winnipeg) Squadron and aircraft credited with other six victories claimed by S/Ldr Geoffrey Wilson Northcott DSO, DFC - four Bf 109s and two Fw 190s. Seven kills is probably combat record by restored warbirds in the world. In 1993 was rescued by the Fighter Collection and since 1996 is restored back to airworthy condition
XM192/K (cn 95090) A Lightning of the Wattisham TFF (Target Facilities Flight) Retired in 1973 and displayed for a time at Wattisham's gate, this aircraft is now preserved at Woodhall Spa and has recently been repainted into her original 111 Sqn colours, complete with black/yellow tail. XM192 was the 24th production Lightning.
Regards Beemer.
G-LFVB / EP120/AE-A (cn CBAF.2403) Spitfire EP120 seen at Wattisham, is presently one of four airworthy examples of the Mk V version anywhere in the world. EP120 was built at Castle Bromwich, entered RAF service in May 1942 with No. 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron at Ibsely. W/Cdr "Pat" Gibbs claimed with this Spitfire his first kill - one Do 217. After two accidents and repairs served since April 1943 by the Canadian No 402 (City of Winnipeg) Squadron and aircraft credited with other six victories claimed by S/Ldr Geoffrey Wilson Northcott DSO, DFC - four Bf 109s and two Fw 190s. Seven kills is probably combat record by restored warbirds in the world. In 1993 was rescued by the Fighter Collection and since 1996 is restored back to airworthy condition
XM192/K (cn 95090) A Lightning of the Wattisham TFF (Target Facilities Flight) Retired in 1973 and displayed for a time at Wattisham's gate, this aircraft is now preserved at Woodhall Spa and has recently been repainted into her original 111 Sqn colours, complete with black/yellow tail. XM192 was the 24th production Lightning.
Regards Beemer.
