Borough of Southgate
Click to enlarge image
Another presentation Spitfire photographed freshly off the factory. AA963, Spitfire Mk. VC 'Borough of Southgate' was funded by the people of the North London suburb of Southgate.
Interestingly, at the time when the photgraphs were taken the aircraft did not carry cannon armament.
AA963 went to the US in early 1942 for evaluation at Wright Field. It is known to be repainted in USAAF colours of Olive Drab with Medium Green patches around the edges of the wings and horizontal tail surfaces, and Neutral Grey underneath. Then the aircraft briefly disappeared after being displayed in Chicago, and then again at Lincoln AFB Nebraska in 1943. Then the trail went cold.
Barry Gillingwater who has kindly provided these two photographs, is trying to track down what the eventual fate of AA963 was. If anyone can help with photos or information it would be most appreciated.
[Barry Gillingwater coll.]
Labels: Spitfire Mk. V
3 Comments
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posted by
Anonymous on 25 Dec 2008 05:42:00
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AA963
Vc
2277
EA
M45
FF
8-11-41 9MU
12-11-41 47MU
21-2-42 special committment Evanger America 2-42 exhibited Chicago
5-42 stayed in USA
posted by
Graeme on 26 Dec 2008 01:18:00
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See picture at:
http://www.hyperscale.com/2008/reviews/decals/iliad48018reviewse_1.htm
posted by
Spitfire Site Editor on 27 Dec 2008 12:49:00
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Thanks Graeme and Anonymous. I understand that both the US photo and the record (from Shacklady?) are rather well-known to Barry G who contributed the photos.
The REAL question here is what eventual fate of the aircraft is hidden behind "5-42 stayed in USA" remark. Anyone?
/M.