Spitfire PR Mk. XIX - Cold War Warrior
The PR Mk XIX was the last of the specialised photo reconnaissance variants of the Spitfire, the only one with a Griffon engine and arguably the finest of them all. Delivered to the RAF from mid-1944 to shortly after the end of WWII, it provided the RAF with a formidable photo-reconnaissance platform. By the end of the war, this mark had virtually replaced the earlier PR Mk XI for long-range duties, but more notably it lasted in front-line service up to the early 1950s, still excelling at high altitude despite the fact that its projected opposition now included jet fighters.
There were two variants of the Mk XIX, type 389 and 390. Supermarine Type 389 was the initial production variant without pressurised cockpit, of which 25 were manufactured. All remaining aircraft were designated Type 390 and featured the pressurised cabin of the PR Mk X, with pressure blower driven from the engine, plus the fuel capacity increased to 256 gallons, three-and-a-half times the capacity of the original Spitfire.
The Mk XIX was unarmed and could carry two vertical cameras and/or one oblique camera in a heated compartment aft of the cockpit. It had a top speed of 445 mph (716 km/h), cruising speed of 265 mph (430 km/h) and a ceiling of about 42,500 feet (13,000 m). With an external auxiliary tank, its top range was 1,400 miles (2,250 km).
RAF Benson
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. XIX
RM643/Z of No. 541 Squadron
Benson, Autumn 1944
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Deliveries of the PR Mk. XIX started in May 1944, just in time for first operational aircraft to fly in support of Operation Overlord. RM643 shown above served with No. 541 Squadron PRU operating from Benson.
Reconnaissance types often retained a full set D-Day stripes for a longer period than their fighter contemporaries. The finish is PRU Blue overall with Type B roundels on the fuselage and upper wings. This aircraft subsequently stayed in active service until 1951.
The operational career of the PR Spitfire in the UK is intimately coupled with Benson, the RAF station which gained considerable fame as the home of photographic reconnaissance units during World War II. In June 1943, the initial No 1 PRU was re-formed into No. 106 Wing, comprising five squadrons - Nos. 540, 541, 542, 542 and 544, plus an Operational Training Unit. The Wing was further elevated to Group status in April 1944, with two Mosquito and two Spitfire Squadrons, No. 543 Squadron having been disbanded. The No. 106 Group was assigned to the Coastal Command's Photo Reconnaissance assets with the whole of Northern Europe as its operational area.
The station retained a reconnaissance role for some years after the war, operations continuing with the Spitfire, Mosquito, Gloster Meteor PR. Mk 10 and English Electric Canberra PR. Mk 3 aircraft.
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. XIX
PS887 of No. 541 Squadron
Benson, late 1945
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Another aircraft from No. 541 Squadron was PS887, depicted here as it looked in the immediate post-war period, when the aircraft for the first time received their squadron and individual code letters. PS887 carried overall PRU Blue finish with spinner left in natural metal.
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. 19
PS934 of No. 541 Squadron
Benson, ca. 1950
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Transferred to Africa and disbanded in 1946, No.541 was reformed at Benson on 1 November 1947, once again with Spitfires PR.19 for photographic reconnaissance and survey duties. The new unit code letters were WY. Note the squadron emblem on the fin.
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. XIX
PS925 of Photographic Reconnaissance Development Unit
Benson, 1948
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Another aircraft based at Benson at that time was PS925, flying with Photographic Reconnaissance Development Unit. It served as a test machine for various installations. In January 1949, this aircraft spun in on approach at Leuchars, killing the pilot.
Lower view of PS925 shows a typical placement of underwing serial numbers on post-war Mk. XIXs. These were usually painted in black with the size as shown, but variations occurred.
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Germany
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. 19
PM660 of No. 2 Squadron
Wünsdorf, Germany
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Only comparatively few PRU aircraft followed with the RAF to mainland Europe and British occupational forces in Germany (BAFO). This Spitfire Mk. 19 served with No. 2 Squadron which converted to this type from PR Mk. XI in January 1946. The "Shiny Two" was to become the sole RAF reconnaissance squadron in Germany during this initial phase of the Cold War. Initially based in Celle with a a detachment at Berlin Gatow, the unit found its permanent base in Wünsdorf starting with April 1947. Details of their operations have not been revealed until this day, so it is hard to say if they undertook any missions over Soviet-occupied territory.
It operated Spitfires until December 1950, when conversion followed to the Gloster Meteor FR Mk. 9.
PM660 carries an overall finish of PRU Blue with C-type roundels and small fin flash. Code letters in red, serial number in white, standard underwing serials in black.
The Far East
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. 19
PS852 of No. 81 Squadron
Kai Tak, Hong Kong, January 1951
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Just before Christmas 1950, a detachment of two Spitfires PR Mk. 19 of No. 81 Squadron based in Tengah, Singapore, was posted to RAF Kai Tak in Hong Kong to undertake clandestine reconnaissance missions over communist China. PS852 was flown in this role by F/Lt Edward 'Ted' Powles throughout 1951, operating mainly over Chinese costal areas, sometimes as far as the island of Hainan, at the extreme range of the Mk. 19.
PS852 initially carried a camouflage scheme of Medium Sea Grey upper surfaces over PRU Blue, with black anti-glare panels (indicative of the glossy Medium Sea Grey finish). D-type roundels on fuselage and wings, with white serials on lower wing surfaces.
During its stay at Kai Tak, the aircraft was repainted in Aluminium finish (not natural metal) with modified outline of the anti-glare panel as shown. At that time it also received a red-white spinner.
The other aircraft from the same detachment, PS854, was piloted by F/Sgt Padden. When their assignment ended in December 1951, both Spitfires were left at Kai Tak and became part of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force.
Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. 19
PS890 of No. 81 Squadron
Tengah, Singapore
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No. 81 Squadron reformed on 1 September 1946 at Seletar in Singapore, through mere re-numbering of No. 684 Squadron. It was now operating in the photo-reconnaissance role, equipped with Mosquitoes and Spitfires. The unit was heavily involved in Operation Firedog, the air support of the Malayan Emergency, from 1947.
PS890 displays a variation of the high-altitude camouflage with Medium Sea Grey over PRU Blue with high demarcation line between the two colours. Pale blue spinner, "D" type roundels and standard underwing serials. This aircraft served with No. 81 Squadron until January 1951, when it was sold to Royal Thai Air Force.
No. 81 squadron held the distinction of carrying out the last operational flights of both the Spitfire (1 April 1954) and the Mosquito (15 December 1955), exchanging their trusty propeller mounts for Gloster Meteors PR Mk 10.
Note to modellers
Decals for the markings presented here, plus additional aircraft, are available in 1/72 scales from Xtradecal, and can be purchased
directly via manufacturer's website:
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=X72105