ID request

ChrisHoltby

This fuselage and some parts are currently stored in a hangar at the unlicensed Monewden Airfield, Suffolk. Its Squadron designation may indicate a WWII Battle of Britain history? Any advice would be most gratefully received.

ChrisHoltby

Sorry for the photo size : This is better.

moxy

Bit of a mystery this one. The Spit has a 610 squadron code but whether this genuinely relates to the airframe or not I'm not sure. Unfortunately from the angle the picture has been taken it's not possible to see if there is a serial number on the fuselage.

I've checked on all extant Spitfires I am aware of in the UK but unless I've missed one I don't know. Someone else may know it straight away.

Any chance of having another butchers at it and see if there is a serial?

Best regards

Rob

Strabanzer

The only reference I see for DW-N is:

https://www.asisbiz.com/il2/Spitfire/RAF-610Sqn-DW.html

about half way down.

As Moxy says the reg looks like 610 sqadron's, however photos of Spit Mk 1s with comparable registrations have a diffent style of W -- a lower and pointier middle peak. But who knows, during the war and with repaintings this could have changed. There *are* aircraft with this style of W.

Keep us informed of how your search goes.

ChrisHoltby

Thanks for your help guys. I think it's safe to ascribe it to 610 squadron and the fact it bears an RAF 100 decal on the tail may mean it was part of the celebrations in 2018...I was unable to get access further into the hangar due to many obstructions so can't confirm a serial is present. I'm toying with the idea of contacting the airfield owner who lives on site apparently (no-one was there in the rain when I visited).

Strabanzer

Really strange -- until your first post I don't think I ever gave 610 squadron much thought. Then your request popped up and today my FaceBook feed talks about David Bailey's book "610 (County of Chester): Auxiliary Air Force Squadron 1936-1940" published by Fonthill Media. Maybe the renewed interest will ease your access to look at the Spit!

moxy

I asked the question on PPRuNe Forums and a chap in Ipswich advises this is, as he puts it, 'a crude plastic shell'

Looking at the photo again, I think he's probably correct. It does look like a fibreglass replica, a number of which have been made, good and bad.

Oh well, bit of a shame but there you go.

Cheers

Rob

ChrisHoltby

Thanks, Moxy. Sorry for the false trail my photo seems to have laid...

moxy

No problem Chris.

I always enjoy trying to solve aviation conundrums and supplying info on old airframes,, old airlines, disused aerodomes etc., when I can.

Cheers

Rob