Trying to track a Spitfire's wartime history

[Matt Gunsch]

I am doing some research for a friend, his cousin flew a Spitfire Mk.Vb, serial BL773 with 133 Eagle Squadron.

The last reference for the plane I have found is 27, August, 1942 when it shot down a Mc.202 while being flown by F/L Eric Norman Woods, of 72 Squadron. Does anyone have any photos or anymore history of this Spitfire ?
Here is what I have so far:
Spitfire MkVb serial BL773 5 kills, 2 FW-190, 2 Me-109s, 1 Mc.202
133 squadron, Eagle Squadron
72 squadron, Canadian,

[Mark V]

Matt, pop in an email request to the RAF Museum department of records (DORIS) via their website and ask for the aircraft's 'Form 78'. This is the official RAF aircraft movement card and will be a good start to your research.

[mike furline]

Here you go,

http://www.spitfires.ukf.net/p025.htm List of abbreviations link- upper right side.


BL773 Vb, CBAF, M45, 6MU 4-2-42, 72S 22-2-42, GAL major repair 15-3-42, 133S 15-6-42, CAC ops 19-8-42, VASM 19-9-42, mods 336S 1-10-42, AST 10-11-42, M45M install CB ops 14-1-43, 317S 11-6-43, 412S 29-6-43, CRD Malcolms White Waltham 23-9-45, Cv drone aircraft SOC 15-4-48, used as study aircraft in accident prevention film.

Regards,
Mike

[PeterA]

Need a bit of help with a translation?

M45 - Merlin 45

6MU - No. 6 Maintenance Unit

72S - No. 72 Squadron RAF

GAL - General Aircraft Ltd

CAC - Category AC operational damage

VASM - Vickers Armstrong South Marston works

mods - Modifications

CB - Category B operational damage

CRD - Civilian Repair Depot of Malcolms Ltd, based at White Waltham.

Cv - Converted to pilotless drone aircraft

SOC - Struck Off charge.

PeterA

[Matt Gunsch]

Thanks for the replies, that is more than I found.

I had never heard of a Spitfire being used as a drone before.

Now, are there any pictures of this Spitfire floating around ?

[n5151ts]

...these guys go in to how many rivets were missing when it was built....
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/