Just a Great Spitfire Pic

[Dan K]

Shared by a friend, so I can't even give credit to the originator...but too great a pic not to share (Will remove if anyone offended).

At first glance: a Mk Vb trop with clipped wings wiped out on some psp. Location is apparently Trigno Landing Ground on the beach near Vasto, Italy.

The black cat on the cowling is an early version of the markings for SAAF 40 squadron.

Then one notices the metal De Havilland prop (rather than the expected Rotol wooden version) and the six stacks on the exhaust (rather than the expected three stacks for a Mk V).

Please tell me I'm not the only one who finds this pic amazing!

[k5083]

Well, sure it's amazing. It's a Spitfire!

The metal DH props were not rare on Spitfire Vs. They were present on all Supermarine- and Westland-built ones, and the early CBAF-built ones. I would guess this VB Trop would be a Supermarine one in the AB--- range or a Westland one in the AR--- range. The wheels make me think Westland.

The six stack exhausts are more unusual.

August

[mike furline]

I believe the original photo is in one of the numerous albums here, https://biltongbru.wixsite.com/ww2-saaf ... oto-albums
Lots of aircraft photos!

BR601
https://www.americanheritagemuseum.org/ ... ire-mk-ix/
http://saafww2pilots.yolasite.com/harol ... graphs.php (Bottom of page)

[Dan K]

Thanks, gentlemen!

[Lon Moer]

I want that field of Marston Mat PSP.

[mike furline]

http://saafww2pilots.yolasite.com/ralph ... graphs.php

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