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Posted by Indiana Tony on Wed Sep 05, 2001 06:08:22 AM

In reply top Re: Buried Spitfire's.......'ere we go again! posted by Dave on Wed Sep 05, 2001 04:40:23 AM

http://british-forces.com/cig/squadrons/squads/273.html

"At the same time, No 273 Squadron took its Mk VIIIs to Bangkok and, a week later, to Tan Son Nhut in French Indo-China. The squadron re-equipped with Mk XIVs in November 1945 before disbanding the following January."

" The British forces under General Gracey included a small air contingent. This was composed of squadrons transferred from Burma. On 11 September 1945, ten Spitfire Mk.VIIIs of 273 Squadron left Mingaladon, Burma for Tan Son Nhut, via Bangkok, arriving on 19 September. They were joined by 34 photo- reconnaisance Mosquitos of 684 Squadron starting on 12 October. In November 1945, the war-weary Spitfire Mk.VIIIs of 273 Squadron were replaced by bubble-topped Mk.XIVs (possibly FR.XIVes); however their deployment was short lived, as the squadron flew its last operational sortie on 8 January, and was disbanded on 31 January 1946"

So my question is.....

1. Why deliver aircraft, to a Squadron that is not in residence?

2. 273 were re-equipped with this type in Vietnam. So, errrrr why were they buried?

3.Why say the aircraft were delivered to a squadron, that had been disbanded?

4. The normal practice, was to donate aircraft to the country's fledgling air arm. We had already recognised the Burmese peoples help during the war, and we did sell/donate other Spitfires and Seafires to them
5. Another theory

The Squadron went to Vietnam, and disposed of their 8's there. Even in those days, there was a strong US prescence in Vietnam, during disarming of the Japanese forces, and Police actions, aginst former allies, who wanted their country back. So, my theory is this, are we sure, that the 8's weren't buried at Tan Son Nhut, by the SeeBee detachment?

Any Spitfire deployment specialists in the house?

Tony:0)

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