WIX Archives

Spitfire Mk IX ML119 No1 Sqn

Posted by MGM on Fri Nov 02, 2001 05:59:34 AM

I've been wondering about this Spitfire ever since Peter Arnold discovered it's serial back in Burma.

ML119 was apparently the C/O's personal Spit in No1 Sqn during the war, which makes it a very interesting machine indeed.

No1 Sqn at Cottesmore still "own"(since 1964),and lovingly look after, Spitfire Mk21 LA255, which actually served with No1 from June 45.

There are already a lot of MkIX's already flying, approx seventeen, with more on the way, including ML119....and the vast majority of flyable Spitfires are also Merlin engined.
And we have no Mk21's flying out of the three extant, with no prospect of one flying unless someone does an exchange deal with the RAFM for LA226.

Now my question.......wouldn't it be a wunderbar idea if the owners of ML119 were to restore it to static instead of flying, and then give it to No1 Sqn in exchange for LA255.

That way, we're all happy (hopefully !?)......We get to see a Mk21 fly eventually......the owners get to own a much rarer version of Spitfire, and unique as a flyer.....and No1 Sqn get a real genuine wartime combat veteran No1 Sqn Spitfire, and more valuable to them than their current Spitfire that went into service after the war finished.

Anyone agree.....or not ?

I am certainly not trying to tell private owners what to do with their own private property, because I wouldn't like to be told what to do with mine......but if I(green with envy!)was in the lucky position of Peter Monk and Mike Simpson, and owning TWO Spitfire Mk IX's....I would try to do a deal for LA255 if poss.

Just my ever humble opinion....as per.....
TTFN
Mick



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