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Malta Spitfires

Posted by Paul McMillan on Sun May 25, 2003 12:35:07 PM

In Malta Flypast Vol 5, there is an article by Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Armitage about his posting (as a Group Captain) as Air Officer Commanding RAF Luq in 1972. In it he states

"One of these tasks was to refurbish the wartime Gloster Gladiator aircraft "Faith", while another was the rescue and restoration of a Spitfire Merlin engine and part of the aircraft's badly corroded airframe, which had lain at the bottom of the sea for 30 years"

A look at Spitfire International reveals

BR108 - Remains salvaged from Marsalforn Bay, Gozo in 1968 to National War Musuem, Fort St.Elmo Valetta 5.75 for exhibition (wreckage of fuselage and wings only)

Now is this the same aircraft or another one..
Armitage clealy states 'rescue' which to me may indicate recovery in 1972 also he says engine and airframe. The listing of BR108 does not say Engine..

But the 1975 display date, probably means the same aircraft..

Has anybody seen BR108 and how much is left of her?

Thanks

Paul

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