Supermarine Spitfire Mk V, on 485 [NZ] Sqn, 1941 to 1945, Part 2

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Design:
R J Mitchell
[Died of lung cancer, 11 June 1937, aged 42]

Developed by:
Joseph Smith
[after R J Mitchell’s death]

Company:
Supermarine
Also
Westland
Cunliffe Owen
Castle Bromwich Aircraft Co

Wing Span:
Mk1, 11,V, 36 ft 10in 11.23 M
Mk XV1, 36 ft 8 in
Mk V, 1X, 32 ft 2 in
Mk V11, 40 ft 2in

Wing Area:
Mk 1,11,V 242 Sq Ft
Mk XV1,
Mk V, 1X, 231 Sq Ft
Mk V11, 248 Sq Ft

Length:
Mk 1,11,V, 29 ft 11 in 9.12 M
Mk V11, 1X, XV1, 31 ft 4 in 9.47 M

Height:
12 ft 8 in 3.86 M

Ceiling:
Mk 1, 34,000ft
Mk 11, 37,200ft
Mk V, 37,000 ft
Mk V11, 43,000 ft
Mk 1X, XV11, 44,000 ft

Speed:
Mk 1 at 19,000 ft 355 MPH
Mk 11 at 17,000 ft 357 MPH 582 KPH @ 4,572 M
Mk V at 13,000 ft 374 MPH
Mk V11at 25,000 ft 408 MPH 657 KPH @ 7,620 M
Mk 1X at 25,000 ft 408 MPH
Mk XV1at 22,000 ft 405 MPH

Range:
1,135 Miles

T/O Weight:
Mk1 A Wing 5,332 Lb B Wing 5,784 Lb
Mk 11 A Wing 6,317 Lb B Wing 6,527 Lb
Mk V A Wing 6,417 Lb B Wing 6,650 Lb C Wing 6,785 Lb
Mk V11 B Wing 7,875 Lb
Mk 1X, XV1, B Wing 7,500 Lb

Crew:
1 Pilot

Role:
Fighter
Fighter/Bomber
Ground Attack

Total Manufactured:

Mk 1A 1,583
Mk 11A 750
Mk 11B 170
Mk VA 94
Mk VB 3,923
Mk VC 2,447
Mk V1 100
Mk V11 140
MK V111 1,658
Mk 1X 5,665
Mk X1 471
Mk X1V 957
Mk XV1 1,054
Mk XV111 300
Mk X1X 225
Mk F21/22/24 454

22,759 All Marks

Entered Service:
Aug 1938

First Flight:
5 Mar 1936

Armament:
A Wing 8 .303 in Browning machine guns in wings

B Wing 4 20mm Hispano cannon in wings
4 .303 in Browning machine guns in wings

C Wing 4 20mm Hispano cannon in wings

Up to 1,000 lb [454 Kg] bombs externally

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ENGINE
Type:
Rolls Royce Merlin

12 cylinder, 60^ vee in-line, liquid-cooled, supercharged

Bore:
5.4 in 137 mm

Stroke:
6.0 in 152 mm

Volume:
1,649 cu in 27 L

Horse Power:
Mk 1 Merlin 11-111 1030 HP
Mk11 Merlin X11 1150 HP
Mk V Merlin 45,46, 1440 HP
50, 50A
Mk V11 Merlin 61, 64 1520 HP
Mk 1X Merlin 63, 63A 1710 HP
Mk XV1 Packhard 1720 HP
Merlin 266

Fuel:
100/130 octane

Cooling system:
30 % ethylene glycol, 70% water

Length:
88.7 in 2,250 mm

Width:
30.8 in 780 mm

Height:
40 in 1020 mm

Weight:
1,640 lb 744 kg

Power to Weight Ratio:

Prototype No K 5054 destroyed 4 Sep 1938 while landing after testing
a new type of spark plugs.

The pilot F/L G White died 4 days later

First flight 5 March 1936, first order was for 310 A/C

First combat was 16 Oct 1939 when A/C of 602 Sqn and 603 Sqn shot down 2 German bombers over Scotland

The Mk X1 was an unarmed Photo Reconnaissance Model capable of 422 MPH

The Mk X11 was the first Griffin Powered

The Mk X11 was the first to be used against the V 1

The Mk X1X was the replacement for the Mk 1X P R A/C, with pressurized cockpits they were able to fly higher,
out of the reach of the Axis fighters

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485 [NZ] Sqn

A/C = Aircraft
S O C = Struck Off Charge
Op = Operation
Sqn = Squadron
FSU = Field Servicing Unit
RSU = Repair And Salvage Unit
U/C = Undercarriage
TOC = Taken On Charge
FTR = Failed To Return
OTU = Operational Training Unit

THE FOLLOWING AIRCRAFT SERVED ON 485 NZ Sqn

Spitfire VB / LF & VB /LF LR & VB/F & VC

14 Aug 1941 to 25 Jun 1943 & 21 Nov 1943 to 13 Feb 1944

Red Hill Surrey Kenley Surrey Kingscliffe North Hants
West Malling Kent Kingscliffe North Hants Kirkstown Nth Ireland
Eglington Nth Ireland Kingscliffe North Hants Westhampnett Sussex
Merson Sussex Drem East Lothian

Mark VB LF = [L] = Merlin optimized for low altitude,with a ‘cropped’ supercharger’
[F] = eliptical wing tips replaced with shorted squared off wing tips

P 8718
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - J
Joined Sqn 7 Dec 1941
Overshot while landing at Kenley,
struck Spitfire W 3578 1 Jan 1942
Left Sqn Jan 1942
To Air Training Manwell
To Armee de l’ Air 19 Jan 1945

P 8724
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Joined Sqn Apr 1942
Borrowed from 602 Sqn for 4 Ops
First op 2 Apr 1941
Failed to return Circus No 119 4 Apr 1942
P/O T T Fox killed

P 8786
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - R and OU - J
Joined Sqn 9 Aug 1941
Accident on Take Off 2 Sep 1941
Repaired and returned to service, at Sqn level
Re coded to OU - J
P/O W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed Me109 13 Jan 1942 ?
Left Sqn 11 Nov 1941
To 603 Sqn
Missing while escorting Hurricanes to Hesdin,believed
Shot down by Bf 109s near Le Treport 8 Dec 1941

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W 3245
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 14 Dec 1943
At Drem
Named Lincoln Imp
Left Sqn 4 Mar 1944
To Scottish Aviation for Repair
S O C scrapped 4 Sep 1945

W 3406
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - H and OU - M
Joined Sqn 10 Aug 1941
Named Auckland 111
F/L E P Wells 1 Destroyed Me 109 19 Aug 1941
F/L E P Wells 1 Damaged Me 109 19 Aug 1941
Damaged, repaired and returned to
service at Sqn level 24 Oct 1941
Re coded OU - M
Left Sqn 22 Nov 1941
To 452 Sqn RAAF
72 Sqn escorting 6 Bostons to Abbeville
Marshalling yards, shot down by Bf 109 25 Apr 1942
F/Sgt J G McClutchan RNZAF killed

W 3407
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - M and OU - Y
Joined Sqn 28 Oct 1941
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Damaged, repaired and returned to service at Sqn level
Left Sqn 5 Apr 1942
To 81 Sqn
S O C scrapped 25 Oct 1945

W 3454
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - V
Joined Sqn 7Aug 1941
Damaged beyond Sqn level,
To Air Service Training, Exeter
Left Sqn 23 Sep 1941
To Air Service Training, Exeter
S O C 25 Oct 1944

W 3505
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - G
Joined Sqn 10 Aug 1941
Named Hendon Endeavour
Damaged
Left Sqn 30 Aug 1941
To Heston Aircraft for Repair
Mid air with Spitfire W 3797, crashed near Chetwynd Salop 11 Feb 1943

W 3527
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - M
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Failed to return Escorting Blenheims near St Omer,
Shot down by Bf 190s over Audruicq 27 Aug 1941
F/O W A Middleton killed

W 3528
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - C
Joined Sqn 30 Aug 1941
Named W.D.F.U.N.Z.
[Womans Division Federateted Farmers Union NZ]
Sgt L P Griffith 1 Damaged Me 109 E 13 Oct 1941
P/O R J C Grant 1 Destroyed Me 109 F 12 Feb 1942
F/O M M Shand 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
F/L R J C Grant 1 Possible FW 190 28 Mar 1942
F/L R J C Grant 1 Destroyed FW 190 28 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 10 Apr 1942
To 118 Sqn
S O C scrapped 22 Apr 1945

W 3530
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - M
Joined Sqn 30 Aug 1941
Named Tascos and Otago 1
Ten Acres And Stirchley Co – Operative Society
Renamed for press purposes
P/O H L Thomas 1 Possible Me 109 18 Sep 1941
Crashed into hill in bad weather near Lavant
F/S W M Krebs injured
S O C 26 Sep 1941

W 3577
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - P
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Named County Of Chester
Renamed for press purposes Auckland 11
P/O D T Clouston 1/2 Destroyed Me 109 F 12 Feb 1942
P/O D T Clouston 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Ramrod 17, to Le Harve in the afternoon
Crash landed on the beach near Le Harve 26 Mar 1942
F/S W M Krebs killed

W 3578
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - R
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Named Southland 1
Destroyed on the ground, taxi accident
With P 8718 while parked at Kenley 1 Jan 1942
S O C 31 Jan 1942

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W 3579
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - O
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Named Southland 11
F/L S C Norris 1 Destroyed Me 109 F 29 Aug 1941
Sgt I L McNeil 1 Damaged Me 109 F 21 Oct 1941
Escorting Hurricanes to Bourbourg Canal
Shot down by Flak 31 Oct 1941
W/C E Norman Ryder POW

W 3604
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Named Black Imp
Left Sqn 20 Mar 1943
To Phillips & Powis for fuel system mods
Sold J Dale scrap 6 Oct 1944

W 3632
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 3 Jun 1944
To 57 OTU

W 3640
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - S
Joined Sqn 21 Nov 1941
Named Southland
P/O J M Checketts 1/4 E Boat Damaged 12 Mar 1942
P/O J M Checketts 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Sgt I P J Maskill 1 Destroyed Me 109 E 26 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 1 Apr 1942
To 308 Sqn
S O C scrapped 21 Feb 1945

W 3643
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - C
Joined Sqn 1 Aug 1941
Damaged by Me 109 near Mardyek and
Abandoned over the channel.
Escorting Blenheims to Hazebrouck 29 Aug 1941
Sgt L P Griffith Returned To Sqn

W 3645
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - S and OU V
Joined Sqn 15 Aug 1941
Named Joseph Smouha
Renamed for press purposes Waikato
F/L E P Wells 1 Possible Me 109F 17 Sep 1941
F/L E P Wells 1 Destroyed Me 109 18 Sep 1941
F/L E P Wells 1 Destroyed Me 109 F 21Sep 1941
F/L E P Wells 1 Destroyed Me 109F 21 Sep 1941
Damaged, repaired and returned to service at Sqn level
Recoded OU - V 8 Nov 1941
Damaged beyond Sqn level 11 Jan 1942
To ATS Hamble
To 121 Sqn
Next Op 30 Apr 1942
121 Sqn ditched after attacking shipping
Off Walcheron 31 May 1942
F/L T W Allen killed

W 3649
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter FV-B
Joined Sqn 24 Dec 1941
G/C F Victor Beamish leader of Kenly Wing s initials
Missing from a sweep off Gap Gris Nez,
shot down over channel 28 Mar 1942
G/C F V Beamish DSO, DFC, AFC, killed

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W 3652
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - K and OU - V
Joined Sqn
Named Blue Charm 15Aug 1941
To Heston A/C Co for repair 26 Sep 1941
Returned and re coded to OU - V
F/L E P Wells 1 Possible Me109 E 2 Oct 1941
Left Sqn 2 Apr 1942
To 416 Sqn
S O C scrapped 25 Oct 1945

W 3774
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - R
Joined Sqn 2 Sep 1941
Named Sampson and Auckland 1
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Possible Me109F 6 Nov 1941
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Damaged Me109E 12 Feb 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed Me109E 12 Feb 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed Me109E 26 Mar 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed Me109E 26 Mar 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1/2 Destroyed Me109 E 26 Mar 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed FW190 28 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 3 May 1942
To 124 Sqn
308 Sqn mid air with Spitfire P 8746, crashed
Stockwell Potato Farm Yorks 14 May 1943

W 3965
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqb 24 Apr 1943
Left Sqn 25 Apr 1943
To 122 Sqn

AA 732
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - H
Joined Sqn 19 Sep 1941
S/L E P Wells 1/4 E Boat 12 Feb 1942
F/S J R Liken 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 20 Apr 1942
To 609 Sqn
121 Sqn missing presumed shot down by Bf 109s
Near Berck - Sur - Mer 31 Jul 1942
P/O N D Young killed

AA 735
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - L
Joined Sqn
Left Sqn
To

AB 185
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Z
Joined Sqn 18 Sep 1942
Converted to VB 5 LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Aug 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 21 May 1945

AB 198
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Y
Named Wellington
Joined Sqn 12 Dec 1941
Left Sqn 17 Jan 1942
To 134 Sqn
Engine failed on take off, wheels up landing
At Cattal near Marston Moor 14 May 1945

AB 490
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - T
Joined Sqn 1 Mar 1943
Named The Cat
Mid Air Collision 21 Apr 1943
To De Havilland Apr 1943
S O C scrapped 5 Sep 1945

AB 784
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - N
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Named Mrs. C. H. Marshall and Taranaki
F/L E P Wells 1 Damaged Me109 16 Aug 1941
Damaged beyond Sqn repair
To AST Exeter
Repaired and returned to service
F/S W M Krebs 1/4 E Boat 12 Feb 1942
Left Sqn 16 Feb 1942
To Aircraft Servicing Train, Exeter
313 Sqn engine stopped, forced landing
Hampton, Middlesex 31 Jan 1944

AB 788
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - T
Joined Sqn 9 Aug 1941
Named King’s School Rochester
P/O W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed Me109 F 21 Sep 1941
Dived into channel while on a sweep,
Crashed into the Sea 25 Jan 1942
F/L R H Strang killed

AB 790
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Q
Joined Sqn first op 8 Nov 1941
P/O E D MacKie 1/2 Destroyed Me109E
Left Sqn 26 Mar 1942
To 308 Sqn

AB 799
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU B
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Named Pole Star
Renamed for press purposes Hawkes Bay
Left Sqn 5 Apr 1942
To 403 Sqn
Missing on a sweep near Le Touquet 2 Jun 1942

AB 849
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 3 Apr 1942
Only flew 1 Op with Sqn
Left Sqn Apr 1942
To 81 Sqn

AB 850
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - S
Joined Sqn 9 Aug 1941
Named Canterbury 1
Left Sqn 8 Feb 1942
To 134 Sqn
131 Sqn shot down by FW 190s on calibration
Test 30 miles South of Selsey Hill Sussex 24 Oct 1942
F/Sgt J L Davidson RCAF killed

AB 851
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - T
Joined Sqn 26 Jan 1942
F/S A R Robson 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 26 Jan 1942
To 265 Sqn
91 Sqn engine stopped, ditched 25 miles East
Of Deal Kent 19 May 1942

AB 853
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - F
Joined Sqn 9 Aug 1941
Named Auckland 1V
To Heston A/C for repair 20 Sept 1941
Repaired and returned to service 23 Sep 1941
Damaged by Me 109s and abandoned
Off Harwick 29 Dec 1941
P/O J J Palmer killed

AB 856
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - E
Joined Sqn 9Aug 1941
Named Wellington 111
Shot down during Circus 101 21 Sep 1941
P/O J E Knight POW

AB 860
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - U
Joined Sqn 9 Aug 1941
Named Auckland V
Sgt A S Kronfeld 1 Damaged Me109 E 18 Sep 1941
Sgt H N Sweetman 1 Destroyed Me109 E 29 Sep 1941
Sgt A S Kronfeld 1 Destroyed Me109 F 21 Oct 1941
P/O H N Sweetman 1/2 Destroyed Me109 F 12 Feb 1942
Sgt D G E Brown 1 Damaged FW190 4 Apr 1942
Left Sqn 8 Apr 1942
To 54 Sqn
S O C scrapped 30 May 1944

AB 870
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Z
Joined Sqn 7 Aug 1941
Named Hawkes Bay 1
P/O G M Francis 1 Possible Me109 F 21 Sept 1941
S/L M W B Knight 1 Damaged Me109 E 1 Oct 1941
Acting as Wing Leader this flight put the wings
5 inches out of alignment while avoiding 2 Me 109
Left Sqn 3 Oct 1941
To Heston A/C for repair
349 Sqn engine fire, bailed out, crashed near
Battle Sussex 30 Jan 1944

AB 903
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - A
Joined Sqn 2 Sep 1941
Failed to return On Circus 99 to Rouen 18 Sep 1941
F/S A I Paget killed

AB 918
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Y
Joined Sqn 10 Aug 1941
Named Wellington 1
Sgt H N Sweetman 1 Possible Me 109 E 18 Sep 1941
Somersaulted on landing in deep snow
Left Sqn 14 Feb 1942
To General A/C Ltd for repair
To USAAF 20 Dec 1943

AB 939
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 1 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 7 Jan 1943
To 4 Air Training Unit
To Armee de l’ Air 19 Jan 1945

AB 967
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
From 457 Sqn RAAF
Code letter
Joined Sqn 26 Mar 1942
Named Bena Dibele
Left Sqn 11 May 1942
To 118 Sqn
761 Sqn Henstridge, collided with Seafire NX 940 23 Nov 1944

AB 970
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code leter OU - Z
Joined Sqn
Left Sqn
To

AB 972
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - G
From 452 Sqn RAAF
Joined Sqn 7 Sep 1941
Named Exonian 1V
Renamed for press purposes Auckland 11 & V
Sgt J D Rae 1 Possible Me 109 F 2 Oct 1941
Sgt J D Rae 1 Possible Me 109 F 6 Nov 1941
Sgt J D Rae 1 Possible Me 109 E 12 Feb 1942
Sgt J D Rae 1 Destroyed FW 190 28 Mar 1942
Sgt J D Rae 1 Destroyed FW 190 28 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 5 May 1942
To 403 Sqn
122 Sqn shot down by fighters over Ostend 25 Jul 1943

AD 114
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 7 Sep 1941
Left Sqn 12 Mar 1942
To 403 Sqn
To Air Gunnery and Maintenance unit 8 Jul 1942

AD 181
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - E
Joined Sqn 24 Sep 1941
Sgt T C Goodlet 1/4 E Boat
F/L J R C Kilian 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 1 Apr 1942
To RAF Coltishall
S O C scrapped 6 Dec 1943

AD 187
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
From 457 Sqn RAAF
Joined Sqn 28 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 16 Jul 1942
To 307 Sqn
886 Sqn landed wheels up on runway 4 Mar 1944

AD 204
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
Named The Andoverian
At Drem
Left Sqn 4 Mar 1944
To Scottish Aviation Ltd
To 29 Maintenance Unit scrapped 10 Aug 1945

AD 236
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn First Op 27 Mar 194
Named Bihar 11
Only flew 2 Ops on Sqn
Left Sqn 25 Apr 1942
To 81 Sqn

AD 238
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - S
Joined Sqn 26 Sep 1941
Named Borough Of Barnes
Left Sqn 21 Apr 1942
To 54 Sqn
To Armee de l’ Air 19 Jan 1945

AD 248
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - A
Joined Sqn 22 Sep 1941
Named Cheshire County 1
P/O M R D Hume 1 Possible FW 190 9 Mar 1942
Sgt J D Rae 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 616 Sqn
To Armee de l’ Air as a training airframe 11 Mar 1946

AD 294
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn 22 Dec 1942
Named Miss A B C 111
Left Sqn 2 Feb 1943
To 122 Sqn
Refurbished to Portugal 28 Apr 1946

AD 355
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - K
Joined Sqn 15 Oct 1941
Named Red Dragon
F/S J R Liken 1 Damaged FW190 28 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 7 Apr 1942
To 331 Sqn
Missing, presumed shot down by fighters near Cassel 2 Oct 1942
Sgt R B Sorenson killed

AD 475
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 9 Jan 1943
Named Kambove
Left Sqn 29 Jan 1943
To 453 Sqn
S O C scrapped 22 Feb 1945

AD 515
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 3 Jan 1944
Left Sqn 5 Jan 1944
To 234 Sqn
S O C Scrapped 11 Oct 1945

AD 572
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 14 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 9 Jan 1944
To London Midland Scottish Railway for repair
S O C scrapped 20 Mar 1945

AR 423
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn 16 Jun 1942
Left Sqn 16 Jun 1942
To 121 Sqn
S O C scrapped 26 Mar 1945

AR 493
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn May 1943
W/C R H Thomas, Tangmere Wing Personal A/C
Left Sqn Jun 1943

BL 233
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - S
Joined Sqn 23 Mar 1944
Failed to return, Hit by flak, abandoned near Plouenventer 4 Jul 1944

BL 247
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - T
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 9 May 1944
To USAAF
S O C scrapped 19 Nov 1945

BL 258
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 20 Dec 1942
Named Canadian Pacific 1
Left Sqn 12 Feb 1943
To 421 Sqn
S O C scrapped 13 Sep 1945

BL 346
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - D
Joined Sqn 12 Jan 1942
P/O B E Gibbs 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Failed to return Damaged escorting Hurricanes to Desvres 15 Apr 1942

BL 369
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - H
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 28 Feb 1944
To 303 Sqn
S O C scrapped 17 May 1945

BL 385
Mark 45
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - F
Joined 13 Jan 1942
F/L G A Francis 1 Destroyed FW190 12 Feb 1942
Left Sqn 30 Jun 1942
To 411 Sqn
Overturned in forced landing at Nuthampstead 15 Nov 1945
S O C scraped 24 Nov 1945

BL 418
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - B
Joined Sqn 6 May 1942
Left Sqn 30 May 1942
To 457 Sqn
S O C scrapped 21 Feb 1944

BL 513
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - N
Joined Sqn 12 Jan 1942
Sgt D G E Brown 1/10 of 6 E Boats 14 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 1 May 1942
To 129 Sqn
To USSR 30 Jan 1943

BL 591
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 9 Mar 1944
To Phillips & Powis, Sth Marsyon for fuel system mods
S O C scrapped 9 Apr 1946

BL 634
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Clipped sea on navy co-op,abandoned
near Dunbar East 22 Dec 1943
F/O J G Dasnet

BL 669
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 9 April 1943
W/C R H Thomas, C O Tangmere Wing personal A/C
Missing near Dieppe 31 May 1942

BL 699
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - L
Joined Sqn 9 May 1942
Shot down over France near Dieppe 31 May 1942
Sgt S F Browne, escaped, returned to Sqn

BL 716
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 17 May 1944
To Vickers Armstrong for fuel system mods
S O C scrapped 19 Jul 1946

BL 729
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 28 Feb 1944
To Scottish Aviation for fuel system mods
S O C scrapped 2 Sep 1945

BL 815
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 19 Jun 1942
Failed to return, missing from ground attack mission
near Vlissingen 22 Aug 1942
P/O H W Harrison POW

BL 907
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn Jan 1943
W/C P M Brothers, C O Tangmere Wing personal A/C
W/C P M Brothers 1 Destroyed FW190 26 Jan 1943

BL 928
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 17 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
52 OTU struck by Spitfire EP 726 at Charmy Down

BL 956
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - X
Joined Sqn 1 May 1943
Named Chatham
Left Sqn 25 May 1943
To Rolls Royce, converted to VB LF May 1943
To Reid Sigrist 25 Oct 1946

BL 991
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 18 Jun 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
340 Sqn engine failed, crashed into sea near Isle
Of May Firth of Forth 19 Oct 1943

BM 116
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn 27 Apr 1942
Named The Red Rose
Failed to return abandoned A/C near Cap Griz Nez 1 May 1942
P/O J R Falls POW

BM 117
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - S and OU - B
Joined Sqn 20 Apr 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Aug 1943
To 19 Sqn
2nd TOUR
Code letter OU - B
Re joined Sqn
Left Sqn Feb 1944
To 243 Sqn
S O C scrapped 29 May 1945

BM 119
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 19 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 27 Mar 1942
To 129 Sqn
Circus 122, Hazebrouck Marshaling Yards, shot down
into the sea, rescued 12 Apr 1942

BM 128
Mark VB
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 18 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
416 Sqn shot down by fighters near Calais 3 Feb 1942

BM 132
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - R
Joined Sqn 7 Dec 1942
Left Sqn 27 Apr 1943
To 611 Sqn
Flew into the ground near Rednal S O C 9 Feb 1945

BM 136
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn 26 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 26 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
61 Sqn damaged, re categorized cat E 8 Jun 1945

BM 139
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - E
Joined Sqn 28 Mar 1942
Failed to return, shot down in channel 26 Apr 1942
F/S J R Liken picked up but died of wounds 26/27 Apr 1942

BM 147
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - F
Joined Sqn First op 4 Apr 1942
S/L R J C Grant 1 Destroyed He115 28 Nov 1942
S/L R J C Grant 1 Destroyed FW190 13 Feb 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
F/S L S White 1/2 Damaged FW190 10 Jun 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
Sold scrap 3 Sep 1947

BM 148
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn 17 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
Missing, presumed shot down near Calais 28 Mar 1942

BM 151
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - Y
Joined Sqn 28 Mar 1942
P/O J J Palmer 1Possible FW190 24 Apr 1942
Failed to return, Circus 141, shot down by fighters
near Lille 27 Apr 1943
P/O J J Palmer POW

BM 155
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - U
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
Named Joe And Roy
1 Possible FW190 27 Apr 1942
1 Damaged FW190 29 Apr 1942
1 Damaged FW190 1 May 1942
F/S A R Robson 1 Possible FW190 4 May 1942
Left Sqn 5 May 1943
To 64 Sqn
S O C scrapped 24 Jan 1946

BM 157
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - Y
Joined Sqn 7 Dec 1942
Left Sqn 20 May 1943
To 501 Sqn
S O C scrapped 22 May 1945

BM 160
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 18 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
Crashed landing at Gatwick cat E scrap 28 Jul 1942

BM 161
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 18 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
Damaged while escorting Bostons, landed at Kenley cat E 13 May 1942

BM 183
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - D
Joined Sqn 6 May 1942
Failed to return, Rubarb over Goes area, attacked a train
Shot down by flak 3 Aug 1942
Sgt R W Vessey killed

BM 184
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - K
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
F/L J R C Kilian 1 Damaged FW190 24 Apr 1942
P/O B E Gibbs power dived to escape an enemy A/C
Port wing buckled 31 May 1942
Left Sqn 31 May 1942
To General A/C for repair 31 May 1942
To USSR 24 Mar 1943

BM 196
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - B
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
Named Borough Of Brentford and Chiswick
P/O I J Mc Neil 1 Possible FW190 4 Apr 1942
Shot down by fighters on a sweep, ditched over
Boulogne
W/O D M Russell killed

BM 197
Mark Vb
Merlim 45
Code letter OU - P
Joined Sqn 3 Apr 1942
Named Lulu Of Mafeteng
Damaged In Flight [missing near St Omer?] 26 Apr 1942
P/O L M Ralph
S O C 26 Apr 1942

BM 198
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter 27 Apr 1942
Left Sqn 8 Jul 1942
To 402 Sqn
S O C scrapped 5 Jun 1945

BM 199
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - Q and OU - M
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Damaged FW190 4 Apr 1942
Damaged over Ostend 2 Aug 1942
P/O D Brown
Re coded OU - M
Next Op 29 Aug 1942
Left Sqn 27 Feb 1943
To 421 Sqn
126 Sqn ramrod in morning, damaged in fight near
Dieppe, Glycol leak, bailed out into sea, picked up by Walrus18 Sep 1943

BM 200
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - P
Joined Sqn 28Apr 1942
In a non operational accident recorded as OU - Q 6 Jun 1942
F/O D G E Brown 1 Damaged FW190 13 Feb 1943
F/O D G E Brown on dawn patrol ordered to help a
Stirling in distress, dropped pilots dingy
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 16 Jul 1943
To 411 Sqn
234 Sqn hit by flak and abandoned near Lorient 27 Jul 1944

BM 203
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 22 Mar 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 2 Nov 1945

BM 205
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - H and OU - V
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
Named Nova Scotia
P/O E D Mac Kie 1 Possible FW190 26 Apr 1942
P/O BC Chrystall 1 Destroyed FW190 19 Aug 1942
Sgt G H Meagher 1 Destroyed Me109 21 Apr 1943
Converted to VB LR
Left Sqn 5 Oct 1943
To 401 Sqn
S O C scrapped 29 May 1945

BM 208
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - S
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
F/L M M Shand 1 Possible FW190 4 May 1942
F/O L S Black 1 Destroyed Do217 3 Aug 1942
F/O L S Black 1 Damaged FW190 19 Aug 1942
Close support to 12 Venturas from 487 [NZ] Sqn on
Caen Airfield 4 Apr 1943
Sgt H J Oxley killed

BM 228
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 18 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 25 Mar 1942
To 602 Sqn
Shot down by FW 190s near Nempont 25 Apr 1942
Sgt P F Green killed

BM 229
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU -A
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
Named Silver Blue
S/L E P Wells 1Destroyed FW190 24 Apr 1942
S/L E P Wells 1 Damaged FW190 25 Apr 1942
P/O E D MacKie over shot landing 21 May 1942
To Westland A/C Ltd for repair
Next Op 29 May 1942
Left Sqn 19 Aug 1942
To 129 Sqn
To Armee de l’ Air 1 Feb 1945

BM 231
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - C
Joined Sqn 27 Mar 1942
Failed to return, shot down on Circus 11 near Aire 4 Apr 1942
P/O E F Chandler killed

BM 232
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Y
Joined Sqn 3 May 1942
W/C P G Jameson 1 Destroyed FW190 19 Aug 1942
Failed to return, Rubarb to Oosterschelde at midday
Was attacking a He 115 when engaged by FW 190s
Shot down over Wester Schelde 28 Nov 1942
Sgt F W Norris killed

BM 233
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - E
Joined Sqn 29 Apr 1942
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 14 Oct 1950

BM 234
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - R
Joined Sqn 27 May 1942
Named Hope Of Cheadle
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1Destroyed FW190 24 Apr 1942
Engine failed,forced landing near Kenley 27 Apr 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton uninjured

BM 238
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - C
Joined Sqn 6 Apr 1942
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
87 GCF engine failed, forced landing at Gatwick 17 May 1946
S O C cat E scrap 22 Jun 1946
BM 239
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - M
Joined Sqn 2 May 1942
Failed to return, Attacking barges near Holland, hit by flak
Over Haarlem/Zandertvoot 1 Sep 1942
Sgt R D Riley POW

BM 247
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - T
Joined Sqn 2 Apr 1942
Named Delhi 1V
F/O R Webb 1 Destroyed Loco Share 1 Aug 1942
F/O R Webb 1 Damaged Loco Share 1 Aug 1942
Failed to return, missing from ground attack mission over
Ostend 2 Aug 1942
Sgt N M Langlands killed

BM 250
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined 29 Apr 1942
Named Borough Of Hornsey
Left Sqn 29 Apr 1942
Written off damaged beyond repair cat E scrap

BM 259
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - S and OU - D
Joined Sqn 3Apr 1942
Failed to return, Rodeo 18, crashed into sea off Dungeness 4 May 1942
P/O J M Checkets returned to Sqn [45 min dingy time]

BM 267
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - N
Joined Sqn 3 Apr 1942
F/L W V Crawford – Crompton 1 Destroyed FW190 24 Apr 1942
Failed to return, shot down by fighters in the channel
Bailed Out
F/L J C Pattison returned to Sqn [1.5 Hr dingy time]

BM 290
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - G
Joined Sqn 3 Apr 1942
Failed to return combat with JG 26 during a sweep near Calis
Shot down 26 Apr 1942
W/O T C Goodley POW

BM 299
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn First operation 13 Apr 1943
Failed to return, Close escort to 12 Venturas of 487 Sqn [NZ]
Over Caen, shot down 13 Apr 1943
Sgt T W J Denholm killed

BM 302
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn June 1942
W/C E P Wells C O Tangmere Wing personal A/C

BM 304
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - V
Joined Sqn 2 Apr 1942
Named Unah
Left Sqn 6 Sep 1942
To Vickers Sth Marston for wing stiffening
S O C scrapped 25 Oct 1945

BM 316
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 2 Jun 1942
Left Sqn 8 Jul 1942
To 611 Sqn
17 FTS engine failed, belly landed 3 miles SW
of Bourne Lincs 25 Sep 1945
S O C scrapped 4 Oct 1945

BM 323
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - Y
Joined Sqn 11 Apr 1943
Named W R M
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jun1943
To 19 Sqn
Mid air with Spitfire BM 539 while returning from
Escorting Mitchells to St Omer.
Crashed near Newchurch Kent 9 Jul 1943
F/L P H Bell killed

BM 353
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - L
Joined Sqn 14 Jun 1942
Named Butch
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 15 May 1945

BM 354
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - D
Joined Sqn 5 Aug 1942
Named Malang
Left Sqn 24 Apr 1943
To Air Service Training for repair
S O C scrapped 15 Jul 1945

BM 378
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 20 Apr 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Failed to return flew into the sea in bad visibility
Near Worthing 30 May 1943
F/O G J Moorhead killed

BM 381
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 20 Dec 1942
Named Elizabethville
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 14 May 1945

BM 383
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - A
Joined Sqn 24 May 1942
Failed to return, Rodeo 64, shot down near Dieppe 31 May 1942
F/L G Barnett captured, escaped, returned to Sqn by the end of 1942

BM 407
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 29 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 30 Apr 1944
To 303 Sqn
303 Sqn dived into ground after being hit by flak,
Was attacking mechanical transport near the beaches
W/O L Zygarlicki killed

BM 412
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - B
Joined Sqn 3 Jun 1942
F/L R W Baker 1 Damaged Do217 19 Aug 1942
Left Sqn 16 Apr 1943
To Morris Motors Oxford for repair
To Armee de l’ Air 19 Jan 1945

BM 459
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - R
Joined 2 Jun 1942
To Air Services Training Hamble for wing clipping
Converted to VB LF 1 Oct 1942
Next Op 14 May 1943
Left Sqn 1Aug 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 11 Oct 1945

BM 462
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - A
Joined Sqn 30 May 1942
Taxiing accident
To Westland for repair
Left Sqn 31 May 1943
To 602 Sqn
S O C scrapped 29 Aug 1945

BM 464
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - G
Joined Sqn 28 Apr 1942
Named Rose Painted on Port Side
P/O E D MacKie 1 Destroyed Loco 13 Jun 1942
P/O E D MacKie 1 Damaged Loco 13 Jun 1942
Collision with Spitfire BM 522 after
landing at Wansford 30 Jul 1942
Left Sqn 30 Jul 1942
To Air Services Training for repair
61 Sqn damaged, re categorized cat E scrap 13 Oct 1944

BM 482
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - W
Joined Sqn 1 Jul 1942
Sgt J A Houlton 1 Destroyed Loco 11 Aug 1942
Sgt J A Houlton 1 Damaged Loco 11 Jul 1942
Failed to return, Rodeo 168, shot down near Hardelot 13 Feb 1943
F/O I A C Grant killed

BM 509
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 31 Jul 1942
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
S O C scrapped 1 Mar 1945

BM 513
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 18 Sep 1942
Failed to return, shot down by flak near Neuville 6 Mar 1942
P/O L B Gordon POW

BM 516
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - U
Joined Sqn 27 Apr 1943
F/L M R D Hume 1/2 Damaged FW 190 10 Jun 1943
Converted to VB LF
Left Sqn 1 Aug 1943
To 19 Sqn
2nd TOUR
Joined Sqn Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn Feb 1944
To Air Service Training to install Basta mods
S O C scrapped 27 Dec 1945

BM 522
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter OU - R
Joined Sqn 2 May 1942
Ground collision with Spitfire BP 858
while landing at Kingscliffe 15 Aug 1942
Repaired and returned to service
Ground collision with spitfire BM 464
after landing 30 Aug 1942
Repaired and returned to service
Left Sqn 31 Dec 1942
To 312 Sqn
277 Sqn major repair, re categorized cat E 2 Jan 1945

BM 539
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 6 May 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 20 May 1943
To Rolls Royce for inspection
19 Sqn mid air with BM 323, crashed near
125 Short Landing Ground,
Newchurch, Kent 9 Jul 1943

image source

BP 642
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter OU - A
Joined Sqn 30 May 1942
Left Sqn 14 Mar 1943
To Westland for repair
S O C scrapped 29 Aug 1945

BP 858
Mark Vc
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn 12 Mar 1942
Left Sqn 31 May 1942
To 457 Sqn RAAF
Code letter
Re joined sqn 8 Jul1942
S O C written off 21 Jul 1942
Damaged in Formation Landing, on ground collision
With Spitfire BM 522 while landing at Kingscliffe

EN 842
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 31 Dec 1943
To 57 OTU
Taxied into another aircraft at Eshott cat E scrap 1 May 1945

EN 919
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 8 Apr 1944
To Vickers Armstrong for fuel system mods
S O C scrapped 29 Nov 1945

EN 962
Mark Vb
Merlin 45
Code letter
Joined Sqn 14 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 9 May 1944
To Air Services Training for M46 installation
S O C scrapped 5 Jul 1945

EP 107
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - U TOC
Joined Sqn 7 Dec 1942
Failed to return, shot down by fighters, crash landing
In Hardelot Area 13 Feb 1943
F/O T Robson POW

EP 115
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - R
Joined Sqn 13 Aug 1942
Attacking a He 115 when engaged by a Fw 190
Repaired at Sqn level 28 Nov 1942
Failed to return, Rodeo 168, shot down by fighters,in
Hardot Area 13 Feb 1943
Sgt R J Steed killed

EP 171
Mark Vb
Merlin 45M
Code letter
Joined Sqn 11 Nov 1943
At Drem
Left Sqn 17 Mar 1944
To Vickers Armstrong, Sth Marston for fuel system and basta mods
S O C scrapped 29 Nov 1945

EP 183
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - T
Joined Sqn 29 Apr 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
To USAAF 9 May 1944

EP 277
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - S and OU - H
Joined Sqn 18 Sep 1942
F/O M R D Hume 1 Destroyed FW 190 13 Feb 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sq
S O C scrapped 7 Sep 1945

EP 387
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - N
Joined Sqn 18 Sep 1942
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 12 Jun 1943
To Air Services Training for Repair
To 57 OTU engine stopped, belly landed near
Swinhoe Northumberland cat E scrap 10 Jan 1945

EP 485
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter
Joined Sqn First operation 31 Mar 1943
Left Sqn 19 Aug 1943
To 64 Sqn
To 41 OTU struck by AB 203 at Hawarden
Cat E scrap 8 Sep 1944

EP 595
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - Q
Joined Sqn 5 Aug 1952
Failed to return, attacking He 115 when shot down by Fw 190
On a ground attack mission over Netherlands 28 Nov 1942
F/L M M Shand POW

EP 767
Mark Vb
Merlin 46
Code letter OU - U and OU - D
Joined Sqn 16 Feb 1943
Converted to VB LF May 1943
Left Sqn 1 Jul 1943
To 19 Sqn
To Reid Sigrist 31 Oct 1946

CLAIMS WHILE FLYING Mk V’s

Me 109 17 Destroyed 12 Possible 7 Damaged
FW190 6 Destroyed 1 Possible 6 Damaged
Do 217 1 Destroyed 1 Damaged
He 115 1 Destroyed
25 13 14

Part 1

with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner