These two Spitfire XIV squadrons then joined the Tempests of 80 and 274 Squadrons at Grave, Belgium (B.82) in early October to comprise No 125 Wing, No 83 Group, 2nd TAF before moving to Diest, Holland (B.64) in November. In September 1944, 41, 130, 350, and 610 squadrons, led by Wing Commander Colin Gray, made up the Spitfire XIV wing based at Lympne, Kent, their primary role being escorting bombers to Germany.Ĥ02 (RCAF) was first to move to the continent, arriving at Antwerp/Deurne, Belgium (B.70) in September followed shortly thereafter by 130 Squadron.
Spitfire XIV and aircrew of 322 (Dutch) Squadron, Hartford Bridge, April 1944
130 (Punjab) Squadron also converted to Spitfire XIVs that month at Lympne.īy mid August the V-1 diver threat had waned and the Spitfire XIV Squadrons went back to offensive operations over the continent. 91 and 322 delivered their Spitfires XIVs to 350 (Belgian) and 402 (Winnipeg Bear) Squadrons at Hawkinge, while No. Spring operations took the form of sweeps, patrols, scrambles, escorts etc.Īfter participating in Operation Overlord, the successful landings in Normandy, the Spitfire XIV Squadrons were engaged in anti-diver duties for approximately two months. They flew operations with the XIVs on 12 March 1944, moving to Drem that month, then West Malling in April.ģ22 (Dutch) Squadron began re-equipping with Spitfire XIVs in mid March at Acklington, with the first operational flying coming after the move to Hartford Bridge in April.Īt this time 91 and 322 Squadrons comprised 24 Wing, 2nd TAF led by Wing Commander Bobby Oxspring. Spring brought moves to Culmhead, Bolt Head, and Harrowbeer.ĩ1 Squadron began trading in their Spitfire XIIs for XIVs on the last day of February 1944 when they moved to Castle Camps. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron was the first squadron to convert to Spitfire XIVs, re-equipment commencing on 4 January 1944 with the Squadron's move to Exeter.Ħ10 Squadron’s first operational sorties with their XIVs occurred on 8 January 1944. The first production Spitfire XIV was delivered in late October, 1943. Spitfire XIVs of 610 Squadron in January 1944 Production models entering service beginning in February 1945 featured a cut-back rear fuselage and teardrop bubble canopy. The fin and rudder were further modified. In appearence it was very similar to the Spitfire XII with normal wings, except that it had a five-bladed propeller. Later models could be equipped with a 33 gallon rear fuselage tank. Internal fuel capacity was 112 gallons with pick-up points provided for carrying of 30 gallon, 45 gallon or 90 gallon drop tanks. It was fitted with a two-speed, two-stage Griffon 65 engine of 2,220 h.p.
3dlabprint spitfire mk iv full#
The operational weight with full fuel and ammunition was 8,400 lbs. 303 Browning guns, or E wing - 2 x 20 mm cannon and. The Spitfire XIV was a short range medium-high altitude fighter combining the Spitfire Mk VIII airframe with a Rolls-Royce Griffon engine.Īrmament was either: B wing - 2 x 20 mm cannon and 4 x. Spitfire Mk XIV versus Me 109 G/K Spitfire Mk XIV versus Me 109 G/K
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