I first came across this aircraft over 25 years ago during a visit to the Dutch National War and Resistance Museum, Overloon. Is was sitting on display after being restored by RAF tradesman stationed in Germany.
Spitfire PR XI - PL 965
Taken 25 years ago
Spitfire PR XI - PL 965
Taken 25 years agoHere is a brief history of this Spitfire (Source - Hanger 11)
Supermarine Spitfire MK XI serial number PL 965 left the Aldermaston factory in mid 1944. Built as a MK XI photo reconnaissance aircraft, she was designed to operate at high altitudes (over 30,000 ft) and at high speeds of over 400 mph and as such was the fastest of all the Merlin powered Spitfires.
She was allocated to No.9 MU Cosford on 1st October 1944 and then ferried to No 34 wing and thence allocated to 16 Squadron, which at the time, was a forward squadron, based at Melsbroek airfield, near Brussels in Belgium as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. She proudly wore the identifying code "R" for Robert.
As one of the lucky wartime survivors, by 1960 she was an exhibit at the Dutch War Museum at Overloon. Here she remained for 27 years, eventually returning to the UK in 1987, for restoration to airworthy status in the hands of the late Nick Grace. Prior to his tragic death, Nick had arranged for the rebuild to be carried out at Rochester by MAPS Ltd. and over the next 5 years she was lovingly and painstakingly restored by this highly experienced and dedicated team.
Returning to the skies in December 1992, PL 965 has been a well-loved participant on the air show scene both here and in the USA from where she had recently returned in summer 2004.
Spitfire PR XI - PL 965
PL 965 as she is now
