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  Spitfire Mark Vc Serial Number A58-149 Code UP-O
RAAF
No. 79 Squadron

Aircraft History
Built by Supermarine in the United Kingdom. Assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) serial number EF545. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia.

Wartime History
During May 1943 assigned to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as Spitfire Vc and retained RAF serial number EF545. On May 20, 1943 reassembled by 1 AP. On June 7, 1943 assigned to 1 Air Depot (1 AD). On June 26, 1943 assigned to 13 ARD. On September 17, 1943 assigned to No. 79 Squadron coded UP-O.

On September 17, 1943 while being delivered to No. 79 Squadron, suffered a landing accident causing it to stand on its nose while taxing. The next day assigned to 15 ARD for repairs then returned to the squadron the same day.

During November 1943, retroactively assigned RAAF serial number A58-149.

On November 12, 1943 took off piloted by pilot F/Lt L Wettenhall, 400109 and damaged during a wheels-up landing that damaged the belly and propellers while landing at Vivigani Airfield on Goodenough Island. Wettenhall survived the landing unhurt.

On December 15, 1943 suffered another ground accident while doing a test run when wiring short circuited and caused a fire in the fuselage. On December 21, 1943 assigned to 26 Repair Salvage Unit (26 RSU). On January 4, 1944 approved for write off Vivigani Airfield.

Wreckage
During 1974, this aircraft was salvaged during Yesterdays Air Force (YAF) and exported to Australia and later New Zelaand where some restoration took place. Parts from this aircraft were used in the restoration of Spitfire A58-178.

References
ADF Serials - Spitfire A58-149
Platnum Fighter Sales - Supermarine Spitfire Vc EF545 / G-CDGY offered for sale "£2,500,00 completed and flying or £450,000 As Is"

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Last Updated
December 20, 2022

 

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