Aircraft History
RAF Serial Number MT509. Received by 3 AD on July 4, 1944 from the United Kingdom. Assigned to 6 AD for temporary storage from June 10 - August 30, 1944. Assigned to 79 Squadron on November 1, but did not begin service with the squadron until December 6. Coded UP-L on March 23, 1945.

This Spitfire began flying combat missions. On May 10, 1945 while piloted by F/L Rumbold was damaged by anti-aircraft fire in the right mainplane over Doro village at 2:30pm, but landed without injury to the pilot. Repaired by 9 RSU on May 15, 1945.

Mission History
One of six Spitfires that took at 09:30 from Pitu Airfield for a test flight (after a cessation of hostilities). Owing to the failure of his section leader's radio, W/O Leahy took the lead from F/O Smithells and flew very low over Galela Lake in northern Halmahera. His aircraft was seen to strike the water, disintegrate and sinking.

Recovery of Remains
The body of W/O Leahy was recovered by Japanese in the area, and handed over to a Australian officer for burial. He was initially buried in the Makassar War Cemetery.

Memorials
W/O Leahy is now buried at the Ambon War Cemetery.

References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for this information
ADF Serials for aircraft history

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009