List of surviving Supermarine Spitfires

Supermarine Spitfire

Company type	Aircraft
Industry	Aviation, Military
Founded	1936
Founder	Supermarine Aviation Works
Headquarters	Southampton , United Kingdom
Products	Single-seat fighter aircraft

Current counts of existing SpitfiresTemplate:Fix/category

Status	Quantity
Airworthy	78
Static exhibit	64
Under restoration / in storage	66
Total	208

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A Supermarine Spitfire aircraft touching down at Biggin Hill airfield in June

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that served with the Royal Air Force and numerous other Allied nations during the Second World War and continued to operate into the 1950s, fulfilling roles as a primary fighter as well as secondary duties.

After major industrial powers transitioned from propeller-driven planes to jet technology, many smaller countries acquired Spitfires. When these nations later modernised their air forces, numerous WWII-era aircraft were sold either to private individuals or dismantled for scrap.

Today, many of these Spitfires and Seafires are preserved within museums and private collections worldwide.

This document enumerates surviving Spitfires and Seafires by their locations and current conditions.

Australia

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MV239 at Point Cook, Victoria (2008)

Airworthy

• Spitfire Mk.VIIIc MV154 (VH-A58). Stationed at Archerfield near Brisbane, Queensland. This aircraft is painted to represent A58-484, which was flown by Australia's top-scoring ace Clive Caldwell. Constructed at Supermarine's Southampton facility in 1944, it was delivered by ATA pilot Mary Wilkens to No. 6 Maintenance Unit before shipment to Australia for the RAAF as A58-671. It never entered active service and remained in storage until restoration began in 1994. It was then registered in the UK as G-BKMI, bearing the markings of Spitfire Mk.VIII MT928, a plane that served with No. 154 Squadron RAF. Later sold to Meier Motors in Germany and re-registered as D-FEUR, the aircraft sustained a propeller strike during the Battle of Britain Airshow at Duxford in September 2019. Repairs were completed by the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCo), after which it resumed flying in the UK under registration G-BKMI. Early in 2024 it was sold to Archerfield, returning to Australia on 18 October 2024.
• Spitfire HF Mk.VIIIc MV239 (VH-HET). Located at the Temora Aviation Museum in Temora, New South Wales. Originally served with the RAAF as A58-758, it currently displays the markings of Robert 'Bobby' Gibbes DSO DFC’s mount A58-602, RG-V (RAF serial MV133). Gibbes commanded No. 80 Wing RAAF at Morotai in 1945. Ownership transferred to the RAAF in July 2019; it is operated by the Air Force Heritage Squadron (Temora Historic Flight).
• Spitfire F Mk.IX MH603 (VH-IXF). Owned by Ross Pay (son of Col Pay) through Pay's Air Service Pty Ltd. Formerly part of the South African Air Force, this machine was sold for scrap in 1955 and later restored to flying condition at Scone, NSW. It was completed displaying the colours of No. 331 (Norwegian) Squadron based at North Weald, UK, circa early 1944. The aircraft’s first post-restoration flight from Scone occurred on 11 December 2021.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe PL344 (VH-IUK). Served during WWII with No. 602 Squadron RAF, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, and No. 401 Squadron RCAF, then later with No.130 Squadron RAF and finally No.129 Squadron RAF. It experienced a wheels-up landing in 1946 but was rebuilt to flying status in 1991 as G-CCIX. Acquired by Kermit Weeks in 1992 and restored again to near-original specifications, completed in 2000 and registered N644TB as a birthday present from Alice Blair to Tom Blair after purchase from Weeks. It remained airworthy until exported back to the UK in 2007, underwent a third rebuild including wing fuel tanks installation, and flew again later that year. Subsequently returned to the US; UK registration was cancelled September 2020 before being exported to Australia in 2021 as VH-IUK. After preparation and repainting into No.401 Squadron markings YO-K, it flew again in Australia on 11 June 2022.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe SL633. Owned by Fighter Pilot Adventure Flights based at Archerfield Airport near Brisbane, Queensland. This aircraft has served with the Royal Air Force, Czechoslovak Air Force, early Israeli Air Force, and Burmese Air Force, currently displaying Czechoslovak markings JT-10 from the Fourth Air Regiment. The plane sustained damage during a landing accident on 7 July 2023 affecting propeller, landing gear, and underside. Subsequently sold for restoration in Australia under new ownership. It resumed flying on October 22, 2024.
• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TB863 (VH-XVI). Housed at Temora Aviation Museum, Temora NSW. It carries No.453 Squadron RAAF codes FU-P used during its UK service in 1945. Ownership transferred to RAAF July 2019; operated by No.100 Squadron RAAF Heritage Flight.

Static display

• Spitfire Mk.IIa P7973. Flew on twenty-four missions with various RAF and RAAF squadrons during 1941 including No.452 Sqn (RAAF) based at RAF Kenley and Hornchurch; flown by pilots such as Australian ace Keith "Bluey" Truscott. Shipped to Melbourne for exhibition postwar in July 1945; retains original RAF Central Gunnery School markings coded R-H. One of few examples preserving wartime paintwork; exhibited at the Australian War Memorial Canberra since 1950.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc/Trop BS231. Partial airframe displayed at Australian Aviation Heritage Centre Darwin NT; recovered from wartime crash site at Point Charles NT during low tide in1983; display includes components from BS178 / A58-70 & JG731 / A58-172.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc/Trop EE853. Exhibited at South Australian Aviation Museum Port Adelaide SA; built by Westlands UK in1942 shipped to Australia as A58-146 joining No79 Sqn RAAF Milne Bay; crashed Kiriwina Island August1943; recovered1971 then restored over four years before museum display from August2001.

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PK481 exhibited at Bull Creek WA

• Spitfire F Mk.22 PK481. On display at RAAF Association Aviation Heritage Museum Bull Creek WA; acquired from Brighton & Hove Branch RAF Association UK in1959; initially mounted outdoors before indoor refurbishment completed1977.

Restoration or stored

• Spitfire F Mk.Ia X4009 (G-EMET). Undergoing restoration aiming for flight by Hunter Fighter Collection Inc.; constructed1940 delivered No234 Sqn RAF August18th1940 coded AZ-Q; piloted by Paterson Clarence Hughes credited with nine kills plus one probable while flying X4009; Hughes died attacking a Dornier Do17 on September7th1940 after failed bailout attempt; wreckage recovered years later then registered G-EMET; donated by Ross & Ann-Maree Pay in2021 for restoration by Vintage Fighter Restorations Scone NSW.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc/Trop BR545. Held by Royal Australian Air Force Museum stored Point Cook Victoria; served RAAF as A58-51 formerly No54 Sqn RAF marked DL-E; force landed Prince Regent River mudflats near Truscott WA December22nd1943; wreckage recovered November1987 including Merlin engine sections.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc/Trop BS164 (VH-CIP). Restoration underway with Vintage Fighter Restorations; delivered RAAF A58-63 with No54 Sqn RAF as DL-K; wrecked after collision with LZ845/A58-214 while serving No452 Sqn RAAF1944; wreck recovered1975 acquired1982 Peter Croser & Michael Aitchison later sole owner Michael Aitchison2008 registered VH-CIP; acquired2019 Ross Pay restoring airworthy condition.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc/Trop MA353 (VH-CIQ). Being restored by Vintage Fighter Restorations; delivered RAAF A58-232 with No54 Sqn RAF DL-A before joining No452 Sqn RAAF QY-Z; lost during operations1944 pilot Sgt Colin William Dunning killed; wreck found1946 pilot remains recovered & buried; fuselage held John Haslett wings & engine displayed Darwin Air Museum; acquired1982 Peter Croser & Michael Aitchison sole ownership Michael Aitchison2006 registered VH-CIQ; acquired2019 Vintage Fighter Restorations.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXb MJ789. Property of Royal Australian Air Force Museum stored Point Cook Victoria; ex-No453 Sqn machine coded MJ789 / FU-B crashed River Orne near Caen France June11th1944 due to flak killing pilot Flt Lt Henry 'Lacy' Smith; both pilot & aircraft recovered November2010 pilot buried Normandy military honours wreck transferred Australia for conservation & eventual display.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe SL633. Owned by John Sessions with Historic Flight Foundation based Felts Field Spokane Washington USA; historically served RAF Czechoslovak Air Force early Israeli Air Force Burmese Air Force displaying Czechoslovak JT-10 Fourth Air Regiment markings; suffered landing accident July7th2023 damaging propeller landing gear underside; subsequently sold for rebuild Australia new ownership;
• Seafire F Mk.XV SW800 (VH-CIH). Stored near Adelaide South Australia recovered Brownhills scrapyard UK circa1991 shipped Melbourne VIC.

Belgium

Airworthy

• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe SL721 (OO-XVI). Currently owned by Vintage Fighter Aircraft. This aircraft was repainted to represent AU-J from No. 421 Squadron RCAF and was formerly part of the collection at Vintage Wings of Canada based in Gatineau, Quebec, registered as C-GVZB. It was later acquired by Vintage Fighter Aircraft in Belgium in flying condition and now bears the registration OO-XVI.

Static display

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MJ783/SM15 exhibited in Brussels

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe MJ783. Formerly operated by the Belgian Air Force under the identifier SM-15. It is exhibited at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels, painted in the colors of MJ360 / GE-B from the 349 (Belgian) Squadron of the Royal Air Force.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVc MV246. Displayed at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels. Originally delivered to the Belgian Air Force with tail number SG-55. It underwent restoration in 1951 using parts salvaged from other decommissioned Belgian Spitfires and is shown bearing squadron codes GE-R.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVc RM921. Exhibited at the Musee Spitfire located in Florennes. Delivered to the Belgian Air Force in August 1948 with tail number SG-57. It was written off following a taxiing mishap caused by a partial landing gear failure in November 1951. Subsequently installed as a gate guardian at Florennes Air Base, mounted on a pole. Between 1987 and 1992, it was restored for static exhibition and is displayed as TX995 / RL-D, representing the personal aircraft of Raymond Lallemant, although the original TX995 featured a bubble canopy.

Brazil

Restoration or stored

• Spitfire HF Mk.IXe MA793. Currently kept in storage after being exhibited at the Wings of Dreams Museum. MA793 served with the USAAF during 1943, believed to be the only surviving Spitfire with such service, before transferring to the SAAF under serial number 5601 in 1948. From 1954 until 1967, it was part of a playground at a children's hospital in Pretoria. The aircraft was reconstructed bearing the markings of PT672, another SAAF Spitfire. It was regularly flown at South African airshows until sold to a buyer in California in 1986, registered as N930BL, and repainted as EN398, with codes JE-J, one of Johnnie Johnson's Spitfires. In 1999, Rolls-Royce acquired it and subsequently sold it to the TAM/Wings of Dreams at São Carlos International Airport in Brazil for public exhibition. The museum ceased operations in 2016, with plans announced in 2018 to relocate to a new site near the Embraer facility at São José dos Campos Airport.

Canada

Airworthy

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Restored Spitfire CGYQQ Y2K S/N TE294

• Spitfire HF Mk.IXe TE294 (C-GYQQ). Initially undergoing restoration to flying status at Comox, British Columbia for Vintage Wings of Canada, it was relocated to their primary facility in Gatineau, Quebec in late September 2014 to continue its refurbishment for flight readiness. It was completed to depict MK304, bearing the codes Y2-K. The aircraft’s inaugural post-restoration flight occurred in Gatineau, Quebec, on 7 June 2017.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe TZ138 (C-GSPT). Constructed in early 1945, this aircraft initially served with the RAF before transferring to the Royal Canadian Air Force later that year for cold weather experimentation, including a period where it was equipped with skis adapted from a Tiger Moth. Following military service, it was exported to the United States, registered under several identifiers, and competed in numerous air races. By the 1970s, it became a restoration endeavor and was restored to flying condition in the US by 1999 before returning to Canada with registration C-GSPT.

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TP280 exhibited at Oshkosh 2006

• Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe TP280 (C-GANI). Currently airworthy and part of the Hangar 10 Collection. Originally delivered to India as HS654 in 1947, it returned as a derelict in the 1970s. It was restored to flying condition in 1992 with the UK registration G-BTXE before being transferred to the United States later that year as N280TP. Acquired by Germany's Hangar 10 Collection in 2015 as D-FSPT, TP280 was brought to Canada in 2023 under registration C-GANI with Stampede Aviation.

Static display

• Spitfire F Mk.IIb P8332. A veteran of the Battle of Britain, this aircraft is exhibited at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa. It carries the markings and codes P8332 / ZD-L representing its service with 222 Squadron during 1941. This presentation aircraft, titled "SOEBANG N.E.I.", was funded by the Netherlands East Indies.

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NH188

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc NH188. This aircraft served with the Royal Netherlands Air Force as H-109 (later H-64) between 1947 and 1952, then with the Belgian Air Force as SM-39 from 1952 until 1954. Privately owned, it operated in Belgium under OO-ARC and was subsequently imported into Canada where it flew as CF-NUS. Donated on 7 June 1964, it is now displayed at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum located at Rockcliffe, Ontario as NH188 / AU-H.
• Seafire F Mk.XV PR451. Exhibited at The Military Museums in Calgary, Alberta. Delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1946 and decommissioned in 1949, PR451 underwent restoration during the 1980s for static exhibition at what was then the Naval Museum Of Alberta; this institution is now known as The Military Museums.

Restoration or stored

• Spitfire F Mk.XIVe RM747 Currently held in storage by Vintage Wings of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec. The aircraft served with No.322 (Dutch) Squadron, No.350 (Belgian) Squadron, No.451 (Australian) Squadron, and later operated with the Royal Thai Air Force under serial Kh.14-5/93. During the 1980s, it was part of a playground installation at Sawankalok, Thailand.
• Spitfire Mk.XVIe TE214. Displayed and undergoing initial restoration phases at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum located in Mount Hope, Ontario. Previously loaned from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum at Rockcliffe, Ontario, this aircraft was manufactured by Vickers at Castle Bromwich, UK in 1945 and flew post-war with RAF No.203 Advanced Flying School until sustaining damage in an accident. The British Air Ministry gifted it to the RCAF in 1960; subsequently transferred to the Canadian Aeronautical Collection (now Canada Aviation and Space Museum) in 1966 before ownership passed to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in 2022.

China

Static Exhibition

• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TE330. Exhibited at the China Aviation Museum, located in Datangshan. This aircraft was procured in 2008 from New Zealand, where it had been restored to a static display condition by the Subritzky family from North Shore before being sold to China through an auction.

Czech Republic

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TE565 exhibited at the National Technical Museum

Static Exhibition

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXE TE565. This plane served with No. 310 (Czech) Squadron under the designation A-712. It was transferred to the Czech Air Force in 1945 and displayed at the National Technical Museum from 1950 until 1970, after which it was loaned to the Kbely Aviation Museum. In 2008, it returned to the National Technical Museum and has been on static display as TE565 / NN-N since then.

Denmark

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MJ271 on static display at Duxford prior to restoration as the "Silver Spitfire"

Operational

• Spitfire Mk.IX MJ271 (G-IRTY). Constructed in 1943 at Castle Bromwich, this aircraft completed 51 combat sorties. Restored by Historic Flying Limited as 'The Silver Spitfire', it took its inaugural post-restoration flight in late June 2019 at Duxford. Finished in polished aluminum, it was flown around the globe by its then-owners, Boultbee Flight Academy. In 2021, ownership transferred to a Danish aircraft leasing company.

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MA298 exhibited at the Stauning Aircraft Museum

Static Exhibition

• Spitfire HF Mk.IXe MA298. Following the German occupation, the Royal Danish Air Force acquired a total of 38 HF Mk.IXe and 3 PR Mk.XI Spitfires. These aircraft were phased out and replaced by jets between 1951 and 1955, with all but two being dismantled. One of these was even placed in a children's playground for several years. MA298 is the sole surviving Danish Spitfire; delivered to the Danish Air Force in 1947, it was restored for exhibition at Danmarks Flymuseum at Stauning Airport after retirement. The plane bears the markings of 41-401, originally displayed on NH417.

Egypt

Static exhibit

• Spitfire F Mk. Vc Trop BR491. This aircraft, BR491, was operated by 92 Squadron and crashed in Alexandria, Egypt in 1942, resulting in the death of its pilot, Warrant Officer Class I Lloyd George Edwards. The plane was recovered by the El Alamein Military Museum in 1999 and exhibited from 2001 onward, although it is missing the rear tail section, likely lost due to underwater deterioration.

France

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RR263 displayed at Musée de l'Air et de l’espace, Le Bourget

Operational

• Spitfire FR Mk. XIVe RM927 (G-SXIV). Currently airworthy in the United Kingdom. Constructed in November 1944 and delivered to the RAF by January 1945, it was assigned to No. 430 Squadron RCAF under the code G9-X. After sustaining flak damage and being stored for several years, it was transferred to the Belgian Air Force in 1947 as SG-25 with the code 3R-D, later repainted and marked IQ-W. In 1957, it was sold for scrap but displayed alongside NH904 (which remains airworthy in the US), though without wings. The aircraft changed hands multiple times across the US and UK before undergoing a fuselage rebuild at Airframe Assemblies completed in 2009, receiving registration G-JNMA. Following a period of storage, it was acquired by the W Air Collection in France late in 2020, re-registered as G-SXIV, and relocated to Sywell for completion of restoration. The fully restored Spitfire conducted its inaugural post-restoration flight on 5 July 2022 from Sywell and subsequently flew to La Ferté-Alais, France a month later.
• Spitfire PR.XIX PS890 (F-AZJS). Entered service in 1945 and transferred to the Royal Thai Air Force as U14-26/97, remaining active until 1952. Donated to Planes of Fame Air Museum in 1962 and restored to flying condition by 2002 as N219AM. It was sold to a French owner in 2005 and re-registered F-AZJS. After sustaining damage during a take-off incident at Longuyon-Villette Airfield, Meurthe-et-Moselle on 11 June 2017, the aircraft was sent to Historic Flying Limited’s Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford, UK for repairs. The Spitfire was successfully rebuilt and returned to flight on 6 August 2020.

Static exhibit

• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe RR263. Manufactured in 1944 and delivered that year to the RAF's 2nd Tactical Air Force. It was loaned to Vickers Supermarine for experimental purposes in 1949 before being placed into storage. The aircraft served as a static prop for the film Reach for the Sky and was later displayed on a plinth at RAF Kenley bearing the designation TB597 with codes GW-B. After refurbishment and repainting maintaining the same identifiers, it was transferred for exhibition at the Musée de l’air et de l’espace, located at Le Bourget.

Germany

Static exhibition

• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe MV370. Exhibited at the Luftfahrtmuseum in Hannover. Originally an instructional airframe from the Indian Air Force (bearing the designation T.44), it is painted with the codes MV370 and EB-Q, representing an aircraft from No. 41 Squadron of the RAF.

Greece

Operational

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MJ755 (G-CLGS). Manufactured at the Castle Bromwich plant, this aircraft was delivered to No. 43 Squadron RAF in August 1944, during its deployment in Southern France. Transferred to the Royal Hellenic Air Force in 1947, it was eventually retired and placed in The Hellenic Air Force Museum. In 2018, restoration for flight was undertaken at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar in the United Kingdom. The aircraft completed its initial post-restoration flight on 19 January 2020. Between 25 and 27 May 2021, MJ755 was flown back to Tatoi, Greece, via France and Italy, returning to its former display location.

India

Static exhibition

• Spitfire Mk.VIII - MV459. Displayed at Ambala Air Force Station.
• Spitfire F Mk.XVIIIe - SM986. Formerly operated by the Indian Air Force with serial number HS986. Exhibited at the Indian Air Force Museum, Palam, New Delhi.

Under restoration or in storage

• Spitfire LF Mk. VIIIc NH631. Presented at RIAF Museum Palam. Delivered to the Royal Indian Air Force in 1945, this aircraft remained flight-capable with the museum in India from the 1960s until flying ceased in 1989. Restoration efforts to return it to airworthy status were announced in 2018 through an external organization.

Israel

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TE554, The Black Spitfire

Operational

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe TE554, known as the Black Spitfire, formerly designated 20-57 in the Israeli Air Force. This aircraft served as the personal plane of ex-Chief of Staff and president Ezer Weizman and is currently used for ceremonial flight demonstrations. It is housed at the Israeli Air Force Museum located at Hatzerim.

Exhibited

• Spitfire F Mk.IXe EN145. Constructed at Chattis Hill, it had its maiden flight in 1942 and was delivered to the USAAF in 1943. Subsequently transferred to the Italian Air Force in 1946 with the code MM4116, it later joined the Israeli Air Force as 20-78. Since its acquisition by the IDFAF Museum in 1990, it has remained on display.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe SL653. Initially supplied to the Czechoslovak Air Force, this aircraft was later assigned to the Israeli Air Force under the code 20-28. Acquired by the IDFAF Museum in 1973, it is currently exhibited there. Although once thought to be TE578 (with some components from that aircraft), restoration work revealed markings indicating it is indeed SL653, including stencil number 425 (previously associated with Burmese registration UB425, which never left Israel and was reassigned to SL633) and the identification number "28" corresponding to IDFAF's 20-28.

Italy

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MK805, flown by the Italian Air Force during the final phase of WWII

Exhibited

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MK805. Displayed at the "Vigna di Valle Museum", part of the Italian Air Force Museum in Bracciano near Rome, Italy.

Malta

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EN199 exhibited at the Malta Aviation Museum

Exhibited

• Spitfire F Mk.IXe EN199. This aircraft is part of the collection at the Malta Aviation Museum, Ta Qali, Malta. It first took flight at Eastleigh on November 28, 1942. Restoration was completed by Ray Polidano, who serves as the museum’s director, in 1992. Named 'Mary Rose' after Polidano’s wife, it bears the code R-B honoring Wing Commander Ronald Berry D.F.C., the highest-ranking pilot to have flown this plane.

Myanmar

Static exhibition

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe TE513, identified by Burmese code UB421, is exhibited outdoors at the Defence Services Museum, which opened in 2016. This museum is located northeast of Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, within the Zeyathiri Township.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe TE527, bearing the Burmese designation UB431, has parts of its rear fuselage and tail section displayed inside the same Defence Services Museum on the outskirts of Naypyidaw.
• Seafire F Mk.XV PR376, marked with Burmese number UB409, is also on outdoor display at the Defence Services Museum near Naypyidaw since its 2016 inauguration.

In 2012, significant media interest arose around allegations that several Spitfire Mk.XIV aircraft had been buried unassembled in their crates by the RAF in Burma during August 1945. However, no supporting documentation or physical proof has surfaced to validate this claim, leading some experts to regard it as unlikely and legendary. Military archaeologist Andy Brockman suggested that if the RAF intended to prevent these Spitfires from falling into unintended hands, it would have been more practical to destroy them by burning, dismantling vital components, or crushing them rather than carefully burying them intact. Nonetheless, the Burmese government authorized excavations after reaching an agreement with David Cundall—a British farmer and aviation enthusiast spearheading the search alongside his Burmese partner Htoo Htoo Zaw.

Specialists from Leeds University and a Rangoon-based academic applied advanced geophysical methods to detect anomalies consistent with buried metal at Yangon International Airport, formerly known as RAF Mingaladon airfield. Additionally, other locations were reported as potential burial sites for Spitfires, including one site said to contain up to 36 aircraft.

By January 2013, after archaeological investigations at Yangon International Airport and Myitkyina led by Brockman, it was concluded that no aircraft remained buried at these locations. Despite these findings, Cundall persisted in his efforts. However, in the following month, Wargaming Ltd, Cundall's financial backer, withdrew support, stating their belief that no Spitfires had been interred and that the planes had instead been re-exported in 1946. Despite this withdrawal of funding, Cundall expressed continued optimism and commitment to pursuing the search further.

Netherlands

Operational Aircraft

• Spitfire Tr.9 MJ772 (PH-KDH). Initially served with 341 Squadron of the Royal Air Force as NL-W, then with 340 Squadron bearing the code GW-A. In 1950, sold to Vickers-Armstrongs and converted into a two-seat trainer, carrying Class B markings G-15-172. Transferred to the Irish Air Corps in May 1951 as IAC 159. Grounded from flight operations in 1960. Purchased by Film Aviation Services in November 1963 and stored at Biggin Hill. Subsequently sold to COGEA, Belgium in May 1964, remaining stored at Ostend Airport. Acquired by Tony Samuelson in 1965 and re-registered as G-AVAV in November 1966. Restored to flight condition by July 1967 and leased to Spitfire Productions Ltd for filming the movie Battle of Britain. On 9 July 1968, experienced engine failure resulting in a forced landing near Little Staughton, later repaired and returned to flying status. Later owned by Sir William Roberts as part of the Strathallan Collection, displayed under code NL-R. Purchased by Doug Champlin of Enid, Arizona, registered N8R, and subsequently re-registered in Germany as D-FMKN. On 7 September 2015, it made an off-airport landing in a field near Woodchurch, Kent, with no injuries to the pilot. As of March 2019, maintained airworthy by Warbird Experiences Ltd at Biggin Hill airfield. In August 2021, the aircraft was flown to its new base in The Netherlands.

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MK732 bearing Netherlands Air Force insignia

• Spitfire LF Mk IXc MK732 (PH-OUQ). Operated by The Historic Flight of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht Historische Vlucht), stationed at Gilze-Rijen. Manufactured in 1943, it participated during D-Day operations. After restoration to flying condition, it initially bore Royal Netherlands Air Force (Klu) markings H-25. Later repainted to reflect its service with No. 485 Squadron RNZAF as OU-U, named 'Baby Bea V', but currently displays an all-silver finish marked 3W-17 representing the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TB885 (PH-FVE). Formerly part of 322 (Dutch) Squadron. Disassembled and buried at RAF Kenley in 1958; recovered in 1982. Restored to airworthiness by The Spitfire Company at Biggin Hill and returned to flight on 4 August 2018. Currently painted with original markings of 3W-V from 322 Squadron. Owned by Dutch entrepreneur Frits van Eerd, CEO of Jumbo supermarket chain, who plans to station it with the RNLAF Historical Flight at Gilze-Rijen Air Base. Registered in the Netherlands as PH-FVE.

Exhibited Aircraft

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MJ143. Exhibited at the recently inaugurated National Military Museum, located on the former Royal Netherlands Air Force Base at Soesterberg. Previously held in storage after extended display at the now-defunct Militaire Luchtvaart Museum also at Soesterberg. Presented with Royal Netherlands Air Force code H-1.

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TP263 exhibited at Overloon

• Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe TP263. Displayed at the National War & Resistance Museum, Overloon. Originally from the Indian Air Force as HS649, reconstructed to represent a Mk.XIVc variant. Carries a fabricated serial number NH649 and bears the squadron codes 3W-F from No.322 (Dutch) Squadron.

New Zealand

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MH367 at the Classic Fighters 2015 airshow held at Omaka

Operational Aircraft

• Spitfire Tr.9 MH367 (ZK-WDQ). This aircraft belongs to aerobatic pilot Doug Brooker and was brought into New Zealand on 11 September 2008. It features RAF desert camouflage with the insignia FL-A, representing a Mk IX EN520 flown by New Zealand Squadron Leader Colin Gray, who commanded 81 Squadron during its deployment in Tunisia in mid-1943. On 15 January 2009, while en route from Auckland, the Spitfire was involved in a forced landing at Hood Aerodrome near Masterton. Damage included the propeller, undercarriage, and some fuel lines, but repairs were completed. A subsequent landing mishap occurred at Ardmore Airport on 2 December 2009, causing damage to the undercarriage and propeller. On 12 June 2011, the aircraft experienced another landing incident at Ardmore, tipping forward onto its nose and harming the propeller.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc PV270 (ZK-SPI). Owned by entrepreneur Brendon Deere, this aircraft underwent a five-year restoration to return it to flying condition in Feilding, New Zealand, and resumed flight on 18 March 2009. It is housed in a specially constructed hangar at RNZAF Base Ohakea, alongside Deere's North American Harvard.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe NH799 (ZK-XIV). This aircraft is part of 'The Chariots of Fire Fighter Collection' based at Omaka airfield. Following restoration, it made its first flight on 2 April 2015 with John Lamont piloting. The Chariots of Fire Fighter Collection acquired it in 2010, and Avspecs Limited at Ardmore Airport restored it to flying condition.

Exhibited Aircraft

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TE288 exhibited at the RNZAF Museum

• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TE288. Entering RAF service on 1 June 1945, this aircraft served with units including 61 OTU, 501 Squadron RAuxAF (bearing code RAB-D), as well as the 102 and 103 Fighter Refresher Schools before being stored in 1951. It was featured as a prop in the film "Reach for the Sky" and later served as a gate guard at RAF Rufforth, Church Fenton, and Dishforth. Sold in 1963 to Canterbury Brevet Club in Christchurch, New Zealand, it was displayed on a pole near Christchurch International Airport's entrance for many years. Donated to the RNZAF Museum in 1984, it was restored by RNZAF personnel at Woodbourne and is now exhibited at Wigram without its serial number, displayed as OU-V from No. 485 Squadron RNZAF.
• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TE456. Accepted by the RAF on 8 August 1945, this aircraft was initially stored at No.6 MU Brize Norton before joining the ranks of the 501 RAuxAF Squadron at Filton in March 1946 (coded RAB-J). Later assigned to the 612 RAuxAF Squadron based at Dyce in May 1949 with code '8W-?', it also appeared in the film Reach for the Sky during August 1955. Since being donated through arrangements by New Zealander Sir Keith Park, former wartime commander of No.11 Fighter Group, it has been on permanent display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum since 1956.

Norway

Airworthy

• Spitfire Tr.9 EN570 (LN-AOA). Originally part of the Royal Air Force, this aircraft was downed near Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise, France, in 1943. It has been undergoing restoration to return to flight status with Norwegian Flying Aces, including the installation of a new fuselage and wings. The restoration was finalized in 2024, with its inaugural post-restoration flight occurring on 22 April. The aircraft was subsequently delivered to Norwegian Flying Aces in Norway during May.
• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe RW386 (LN-BSP). Initially constructed and assigned to 604 Squadron as NG-D, this aircraft was soon retired from active duty and served as a gate guard. Restoration efforts began in 1992 but paused before resuming under new ownership in 2002, culminating in its return to flight by 2007, adorned with its original 604 Squadron insignia. It first flew under the registration G-BXVI before being re-registered as SE-BIR upon export to Sweden. In 2020, following the relocation of owner Biltema Nordic Services to Norway, the aircraft was re-registered as LN-BSP.

Static display

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe MH350. Exhibited at the Norwegian Aviation Museum (Norsk Luftfartsmuseum) located in Bodø.
• Spitfire PR Mk.XI PL979. Presented at the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection, situated at Gardermoen, Oslo.

Restoration or stored

• Spitfire Mk IX MJ785. Formerly operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, this aircraft crashed during the summer of 1945 and is currently being evaluated for restoration to flying condition by Norwegian Flying Aces.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IX MK997. Previously part of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, it crashed into Samsjøen Lake in August 1950 resulting in the pilot's fatality. The wreckage was recovered on 13 August 2018 and is slated for restoration to airworthy status for Norwegian Flying Aces.

Poland

Static exhibition

• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe SM411. This aircraft was assigned to the RCAF 421 Squadron in 1944 and is currently exhibited at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków. It features the fictitious markings TB995 / ZF-O representing the 308 (City of Kraków) Squadron RAF. In 1977, the plane was transferred from the United Kingdom to Poland as part of a museum exchange between the Polish Aviation Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum. The swap involved exchanging it for a World War I Airco DH.9A bomber, which is the sole surviving example of its kind and now displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum London. Due to complications stemming from the ongoing Cold War, negotiations for this exchange extended over nearly nine years.

Portugal

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ML255 exhibited at the Museu do Ar

Static exhibition

• Spitfire HF Mk.IXc ML255. Originally delivered to the South African Air Force in 1948, this aircraft suffered damage in a collision at AFB Ysterplaat. It was subsequently abandoned in Snake Valley, Pretoria, before being recovered and restored for static display at the SAAF Museum. Eventually, it was relocated to the Museu do Ar in Sintra, Portugal, where it bears the markings of the Portuguese Air Force as ML255 / MR+Z.

Serbia

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Spitfire Mk VC Trop at Belgrade Aviation Museum

Static exhibition

• Spitfire F Mk.Vc Trop JK808, serial number 17-545, was preserved rather than scrapped or converted into a training airframe. It was transferred to the Military Museum in Belgrade and initially displayed outdoors at Kalemegdan fortress as part of an open-air exhibit. During this period, it was repainted and incorrectly assigned the Yugoslav Air Force number 9486. Later, it was moved to Belgrade International Airport for inclusion in the Belgrade Museum of Aviation collection, where it was presented with a fictional paint scheme and markings. This led to confusion regarding its true identity because aircraft bearing YAF number 9486 corresponded to ex-RAF MH592, which had been used as a training frame at Rajlovac Air Force Technical Training Center. The plane designated as 9489 (formerly JK808) underwent an extensive restoration in 1973 by Tehnička direkcija JAT ( JAT Tehnika ) at Belgrade International Airport. Through detailed research and application of multiple paint schemes—most notably JK448 with code "W"—its authentic identity was confirmed using serial numbers and archival documentation as JK808, airframe s/n 17-545, manufactured at Castle Bromwich. A comprehensive article describing its restoration and identification appeared in 2004. The displayed aircraft incorporates several non-original components such as an engine sourced from another airframe, a Soviet-made camera, landing gear elements, a reconstructed instrument panel fitted with standard RAF gauges, and additional parts obtained from YAF or JAT inventories.

South Africa

Static exhibition

• Spitfire HF Mk.VIIIc JF294. Previously operated by the South African Air Force with the serial number 5501. This aircraft is exhibited at the South African National Museum of Military History located in Johannesburg.

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TE213, shown prior to its emergency landing in 2000

Under restoration or in storage

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe TE213. Currently undergoing restoration at the South African Air Force Museum, AFB Swartkop. This aircraft served with the South African Air Force as 5518. It sustained damage following a forced landing on 15 April 2000, and efforts are ongoing to return it to flying condition.

Sweden

Static exhibition

• Spitfire PR Mk. XIX PM627. Displayed statically at the Flygvapenmuseum. Originally entered RAF service in 1945 and was removed from their inventory in 1951. Subsequently, the Indian Air Force registered it as HS964 in 1954 before retiring it in 1957. The aircraft was then stored at the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi. In 1971, it was acquired by the Canadian Fighter Pilots Association and transported via a Lockheed C-130 Hercules. It underwent restoration for static display across various Canadian locations. The Flygvapenmuseum obtained the aircraft in 1982, completed a full restoration for static exhibition, and presented it with Swedish Air Force markings as Fv31051.

Under restoration or stored

• Spitfire PR Mk. IV BP923. Being restored to flying condition. Built for and operated by the RAF starting March 1942, serving with 1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit. Transferred to the Soviet Air Force in October that year. The aircraft was believed scrapped after retirement in 1945. Its wreckage was found in northern Norway in 1972 but only recovered in 1989 and sent to the Royal Norwegian Air Force Museum. Due to lack of Norwegian operational history, it was sold to Swedish restorer Sven Kindblom, who is returning it to airworthy status.

Thailand

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SM914, Thailand, 2014

Static exhibition

• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe SM914. Royal Thai Air Force serial number KH14-1/93. Exhibited at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Bangkok, adorned with Royal Thai Air Force insignia and an overall silver paint scheme.
• Spitfire PR Mk.XIX PM630. Displayed at Bangkok-Don Muang airport. Delivered to Thailand’s air force in 1954 before being transferred to the Technical School in Trat province in 1960. The aircraft was recovered in 1987 and restored for display by 1985.

Under restoration or stored

• Spitfire PR Mk. XIX PS836. Possibly undergoing restoration to flying condition. Entered Royal Thai Air Force service as U14-27/97 in 1954 and subsequently retired before being assigned to the Technical School at Chiang Mei in 1978. Eventually acquired by RTAF Thai Air Classics/Tango Squadron around 1992 for an airworthy restoration project.

Turkey

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TE517 adorned with Turkish Air Force insignia and colours

Operational

• Spitfire LF Mk.IX TE517 (YV.85). Currently airworthy in Turkey. This aircraft was constructed and supplied to the RAF in 1945, initially serving with No. 313 Squadron RAF before transfer to the Czech Air Force. In 1948, it was acquired by the Israeli Air Force bearing the designation 20–46. Robs Lamplough purchased it in 1977, registering it as G-BIXP though this registration was not activated. Following Lamplough’s ownership, Charles Church obtained the remnants in 1984 and re-registered it as G-CCIX. After Church's passing, Kermit Weeks acquired it in 1992. Subsequently sold to Peter Monk at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar for restoration to flight status under registration G-JGCA. The restoration was finalized in 2023, with its first post-restoration flight on 5 April. On 26 May 2024, ownership transferred to Ali İsmet Öztürk’s M.S.Ö. Air & Space Museum, and the aircraft was relocated to Turkey. By 20 July 2024, TE517 was repainted in authentic Turkish Air Force livery, carrying the call sign YV.85 as a tribute to the Turkish Air Force's "Yavuz" (YV) Spitfire Squadron based at Merzifon.

United Kingdom

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X4650 resting on grass at Duxford, July 2015

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AR501 exhibited at Old Warden, 2004

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P7350, currently operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in the UK

Operational

• Spitfire F Mk.Ia N3200 (G-CFGJ). Held by the Imperial War Museum and flown by Aircraft Restoration Company (ARCo) at Duxford Airfield. Originally assigned to No. 19 Squadron and bearing QV squadron codes at the time it was downed on 26 May 1940 during support for Operation Dynamo at Dunkirk, piloted by Sqn Ldr Geoffrey D. Stephenson. Restored to flying condition by Historic Flying Limited, Duxford, it is considered among the most authentic Spitfires restored today. Its inaugural flight post-restoration occurred on 26 March 2014. The aircraft was gifted to the Imperial War Museum on 9 July 2015 by philanthropist Thomas Kaplan, accepted by museum Patron Prince William (Duke of Cambridge).
• Spitfire F Mk.Ia P9372 (G-CLIH). Airworthy and based at Biggin Hill, Kent. Dutch reports indicate ownership by Frits van Eerd, CEO of supermarket chain Jumbo. Restoration was completed by Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar in 2025, with its return to flight on 22 April.
• Spitfire F Mk.Ia X4650 (G-CGUK). Owned by Comanche Warbirds. Constructed in October 1940 and delivered to No. 54 Squadron RAF with KL-A codes. After crashing in December 1940 and being removed from service in June 1941, its remains were salvaged in 1976. Restoration commenced at Biggin Hill with its first post-restoration flight occurring in March 2012.
• Spitfire F Mk.Ia AR213 (G-AIST). Acquired by Group Captain Allen H. Wheeler on 25 October 1946; appeared in the film Battle of Britain in 1968; transferred to Sheringham Aviation in April 1989. Underwent restoration in 2002 with repainting into "JZ-E" coded colours of No.57 OTU. Featured prominently in the film Dunkirk.
• Spitfire F Mk.IIa P7350. Operated by RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire; recognized as the sole surviving Battle of Britain-era Spitfire still flying and believed to be the fourteenth aircraft produced out of nearly twelve thousand built at Castle Bromwich. Entered service August 1940; served with squadrons No.266 and No.603 during the Battle of Britain.
• Spitfire LF Mk.Vb AB910. Also operated by RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at RAF Coningsby; manufactured at Castle Bromwich in 1941 with an operational career spanning close to four years.
• Spitfire LF Mk.Vc AR501 (G-AWII). Maintained airworthy by the Shuttleworth Collection, returned to flight status after a rebuild completed in March 2018. Originally built by Westland Aircraft at Yeovil; assigned to No.310 (Czech) Squadron at RAF Duxford as AR501/NN-A during WWII, escorting USAAF bomber formations including B-17s and B-24s. Joined Shuttleworth Collection in 1961; appeared in the film The Battle of Britain (1969).
• Spitfire F Mk.Vb BM597 (G-MKVB). Owned by Historic Aircraft Collection; built in 1942 and served with Polish squadrons No.315 and No.317 based at RAF Woodvale; later utilized as a gate guardian and for mould-making for replica Spitfires used in the Battle of Britain movie; purchased for restoration by Tim Routsis of Historic Flying in 1989; sold to Historic Aircraft Collection in 1993 with restoration completed and first post-restoration flight occurring in 1997; currently painted with original No.317 Squadron markings but featuring an earlier brown/green camouflage scheme.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc EE602 (G-IBSY). First post-restoration flight took place on 15 May 2015 from Biggin Hill under pilot Peter Monk; restoration spanned three years at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar; displayed with original No.129 Squadron RAF DV-V markings alongside inscription 'CENTRAL RAILWAYS URUGUAYAN STAFF' commemorating its presentation status from British community in Uruguay.

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EP120 displayed at Duxford

• Spitfire LF Mk.Vb EP120 (G-LFVB). Owned by The Fighter Collection based at Duxford; manufactured at Castle Bromwich in 1942 and initially assigned to No.501 Squadron where it achieved six aerial victories under Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Northcott; after a ground collision repaired before joining No.19 Squadron; delivered to No.402 Squadron in 1944 bearing AE-A codes; post-war served as gate guardian and featured in Battle of Britain film before storage from 1989; acquired by The Fighter Collection in 1993 and returned to flight status in 1995 wearing original No.402 Squadron markings AE-A.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc JG891 (G-LFVC). Owned by Comanche Fighters and supported by Aircraft Restoration Company UK-based team; built in 1942, served with RAAF as A58-178 until written off following landing accident in 1944; rebuilt and flown again from 2006 registered G-LFVC before moving to US registry N5TF under Comanche Fighters Texas ownership; suffered landing accident July 2017; subsequently returned to UK registry as G-LFVC on October 31, 2017; resumed flying July 6, 2018 bearing markings of No.249 Squadron.
• Spitfire Mk.VIII MT818 (G-AIDN). Two-seat trainer variant built in 1944, restored airworthy by Personal Plane Services at Booker, Buckinghamshire; last recorded flight June 30, 2024; based at London Biggin Hill Airport.
• Spitfire Mk.VIIIc MV154 (G-BKMI). Built at Supermarine Southampton facility during WWII, delivered via ATA pilot Mary Wilkens to maintenance unit before shipment to RAAF as A58-671 but never entered service there; stored until rebuilt for UK civil registration G-BKMI bearing markings replicating Mk.VIII MT928 of No.154 Squadron RAF; later sold to Meier Motors Germany re-registered D-FEUR; suffered propeller strike during September Battle of Britain Airshow Duxford, repaired thereafter and returned to UK operation under original registration.
• Spitfire Tr.9 BS410 (G-TCHI). Airworthy UK-based two-seat trainer originally delivered to No.315 Squadron RAF during WWII until crash landing led pilot F/O Piotr Kuryllowicz becoming POW; wreckage recovered from crash site in 2005; subsequently acquired by Martin Phillips for complete rebuild at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar; first post-restoration flight occurred April 8, 2022.
• Spitfire F Mk.IXc LZ842 (G-CGZU). Based airworthy at Biggin Hill; participated with various squadrons during Malta Campaign including Nos.93,232 & French Escadron de Chasse 'Corse' squadron coded EF-F; later served South African Air Force post-war; restored including repaint into original EF-F codes and fitted with Rolls-Royce Merlin X engine; first flight after restoration June 23,2021.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MH415 (G-AVDJ). Owned by Warbirds Flight Club Pty Ltd Australia undergoing restoration for return to flying condition; previously owned by Wilson 'Connie' Edwards stored Texas facility for decades bearing ZD-E codes replicating WWII service with No.222 Squadron RAF; FAA registration cancelled prior sale through Platinum Fighter Sales October2015 followed by shipment Australia; After five years restoration exported back UK prior COVID-19 pandemic onset; first post-restoration flight April8,2021 from Sywell Aerodrome.

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MH434, marked as No.222 Squadron aircraft, Duxford,2005

• Spitfire LF Mk IXb MH434 (G-ASJV). Owned/operated by The Old Flying Machine Company based Duxford; constructed Castle Bromwich factory during WWII; credited with shooting down an Fw190 while flying with No.222 Squadron RAF; flown extensively during display seasons primarily piloted by Ray Hanna until his death late2005; appeared frequently across Europe airshows plus TV/film including Operation Crossbow, The Longest Day, Battle of Britain, and series Foyle's War.
• Spitfire Tr.9 MJ444 (G-LEGD). Currently undergoing restoration aiming for airworthiness; originally built as LF Mk IX variant serving primarily with Canadian squadrons Nos411/403/443 before being shot down over Belgium January1945; recovered wreckage rebuilt into two-seat trainer configuration by Aircraft Restoration Company ARCo; achieved first post-rebuild flight June6,2024 named 'Lady Luck'.
• Spitfire LF Mk IXc MK912 (G-BRRA). Constructed during WWII flew multiple air forces including Czech postwar until damage sustained1953 led retirement; restored between1992-2000 resuming flights September8,2000; previously owned/flew Canada Niagara Falls area prior sale Biggin Hill Kent2011; suffered forced landing August1,2015 resulting wing damage; returned airworthy July31,2024 repainted original Czech squadron D-Day markings 'DU-V'.
• Spitfire Tr.9 ML295 (G-CLXB). Airworthy UK-based two-seat trainer originally built as LF Mk IXb variant serving Canadian squadrons Nos411/403/443 before being shot down July30,1944 over Belgium; recovered wreckage rebuilt two-seat configuration taking first post-restoration flight January14,2022.

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ML407, dubbed "The Grace Spitfire", exhibited Duxford2001

• Spitfire Tr.9 ML407 (G-LFIX). Served Royal New Zealand Air Force No485 Squadron coded OU-V participating Operation Overlord invasion before transferring through various squadrons including Nos341/308/349/345/332 RAF units; retired mid-century then sold multiple owners including Tony Samuelson Sir William Roberts Nick Grace; restored airworthy1985 registered G-LFIX owned Carolyn Grace based Sywell sporting original NZ markings.
• Spitfire LF Mk IXc ML417 (N2TF). Delivered Canadian RCAF squadron443 then converted two-seat trainer Indian Air Force HS543 before returning UK Fighter Collection rebuilt single-seat original markings achieving airworthiness1984 registered G-BJSG before US registry N2TF2001; returned UK restored complete flying June20,2023.
• Spitfire Tr.9 NH341 (G-CICK). Rebuilt airworthy two-seat trainer formerly serving No411 squadron bearing DB-E codes restored ARCo Duxford;
• Spitfire Tr.9 PT462 (G-CTIX). Owned ARCo operated Aerial Collective Duxford sporting markings SW-A from No253 Squadron RAF.
• Spitfire F Mk IX PT879 (G-PTIX). Built WWII delivered USSR Russian Air Force crashed recovered farmer ownership later acquired Peter Monk brought UK then Peter Teichman Hangar11 Collection restoring flew Biggin Hill October28,2020.
• Spitfire Tr.9 PV202 (G-CCCA). Served Nos33/412 Squadrons coded variously before conversion two-seat trainer Irish Air Corps IAC161 retired gate guard multiple owners restored airworthy flown February23,1990 later major accident Goodwood April2000 rebuilt ARCo re-registered G-CCCA operated Royal Netherlands Air Force livery H-98 currently marked as '5R-H' operated ARCo/Aerial Collective Duxford.
• Spitfire HF Mk IXe RR232 (G-BRSF). Castle Bromwich built late WWII brought UK1989 owned Martin Phillips flown Goodwood Aerodrome West Sussex operated spitfires.com.
• Spitfire Tr.9 SM520 (G-ILDA). Constructed Castle Bromwich1944 found South Africa scrapyard1980s restored flyable2008 owned operated spitfires.com Goodwood/Solent Airport experience flights/pilot training.

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TA805 performing display at Duxford

• Spitfire HF Mk IXe TA805 (G-PMNF). Based formerly RAF Biggin Hill operated South African Air Force postwar recovered scrapyard early1990s repainted squadron234 FX-M markings.

• Spitfire HF Mk IXe TD314 (G-CGYJ). Operated Aero Legends maintained ARCo Duxford built late high-back model late1944 served RAF Nos183/234 Squadrons then SAAF scrapped South Africa1954 rescued1969 multiple owners Canada acquired Aero Legends2011 restored flew December7,2013.

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TE308, displayed at airshow2006

• Spitfire Tr.9 TE308 (G-AWGB). Initially allocated maintenance units then converted two-seat trainer Irish Air Corps IAC163 withdrawn1961 sold multiple owners appeared Battle of Britain film used aerial filming equipped front cockpit camera sold USA various registrations including CF-RAF N92477 N308WK damaged Galveston Texas April2008 under restoration QG Aviation sold Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar2019 flew again August2020 marked No457 RAAF squadron.

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Spitfire PR Mk.XI 'PL965' taxiing for display

• Spitfire PR Mk.XI PL965 (G-MKXI). Operated Hangar11 Collection North Weald conducted over forty operational sorties with No16 Squadron during1944–45.
• Spitfire PR Mk.XI PL983 (G-PRXI). Owned Aircraft Restoration Company ARCo Duxford ex RAF Photo Reconnaissance HQ & US Embassy Flight restored flew May2018 but suffered undercarriage collapse landing Midden-Zeeland Netherlands August22,2019.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIV MV293 (G-SPIT). Late war build sent Royal Indian Air Force1945 unknown service history repatriated UK1978 Warbirds Great Britain restored flew1992 painted silver JE-J representing Johnnie Johnson's Mark XIV MV268 JE-J markings postwar RAF service.
• Spitfire F Mk.XIVe RN201 G-BSKP Belgian Air Force SG31 retired monument Beauvechain acquired Historic Aircraft Collection1990 restored Historic Flying Limited2002 exported USA2007 registered N201TB cancelled2019 exported UK re-registered G-BSKP flew June9,2020 Sywell now back ARCo Duxford.
• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe RW382 G-PBIX Castle Bromwich build delivered No604 Squadron retired1953 featured Battle of Britain film gate guard rebuilt high-back flew again2013 Dutch squadron322 markings repainted2020 USAAF Italy pilot Lt Robert Conner markings WZ-RR.< ref/>
• Spifire Mk.XVI TD248 G-OXVI Built1944 entered service1945 served No695 Squadron withdrawn1953 displayed Hooton Park restored Historic Flying Ltd flew1992 painted No74 Squadron pilot Cliff Spink initials codes.< ref/>< ref/>

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TE184 wearing short-lived Polish squadron308 markings Kraków Air Show2014

• Spifire LF XVIe TE184 G-MXVI Operated Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Kent since2017 painted Czechoslovak ace Otto Smik’s Markings representing127 Squadron Grimbergen Belgium November1944 briefly marked Polish squadron308 ZF-U representing Jerzy Glowczewski who claimed FW190 January1st1945 attended Polish Air Museum Kraków June28th2014 reunited veteran Glowczewski Jacek Mainka pilot first Pole flying spitfires Poland grandfather mechanic wartime303/308 Squadrons.
• Spifire LF XVIe TE311 Movement Card indicates awaiting allocation June-August1945 allocated ECFS Handling Hullavington trials October transferred various maintenance units stored used Gate Guardian Tangmere loaned Battle of Britain Film mock wooden high back taxi condition stored BBMF spare parts restored flew October2012 marked SZ-G formerly Polish squadron316.

<rest omitted for brevity>

United States

Airworthy

• Spitfire F Mk.Ia P9374 (N92SQ). This aircraft is owned by Ellenville LLC. After restoration to flying condition by Historic Flying Limited, it completed its inaugural post-restoration flight at Duxford on 9 September 2011, bearing the registration G-MKIA. Previously, it was held by the Mark One Partnership LLC at Duxford Airfield. In July 2017, ownership transferred to a private individual in the US, registered as N92SQ. It displays the exact livery worn during its service with 92 Squadron from RAF Croydon when it was shot down on 24 May 1940, identified as P9374 / -J. The aircraft came down on the beach at Calais, France, piloted by Flying Officer Peter Cazenove, who survived and was taken prisoner by German forces. He was interned at Stalag Luft III and participated in the Great Escape.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vc AR614 (N614VC). Owned by the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum in Everett, Washington, this model was manufactured in 1942 by Westland Aircraft and initially delivered to 312 (Czech) Squadron. By 1945, it served as an instructional airframe until sold to a Canadian museum in 1963. It regained airworthiness in the 1990s and joined FHCAM in 1999, painted in its original 312 Squadron markings.

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BL628 exhibited at Oshkosh 2008

• Spitfire F Mk.Vb BL628 (N628BL). Based in Encinal, Texas, this aircraft is owned by Lewis Air Legends. It carries the markings YO-D of 401 (RCAF) Squadron at RAF Gravesend from 1942, reflecting its use as the personal plane of G. B. "Scotty" Murray. The name Marion, painted ahead of the cockpit after the pilot’s girlfriend, has been meticulously reproduced.
• Spitfire F Mk.Vb EP122 (N5TF). Owned by Comanche Fighters of Texas, this Spitfire was built in 1942 and served in Malta with 249 Squadron, 185 Squadron, and 1435 Squadron. It crash-landed on 27 March 1943 on the cliffs of Dwejra Bay, Gozo before sliding over into the sea. The wreckage was salvaged during the 1970s and later flown in the UK under civil registration G-CISV. It featured prominently in the film Dunkirk. In 2018, it was exported to the United States and registered as N5TF.
• Spitfire F Mk.IX BR601 (N64SQ). Constructed in 1942 and initially delivered to No. 64 Squadron RAF with code SH-F, this aircraft also served with 453 Squadron as FU-S, 129 Squadron as DV-S, and 316 Squadron as SZ-H before joining 165 Squadron in 1944. Post-war, it was transferred to the South African Air Force bearing serial number 5631 and later used as a parts source for restoring MA793. After a period on display at a scrapyard in 1976, it was removed from exhibit storage ten years later for restoration to flight status in the UK as G-CIYF with original No.64 Squadron markings SH-F. Subsequently exported to the US to join the Collings Foundation as N64SQ.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXe MJ730 (N730MJ). This aircraft belongs to Jerry Yagen and is based at the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Assigned to No. 417 Squadron RCAF in April 1944 during operations over Italy, it completed 95 escort missions for American bombers over northern Italy. Transferred to the Italian Air Force in June 1946, it appeared in William Wyler’s film Thunderbolt! (1947). Sold to the Israeli Air Force in 1951, it eventually ended up in an Israeli playground before being repatriated to Britain for restoration during the 1970s. FedEx founder Fred Smith acquired it in 1986.

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MK959 displayed at Oshkosh Air Show, 2005

• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MK959 (N959RT). Held by the Texas Flying Legends Museum.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe NH749 (N749DP). Operated by the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, based at Camarillo Airport. Manufactured late in 1944 and deployed to India under RAF’s South East Asia Command (SEAC) squadrons in July 1945, it was placed into storage following Japan’s surrender that August and sold to the Indian Air Force in late 1947. Rediscovered in England during the late ’70s by the Hayden-Bailey brothers and restored to flying condition, it was sold with registration G-MXIV before transferring to David Price's Museum of Flying in the US from 1985 until its sale to CAF in 2005. It currently sports SEAC colors marked with “-L”.
• Spitfire F Mk.XIVe SM832 (N54SF). Built in 1945 for service with the Indian Air Force; later restored to flight status in Britain as G-WWII during 1995 before moving to France as F-AZSJ. Returned to UK registration G-WWII in 2002 and acquired by Planes of Fame Museum in California as N54SF; presently registered under Comanche Fighters of Texas.
• Spitfire FR MK.XVIe TB252 (N752TB). Delivered on March 1, 1945 to No. 329 Squadron RAF, then assigned on March 15 to No.341 Squadron RAF. Later operated with No.350 Squadron of Belgium’s Air Force from 1946 until becoming a gate guardian monument from 1955 until acquisition by Historic Flying in 1988. Restored for flight by Avspecs in Ardmore, New Zealand; first post-restoration flight occurred on December 18, 2020 as ZK-NLJ.
• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TE392 (N14TS). Owned by Condor LLC based in Florida; previously displayed as a gate guardian at several RAF bases including Kemble and Hereford between1952–1984. Originally constructed with a low-back airframe featuring a bubble canopy but restored into a high-back variant that flew again on December 24,1999 registered N97RW under FAA registry. Formerly owned by Lone Star Flight Museum of Galveston Texas but placed into storage after damage sustained during Hurricane Ike. The plane bore markings ZX-Z representing Sqn Ldr Lance C. Wade of No.145 Squadron RAF—a Texan ace pilot active between 1940-44. FAA registration cancelled December19,2018; subsequently sold to Bishopp Aviation Pty Ltd for Fighter Pilot Adventure Flights operation in Australia where it resumed flying January13,2020 under VH-XWE/VH-RAF registrations participating monthly 'Fly with a Spitfire' events. Exported back to USA May2022 with new registration N14TS.

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SM969 static display at Duxford airshow

• Spitfire FR Mk.XVIIIe SM969 (N969SM). Originally delivered to RAF prior transfer to Indian Air Force bearing tail number HS877; repatriated back to UK where restoration commenced circa2006 culminating with re-airworthiness achieved by2008 under registration G-BRAF before exportation later that year to USA marked N969SM.

Static display

• Spitfire F Mk.Ia P9306. Exhibited at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. This aircraft is a veteran of the Battle of Britain having served with No.74 Squadron RAF.

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BL370 exhibited at National World War II Museum, New Orleans

• Spitfire F Mk.Vb BL370. Initially delivered to RAF before crashing during wartime operations in1944; recovered during1980s and restored for static exhibition at National World War II Museum.

• Spitfire F Mk.Vc MA863. Displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton Ohio wearing representative Operation Torch markings HL-B from service with31st Fighter Group/308th Fighter Squadron; previously RAAF serial A58-246 serving with54 Squadron RAF early1944 as Sqn Ldr E M Gibbs’ personal mount coded DL-A; later assigned No.452 Squadron RAAF coded QY-F.

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EN474 exhibited at Smithsonian Institution

• Spitfire HF Mk.VIIc EN474. Built for RAF service during1943 but allocated later for USAAF evaluation; retired into National Air and Space Museum collection from1947 onward and publicly displayed since1974.

• Spitfire LF Mk.VIIIc MT719 (N719MT). Operated airworthy by Cavanaugh Flight Museum located Addison Texas; served No.17 Squadron RAF across India/Burma campaigns during1944–45 before transfer late1947 into Royal Indian Air Force instructional role; currently wears squadron codes YB-J reflecting WWII service history; removed from public view following indefinite museum closure January2024; planned relocation North Texas Regional Airport Denison TX.
• Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MK923 (N521R). Exhibited at Seattle’s Museum of Flight since acquisition year2000; previously owned by actor Cliff Robertson; flown extensively between1972–94 by Canadian WWII pilot Jerry Billing who retired aged75 holding record for longest continuous experience flying Spitfires (~52½ years); primarily based Windsor Ontario during ownership period; painted with original No126 Squadron RAF codes “5J-Z” from mid-late1944 service at RAF Sawbridgeworth Hertfordshire.
• Spitfire PR Mk.XI PA908. Presented at National Museum of United States Air Force Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton Ohio.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe MT847. Displayed within Pima Air and Space Museum USA.
• Seafire FR Mk.47 VP441 (N47SF). Representing final production variant within Spitfire lineage; privately owned by Jim Smith based Montana following restoration conducted by Ezell Aviation.

Restoration or stored

• Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe TE476 (N476TE). Currently undergoing refurbishment under ownership of Kermit Weeks at Fantasy of Flight facility Polk City Florida; painted GE-D markings replicating personal mount “TB900” flown by Sqn Ldr Lallemand OC of349 Belgian Squadron RAF during1945–46 featuring “Winston Churchill” name alongside combat tallies beneath cockpit panel.

File:Supermarine Seafire PR503 at 2010 Oshkosh Air Show Flickr 4861958457.jpg

PR503 displayed Oshkosh Air Show2010

• Seafire F Mk.XV PR503 (N503PR). Produced too late for WWII combat but served post-war Royal Navy/Canadian Navy duty; subjected prolonged outdoor storage passing through multiple owners before Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum possession until1993; ultimately acquired/restored airworthy circa2010 by Jim Cooper retaining original Royal Navy camouflage scheme.

Zimbabwe

File:PK355 Supermarine Spitfire F.22 (8642430741).jpg

PK355 exhibited at Gweru, January 2006

Exhibited aircraft

• Spitfire F Mk.22 PK355 has been showcased at the Gweru Military Museum in Gweru, Zimbabwe since 1993. This aircraft was manufactured at the Castle Bromwich facility in Birmingham and was delivered to the Southern Rhodesian Air Force as SR.65 on 28 March 1951. It was redesignated RRAF65 upon transfer to the Royal Rhodesian Air Force in October 1954. Following its operational use, PK355 was first exhibited at the Bulawayo Museum from June 1955 until 1957, then displayed on a plinth at Thornhill Air Base, Rhodesia from 1960 through 1981. Subsequently, it was presented at New Sarum Air Base within the Zimbabwe Air Force Museum between 1981 and 1990 before arriving at its present exhibition site.

Bibliography

• Deere, Brendon. Spitfire:Return to Flight. Palmerston North, New Zealand: ITL Aviation Limited, 2010. ISBN 978-0-473-16711-0
• Green, Peter. "Spitfire Against a Lightning." FlyPast, No. 315, October 2007.
• Price, Alfred. Spitfire: Fighter Supreme. London: Arms & Armour, 1991. ISBN 1-85409-056-9
• Ellis, Ken. Wrecks and Relics. Manchester: Crecy Publishing, 2008. ISBN 978-0-85979-134-2

External links

• Supermarine Spitfire Registry
• Flying and Preserved Spitfires Worldwide
• UK-based Spitfires
• Belgian Air Force Aircraft from 1945 to Present Archived 13 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine
• Wreckhunters details on Belgian AF Spitfire 'SG57'
• MK1 Supermarine Spitfire Sale Supporting RAF Veterans and Wildlife Charity via cambridgemilitaryhistory.com blog