Spitfire P7505

Anthony Hodge writes:

(If anyone can help with this query please contact me and I’ll put you in touch with Anthony)

I am writing today to ask if you would be very kind and see if there is any way you could assist me in my researches centered around the history of one unusual Spitfire P7505 that survived the duration of the war here in the UK.

In brief I am seeking information in connection with Spitfire P7505, any squadron details from December 1943 to March 1945 when P7505 was apparently used by 4 Squadron in photo reconnaissance work, as part of the Second Tactical Air Force and the forthcoming invasion of Europe. Do you have any squadron activity records of that period, or pilots logbook notes, or pictures, or know of anyone I could contact please? Thank you for taking the time for reading this, and any help you may offer will be greatly received.

Best wishes, Anthony Hodge. Amateur aviation historian.

‘For we shall remember them’ – The History Of Spitfire P7505

P7505, a Supermarine Spitfire Mk 2A was manufactured in the Castle Bromwich factory in the Midlands and left the Maintenance Unit on the 10th October 1940, just at that critical time during the final stage of the battle of Britain P7505 was delivered to 66 Squadron. On the 21st October 1940 it received Category 2 damage due to enemy action. After repairs were made it was given to 91 Squadron for Air Service Training. On the 14th February 1941 118 Squadron took the plane over with the serial number NK-T .On the 6th May 1941 403 Squadron took possession of the plane. On the 31st July 1941 54 Squadron took the plane over. On the 4th of August 1941 P7505 was again used for Air Service Training, until the 2nd of September 1941 when the plane was converted to a Mk VB and fitted with a Merlin 45 engine. It was then delivered back to 54 Squadron until 5th January 1942? 133 Squadron had the plane up to the 10th March 1942. Then 601 Squadron took it over until the 10th of April 1942. Afterwards 164 Squadron used P7505 until the 20th May 1942. 602 Squadron had the Spitfire until the 10th September 1942. Then it was taken to Philip Powis at South Marston for a fuel system modification. Afterwards the plane was then transferred to Heston Aircraft ltd for a major conversion into a PRX111 Photo Reconnaissance Spitfire, and fitted with the Merlin 32 engine. Approximately eleven months later P7505 was then delivered to 4 Squadron on the 30th December 1943 where apparently it remained until being struck off charge on the 28th March 1945.