The Spitfire

Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX (TA805): ‘THE SPIRIT OF KENT’

Spitfire TA805, Reg G-PMNF, is a late build Mk IX which entered service with 183 Squadron at Chilbolton on June 24 1945.

In late 1949, TA805 was acquired by the South African Air Force (SAAF), and in 1954 it was sold as scrap to the South African Metal and Machinery Company at Salt River, Cape Town. In 1980 the remains of several Spitfires were recovered from the scrap yard by a party from the SAAF Museum and placed in storage at Snake Valley. A number of these aircraft were acquired by Spitfire restorer Steve Atkins, and transported to his store in Southern England in 1989, from where the present owner bought TA805 in April 1996.

Following partial restoration on the Isle of Wight, it was moved in March 2003 to the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford for completion to airworthiness. Assembly, fitting-out, systems and engine installation were carried out as well as the paint scheme and markings. The machine is back in the markings it wore when delivered to 234 Squadron at RAF Bentwaters, Suffolk in August 1945.

The aircraft received its Permit to Fly in January 2006 and has since been re-located to Biggin Hill and named the ‘THE SPIRIT OF KENT’

For more information on ‘THE SPIRIT OF KENT’ go to www.kentspitfire.co.uk

Click here to view an article from “The Bump” the official magazine from the Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Supporters’ Club.