SpitfireAA810.bsky.social
@spitfireaa810.bsky.social
Restoring Sandy’s Spitfire - the Great Escape Spitfire - to flight.
Incorporating the Photographic Reconnaissance Charity, PRU Archive, National PRU Monument Campaign, and the Reconnaissance Heritage Flight.
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk
Incorporating the Photographic Reconnaissance Charity, PRU Archive, National PRU Monument Campaign, and the Reconnaissance Heritage Flight.
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
June 3, 2024 at 12:50 PM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
SYTTENDE MAI
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
May 17, 2024 at 9:12 AM
SYTTENDE MAI
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
HAPPY 103RD BIRTHDAY F/LT WILLIAM ‘BILL’ WILLIAMS
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
May 13, 2024 at 8:03 AM
HAPPY 103RD BIRTHDAY F/LT WILLIAM ‘BILL’ WILLIAMS
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
May 12, 2024 at 9:58 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
MAJOR STEM ANNOUNCEMENT
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
May 9, 2024 at 7:18 AM
MAJOR STEM ANNOUNCEMENT
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
MOSQUITO MONDAY
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
May 6, 2024 at 8:05 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
May 5, 2024 at 7:43 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
April 29, 2024 at 7:42 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
April 28, 2024 at 7:07 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
MOSQUITO MONDAY
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
April 22, 2024 at 7:39 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
PARTS APPEAL
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
April 17, 2024 at 8:05 AM
PARTS APPEAL
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
April 15, 2024 at 7:30 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today we feature PR XI EN427 at RAF Benson. After a failed attempt to deliver to the Middle East, EN427 would eventually join 682 Sqn in Italy. The aircraft went missing on a sortie to Genoa on 29 August 1943.
Today we feature PR XI EN427 at RAF Benson. After a failed attempt to deliver to the Middle East, EN427 would eventually join 682 Sqn in Italy. The aircraft went missing on a sortie to Genoa on 29 August 1943.
April 14, 2024 at 9:00 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today we feature PR XI EN427 at RAF Benson. After a failed attempt to deliver to the Middle East, EN427 would eventually join 682 Sqn in Italy. The aircraft went missing on a sortie to Genoa on 29 August 1943.
Today we feature PR XI EN427 at RAF Benson. After a failed attempt to deliver to the Middle East, EN427 would eventually join 682 Sqn in Italy. The aircraft went missing on a sortie to Genoa on 29 August 1943.
A LIFE CUT SHORT 6TH APRIL 1944
AA810’s last pilot Sandy Gunn. Murdered 80 years ago today for his part in the #greatescape alongside William Grisman, Tony Hayter, Clement McGarr, Harold Milford, Denys Street, and John Williams.
He was 24 years old.
AA810’s last pilot Sandy Gunn. Murdered 80 years ago today for his part in the #greatescape alongside William Grisman, Tony Hayter, Clement McGarr, Harold Milford, Denys Street, and John Williams.
He was 24 years old.
April 6, 2024 at 7:39 AM
A LIFE CUT SHORT 6TH APRIL 1944
AA810’s last pilot Sandy Gunn. Murdered 80 years ago today for his part in the #greatescape alongside William Grisman, Tony Hayter, Clement McGarr, Harold Milford, Denys Street, and John Williams.
He was 24 years old.
AA810’s last pilot Sandy Gunn. Murdered 80 years ago today for his part in the #greatescape alongside William Grisman, Tony Hayter, Clement McGarr, Harold Milford, Denys Street, and John Williams.
He was 24 years old.
MOSQUITO MONDAY
On this our first Mosquito Monday we’d also like to say a very Happy 106th Birthday to the Royal Air Force.
Per ardua ad astra.
On this our first Mosquito Monday we’d also like to say a very Happy 106th Birthday to the Royal Air Force.
Per ardua ad astra.
April 1, 2024 at 8:40 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
On this our first Mosquito Monday we’d also like to say a very Happy 106th Birthday to the Royal Air Force.
Per ardua ad astra.
On this our first Mosquito Monday we’d also like to say a very Happy 106th Birthday to the Royal Air Force.
Per ardua ad astra.
Great to see the @CWGC featuring Sandy Gunn, with 322 known PRU aircrew buried in CWGC graves around the world, & 185 more listed on various memorials, the CWGC plays a major part in remembering and caring for the last resting places of those who served.
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
March 14, 2024 at 10:07 AM
Great to see the @CWGC featuring Sandy Gunn, with 322 known PRU aircrew buried in CWGC graves around the world, & 185 more listed on various memorials, the CWGC plays a major part in remembering and caring for the last resting places of those who served.
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
NEW MERCHANDISE
As we head towards the significant anniversaries in the project through 2024, the team has been working on a number of new merchandise items. Today we unveil the first new item in the shop store - our project keyrings. www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/shop
As we head towards the significant anniversaries in the project through 2024, the team has been working on a number of new merchandise items. Today we unveil the first new item in the shop store - our project keyrings. www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/shop
February 29, 2024 at 3:45 PM
NEW MERCHANDISE
As we head towards the significant anniversaries in the project through 2024, the team has been working on a number of new merchandise items. Today we unveil the first new item in the shop store - our project keyrings. www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/shop
As we head towards the significant anniversaries in the project through 2024, the team has been working on a number of new merchandise items. Today we unveil the first new item in the shop store - our project keyrings. www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/shop
ON THIS DAY IN 1942
Sandy Gunn finds himself coming face-to-face with Tirpitz for the first time: (facebook.com/10006359599093…?)
Our first picture is of Sandy getting ready for today’s mission in 1942 colourised by Colour by RJM…
Sandy Gunn finds himself coming face-to-face with Tirpitz for the first time: (facebook.com/10006359599093…?)
Our first picture is of Sandy getting ready for today’s mission in 1942 colourised by Colour by RJM…
February 19, 2024 at 2:29 PM
ON THIS DAY IN 1942
Sandy Gunn finds himself coming face-to-face with Tirpitz for the first time: (facebook.com/10006359599093…?)
Our first picture is of Sandy getting ready for today’s mission in 1942 colourised by Colour by RJM…
Sandy Gunn finds himself coming face-to-face with Tirpitz for the first time: (facebook.com/10006359599093…?)
Our first picture is of Sandy getting ready for today’s mission in 1942 colourised by Colour by RJM…
OTD IN 1942
Guy Morgan takes AA810 on a sortie to a Norway whilst Tony Hill and AFP Fane attempt ‘dicer’ trips to photograph Tirpitz in her berth.
Norway is enduring bad weather but Tony Hill managed to get through to take this low level oblique of Tirpitz (Medmenham Archive).
Guy Morgan takes AA810 on a sortie to a Norway whilst Tony Hill and AFP Fane attempt ‘dicer’ trips to photograph Tirpitz in her berth.
Norway is enduring bad weather but Tony Hill managed to get through to take this low level oblique of Tirpitz (Medmenham Archive).
February 15, 2024 at 8:41 AM
OTD IN 1942
Guy Morgan takes AA810 on a sortie to a Norway whilst Tony Hill and AFP Fane attempt ‘dicer’ trips to photograph Tirpitz in her berth.
Norway is enduring bad weather but Tony Hill managed to get through to take this low level oblique of Tirpitz (Medmenham Archive).
Guy Morgan takes AA810 on a sortie to a Norway whilst Tony Hill and AFP Fane attempt ‘dicer’ trips to photograph Tirpitz in her berth.
Norway is enduring bad weather but Tony Hill managed to get through to take this low level oblique of Tirpitz (Medmenham Archive).
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2024
This week is #naw2024 and as a major part of our project is helping young people with future careers, we our proud to be making a difference. Last year we attended Parliament with apprentices from easyJet Careers and GKN Aerospace and their inputs to ministers on…
This week is #naw2024 and as a major part of our project is helping young people with future careers, we our proud to be making a difference. Last year we attended Parliament with apprentices from easyJet Careers and GKN Aerospace and their inputs to ministers on…
February 6, 2024 at 12:08 PM
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2024
This week is #naw2024 and as a major part of our project is helping young people with future careers, we our proud to be making a difference. Last year we attended Parliament with apprentices from easyJet Careers and GKN Aerospace and their inputs to ministers on…
This week is #naw2024 and as a major part of our project is helping young people with future careers, we our proud to be making a difference. Last year we attended Parliament with apprentices from easyJet Careers and GKN Aerospace and their inputs to ministers on…
Fantastic to see this recent feature by Commonwealth War Graves Commission on RAF Photographic Reconnaissance and greater still that it features two of AA810’s pilots as examples of the men still missing to this day.
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
February 2, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Fantastic to see this recent feature by Commonwealth War Graves Commission on RAF Photographic Reconnaissance and greater still that it features two of AA810’s pilots as examples of the men still missing to this day.
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
TODAY IN 1942…
Freddie Malcolm took AA810 to Norway on a successful mission to photograph the build up of Luftwaffe resources at both Lade and Vaernes, the two airfields tasked with protecting the Tirpitz.
Freddie Malcolm had been in the Army at the start of the war and…
Freddie Malcolm took AA810 to Norway on a successful mission to photograph the build up of Luftwaffe resources at both Lade and Vaernes, the two airfields tasked with protecting the Tirpitz.
Freddie Malcolm had been in the Army at the start of the war and…
January 30, 2024 at 9:06 AM
TODAY IN 1942…
Freddie Malcolm took AA810 to Norway on a successful mission to photograph the build up of Luftwaffe resources at both Lade and Vaernes, the two airfields tasked with protecting the Tirpitz.
Freddie Malcolm had been in the Army at the start of the war and…
Freddie Malcolm took AA810 to Norway on a successful mission to photograph the build up of Luftwaffe resources at both Lade and Vaernes, the two airfields tasked with protecting the Tirpitz.
Freddie Malcolm had been in the Army at the start of the war and…
ON THIS DAY IN 1942
Robert Tomlinson took AA810 on a successful high level reconnaissance of Tirpitz and the Scheer in Trondheim bay in a round trip lasting nearly five hours….
Robert Tomlinson took AA810 on a successful high level reconnaissance of Tirpitz and the Scheer in Trondheim bay in a round trip lasting nearly five hours….
January 29, 2024 at 11:47 AM
ON THIS DAY IN 1942
Robert Tomlinson took AA810 on a successful high level reconnaissance of Tirpitz and the Scheer in Trondheim bay in a round trip lasting nearly five hours….
Robert Tomlinson took AA810 on a successful high level reconnaissance of Tirpitz and the Scheer in Trondheim bay in a round trip lasting nearly five hours….
AUSTRALIA DAY
Today is the national day of Australia, and an important day to recognise the 87 Australian nationals who flew RAF unarmed reconnaissance. Many Australians flew with the Mediterranean and Far East units including 682 Sqn shown in today’s original wartime colour…
Today is the national day of Australia, and an important day to recognise the 87 Australian nationals who flew RAF unarmed reconnaissance. Many Australians flew with the Mediterranean and Far East units including 682 Sqn shown in today’s original wartime colour…
January 26, 2024 at 6:26 PM
AUSTRALIA DAY
Today is the national day of Australia, and an important day to recognise the 87 Australian nationals who flew RAF unarmed reconnaissance. Many Australians flew with the Mediterranean and Far East units including 682 Sqn shown in today’s original wartime colour…
Today is the national day of Australia, and an important day to recognise the 87 Australian nationals who flew RAF unarmed reconnaissance. Many Australians flew with the Mediterranean and Far East units including 682 Sqn shown in today’s original wartime colour…