Spitfire patrol, June 1944

Oil Sketch 40 x 30 cms (sold)
Quite a few years ago I did a small painting of ML214 flown by John Plagis of 126 sqn. Unfortunately, as others found, available research then subsequently proved inaccurate in some aspects so I've wanted to paint another to 'put things straight' using my updated research for some time.
This then is an updated oil sketch of sleek Spitfire Mk IXC MK923 'Z' of 126 squadron on patrol in June 1944. Her main pilot then was Sqn Ldr Bill Swinden.
Sqn Ldr Plagis took over the squadron on the 20th June and this aircraft was thereafter flown by several sqn pilots (including Plagis himself on one occasion).
This aircraft survived the war and was owned by film star Cliff Robertson
and displayed on the airshow circuit by Jerry Billing.
This was her typical fit in early June and indeed on D-Day itself, carrying the jettisonable 45 gallon external fuel tank (which caused a few 'teething' problems for the sqn including the loss of one aircraft when the engine cut out whilst attempting to switch tanks).
Notably, this entire Culmhead Wing painted their aircraft with invasion stripes which were narrower width than the normal. Many thanks go to Bob Swaddling (Crew chief on this display aircraft) for all the research help.

Spitfire patrol, June 1944
Spitfire patrol, June 1944

Oil Sketch 40 x 30 cms (sold)
Quite a few years ago I did a small painting of ML214 flown by John Plagis of 126 sqn. Unfortunately, as others found, available research then subsequently proved inaccurate in some aspects so I've wanted to paint another to 'put things straight' using my updated research for some time.
This then is an updated oil sketch of sleek Spitfire Mk IXC MK923 'Z' of 126 squadron on patrol in June 1944. Her main pilot then was Sqn Ldr Bill Swinden.
Sqn Ldr Plagis took over the squadron on the 20th June and this aircraft was thereafter flown by several sqn pilots (including Plagis himself on one occasion).
This aircraft survived the war and was owned by film star Cliff Robertson
and displayed on the airshow circuit by Jerry Billing.
This was her typical fit in early June and indeed on D-Day itself, carrying the jettisonable 45 gallon external fuel tank (which caused a few 'teething' problems for the sqn including the loss of one aircraft when the engine cut out whilst attempting to switch tanks).
Notably, this entire Culmhead Wing painted their aircraft with invasion stripes which were narrower width than the normal. Many thanks go to Bob Swaddling (Crew chief on this display aircraft) for all the research help.