IN 1941 the Stockbridge Spitfire Fund, Hampshire, raised the sum of £5,000 towards the cost of a Spitfire.

A Spitfire MkVb, serial AB335 probably had the town’s name painted on its side in recognition.

The aircraft was shipped to Malta as part of Operation Spotter, the first Spitfires to be based outside of the UK. It left Liverpool in the SS Cape Hawk in February, 1942 crated up with 15 other Spitfires, their pilots also sailed on the same vessel.

The Spitfires were assembled on the quay at Gibraltar and then craned on to the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle before sailing for Malta.

The aircraft, their assembly having been completed on board the aircraft carrier, were then tested, but it was found that the extra fuel tank carried beneath the aircrafts’ fuselages were not working.

This meant a return to Gibraltar to await an expert to be sent out from Supermarine to resolve the problem.

On March 5, HMS Eagle set sail for Malta again, when around 600 miles from the island the aircraft flew off on their epic flight, the first time a Spitfire had flown off a carrier.

All aircraft arrived safely and became part of 249 Squadron. AB335 was flown by several different pilots and was involved in shooting down several German aircraft.

On April 2, 1942 the aircraft was attacked and set on fire whilst being flown by American Pilot Officer DW Mcleod.

He was able to safely bale out and was rescued later, slightly wounded from his dinghy in the sea east of the island.

I am searching for a photograph of this Spitfire and wonder if anyone has it?

I can be contacted on 07986 943816, email plovell.24@btinternet.com or at my home address.

Paul Lovell, 24 Mill Lane, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TU