Johnny Checketts's Spitfire

[Dave Homewood]

I was asked today by a mate I caught up with at the Armistice event if I had any photos of Johnny Checketts' Spitfire Mk IX coded OU-H that he apparently flew for a long time while he was with No. 485 (NZ) Squadron.

I don't recall the serial number he mentioned.

I don't have any photos but wondered if anyone here does. He wants to model it using the Tamiya 1/32 Mk IX Spitfire kit.

Any photos would be welcome please.

[smithy]

Dave,

That will be EN572. I had a quick flick through Wells, Morris, Sortehaug and Orange's books and there are a couple of photos of Johnnie sitting in what would most likely be this aircraft but they are close up shots which do not show more than himself sitting in the cockpit.

I'd say for modelling purposes it will be standard size codes and roundels, Johnnie didn't seem to use any personalised artwork on his aircraft so I wouldn't worry about anything like that. Whether EN572 carried a squadron leader's pennant (and if so either on the cowling or under the windscreen) like his later AB509 is a moot point.

Hope that helps your mate a tad,

Tim

[Dave Homewood]

Hi Tim, yes Dave mentioned the cockpit shot but indeed he was curious about the pennant and any other details that a wider shot might pick up.