20 Spitfires to be found in Burma?

[TobyV]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17710598

[TSR2]

Saw that this morning Toby, could be interesting, all brand new and in crates! I wonder which mark they are?

[DaveB]

Oo-er! A few bobs worth there me thinks!

ATB
DaveB

[steveh]

The story doesn't ring true, they say the Spits were shipped in early 1945 and are mk 2's. As mk 2's were flown during the Battle of Britain, I don't think so!
Steve

[DaveB]

To be honest Steve, the article looks like it might have been written by my Labrador.. as do many published by Auntie Beeb these days. I wonder if she's moonlighting?? (my Labrador that is!)
ATB
DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Link here summarising Spitfires sent to Burma

http://www.spitfires.flyer.co.uk/burma.htm

[DarrenL]

Link here summarising Spitfires sent to Burma

http://www.spitfires.flyer.co.uk/burma.htm

Those look like post War exports to the Burmese government 1948-1954 not the buried 1945 wartime RAF Spitfires.

I have read elsewhere the crated Spitfires are all Mk XIV.

[Paul K]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17710598

Quote...A Downing Street source said: "The Spitfire is arguably the most important plane in the history of aviation...'

Yes mate, very arguably.

Still its an intriguing prospect, and it must have some substance to it if it was brought up by the PM. As for the mark not matching the year, well yes, its the BBC reporting isn't it. I'm surprised the article isn't headed by a photo of a Hurricane.

Right then, all we need now is that complete Stirling that's rumoured to be in Russia somewhere.

[John]

Right then, all we need now is that complete Stirling that's rumoured to be in Russia somewhere.

Now that would be something!

John

[Hot_Charlie]

Link here summarising Spitfires sent to Burma

http://www.spitfires.flyer.co.uk/burma.htm

Those look like post War exports to the Burmese government 1948-1954 not the buried 1945 wartime RAF Spitfires.

I have read elsewhere the crated Spitfires are all Mk XIV.

Indeed. Someone quite well known for his Spitfire knowledge (and his books) has stated that they are ex RAF Mk XIVs and Mk VIIIs. Whoever's trying to get hold of them has been doing so for over a decade too!