[mfg495]

A different sort of recce Spitfire.

The high speed Spitfire was designed for an attempt on the World Air Speed Record. The modified aircraft was known as the Speed Spitfire K9834 and first flew on 11 November 1938. Unfortunately, before an attempt on the record could be made, the Me 209 raised the record beyond the reach of a modified Spitfire.
When the war did start, this aircraft was converted to usable operational condition by the fitment of a Merlin XII engine with a three bladed airscrew.
Because it would have needed a lot of work to change it to the fighter version, it was fitted with a PR.MkIII camera equipment and sent to the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) Heston in 1940.
It only flew one operational reconnaissance mission. Because having only a 60 gallon fuel tank (designed for its record attempt) it did not have the range require for recce work.
Then the PRU moved to Benson, the aircraft became the personal run-around for Air Comdre. Bootham who flew over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
It remanded in service until struck off charge on 14th June 1946