Wings and Pixels

Vickers-Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.IXb

'Mylcraine'

The prototype Spitfire first flew in March 1936 and became the most famous British fighter of WW2.

MH434 was built at Castle Bromwich in 1943 and was tested by the legendary test pilot, Alex Henshaw. It was then delivered to 222 Sqn, RAF and accounted for several enemy kills.

After WW2, MH434 joined 332 Sqn, Royal Netherlands Air Force as H-105. After a brief spell with the Belgian Air Force, it was brought back to the UK in 1956 and registered as G-ASJV.

In 1983, it was sold to Ray Hanna, who famously flew MH434 under the bridge at Winston, near Barnard Castle, for the TV series 'A Piece of Cake.' G-ASJV has been also used for several film roles, including 'Operation Crossbow', 'Battle of Britain' and 'A Bridge Too Far'.

G-ASJV wears the markings of MH434/ZD-B 'Mylcraine' of 222 Sqn, RAF. 'Mylcraine' is the name of the wife of South African WW2 fighter ace Ft Lt Henry Lardner-Burke, who had her name painted on his aircraft.

It is probably the most famous Spitfire flying today and is a regular performer at Duxford airshows.