Third Dutch Spitfire takes shape

It is time for an update on the status of Spitfire Mk. I P9372 (construction number 6S/30563). The fighter, still under rebuild to airworthy condition at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, is destined for the Netherlands.

When finished, P9372 will become the third of its kind in the Lowlands. Scramble reported earlier on its status on 1 June 2021. The photo, kindly supplied by Ian Powell, clearly shows the present status of the Spitfire.

The rebuilding of P9372 is part of a package deal when Dutchman Frits van Eerd bought his Spitfire Mk.XVI TB885 (now PH-FVE) earlier from the BHHH.

P9372 was shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf109 and crashed near East Guildeford, Rye on 9 September 1940. The wreckage (or what was left of it) was finally excavated from the crash site, and displayed at the Tonbridge Battle of Britain Museum.

These parts were acquired by Peter R. Monk of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Ltd and put on display in the hangar in 2016. The restoration project of P9372 was registered in the UK as G-CLIH on 5 August 2019.

Photo: Ian Powell