The story of Spitfire Mark XI PL965, one of the cleanest Merlin-powered Spitfires, following its operational history with 16 Squadron in 1945, its role in photo-reconnaissance over Nazi Germany, and its eventual restoration 45 years later. Characteristics ISBN-10 1855326159 Book cover finish(es) Hardcover ( round back binding ) Dust jacket Condition NOS (NEW old stock) Author(s) Hugh Smallwood Publisher Osprey Aerospace Number of pages 158 Published date 1996 Language(s) English Size 22 x 28 x 1.5 cm Description The Mark XI was the cleanest and swiftest of the Merlin-powered Supermarine Spitfire variants, tested at Farnborough up to Mach .89. To outwit German bombers, these aircraft were constructed from components manufactured in small factories and workshops around Reading and assembled at Aldermaston, designed for an unarmed but hazardous role that often took them hundreds of miles into enemy airspace. In 1945, Spitfire Mark XI PL965 joined 16 Squadron in Belgium—one of three squadrons acting as the secret eyes of the 2nd Tactical Air Force for the benefit of 21st Army Group during the final assault on Nazi Germany. Over a period of three months, PL965 accumulated 75 hours and 25 minutes on operations, with its 33 sorties averaging nearly 2½ hours each, flown at around 4½ miles above the battlefield. Its pilots—Australian, British, Belgian, Canadian, French, and New Zealander—were highly individual airmen, capable of working alone for long periods in unpressurised, cramped, and freezing conditions, without guns or a wingman to protect them. After the war, Spitfire Mark XI PL965 was transferred to one of Britain’s closest allies to help train a new generation of technicians for the rebuilt Royal Netherlands Air Force, where it eventually became a symbol of liberation at the National War and Resistance Museum. The final chapter in PL965’s life began with a virtual rebirth following a comprehensive restoration by the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society Ltd. Forty-five years after its last flight, it lifted its wheels from the runway at Rochester on 23 December 1992.
