Image ID: 21608

Sutton's Spitfire (R7193) 'The Silver Snipe'

Sutton in Ashfield
England

The people of Sutton helped pay for 'The Silver Snipe' during World War Two. (With thanks to the Royal Air Force Museum) The Spitfire was named the Silver Snipe following a number of suggestions put forward from residents in the area. It is thought to have been chosen because of links to the coat of arms. A telegram was received from Lord Beaverbrook, congratulating residents ��on the magnificent success of their efforts.�� which according to Notts Free Press, with the Spitfire Fund having reached ��5,126, it was due to be closed. Spitfire (R7193) was a Mk Ia which was built at Southampton by Supermarine. Taken on charge at No.37 MU Burtonwood on 4th March 1941. It was delivered on 4th July 1941 to a recently formed No 313 (Czechoslovak) Squadron at Leconfield and coded RY-A. It was transferred to No.57 OTU at Harwarden on 27th August 1941 following the upgrading of 313 Squadron to Mk II's. After some damage, it was repaired on 13th September 1941, returning to No.57 OTU only to be damaged again on 10th October when the engine failed, and Sgt M.D. Einhorn landed crosswind collapsing the undercarriage. It was repaired by 18th October then further damaged on 1st November. After repairs, it was flying until 28th December 1941. At that time Sqt V J Hibbens hit HT cables at Upperdale, near Chester, and it needed Category Ac repairs. It rejoined the unit on 3rd January 1942 On 28th April it was sent to No1 Civilian Repair Unit at Cowley for Category B repairs. It was collected on 23rd May and delivered to No.45 MU Kinloss on 26 June. Allocated to the Royal Navy on 7th Sept, the aircraft was taken on charge at Yeovilton three days later, being used by No. 761 Squadron during October and November, before being moved to No. 759 Squadron at Yeovilton by January 1943. It was coded Y1M and in service there until at least Sept 1944, when it was returned to RAF charge on 30 Dec 1944, and struck off charge on 21st June 1947

Date: 1940

Organisation Reference: NCCW000941

Organisation: