Aeroplane Monthly 1985-05
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Personal album
Pilot and groundcrew pose with PR. XIX PM616, which served with the squadron from August 1947 to July 1950.
The lineup of silver Spitfire FR.XIVs was photographed between January and August 1949 - probably in the spring, judging by the trees in the background on the original print. In the foreground is NM821, which first joined 2 Sqn in August 1945 and finally left the unit in August 1949. Behind it is NH783, with TZ164 and another unidentified Mk XIV in the background. The FR.XIV variant was used for low-level photographic sorties, and was the first Spitfire fitted with a teardrop canopy and lower rear decking.
Mk XIV NH903, which first joined 2 Sqn in August 1945.
Another shot of FR.XIV NM821, this time in camouflage and with a black spinner. The name painted below the exhaust stubs is Fochinell - which is probably what the uncomfortable-looking mechanic draped over the nose is saying.
Fochinell again, this time sporting a white spinner and the squadron code L.
Spitfire PR.XIX PM660 arrived at Celle on May 5, 1947 and is recorded as joining 2 Sqn from there in December 1949.
Spitfire PR.XIX PM632 first joined 2 Sqn in December 1946. It was declared Cat E and scrapped in June 1948.
A relaxed scene around PR Mk XIX PM555, as groundcrew prop up the fuselage like a bar, or perch on the tailplane to enjoy a gossip in the sunshine.