Polish 308 squadron

[pipz]

Yo fellaz
 Im tryin to find out some info on this unit.This is for a possible model building project.Id like to know when this squad was formed and what aircraft it flew.I know they flew spit9s at some point but what variants of the 9.Any additional info would be appreciated.Such as where they were sationed and what have ya.Osprey has a Polish aces book.I may go down and pick that up tomorow.

Thanks
Pipz

[Kev367th]

Formed Sep 1940 at the Polish Depot in Blackpool.

First flew Hurri's in Oct 1940 and was declared operational Dec 1940.

Converted to -

RAF Northolt
Spit I Apr 1941
Spit IIa May 1941
Spit Vb Aug 1941

2TAF Sep 1943
Spit F IX Nov 1943 (sometime between then and the XVI flew LF IX)
Spit XVI Mar 1945

So pretty much almost the whole lot, lol.

Wouldn't surprise me if you could also add the Vc in-between the Vb and F IX.

[pipz]

Thanks Kev!
 Basicly what I have is a early spit9.It has the large cannon bulges and the short intake scoop.Im tryin to find a Polish squad that used this type.I am kinda limited on the squad code letters that I have.I believe I have letters for 303 and 308 squadrons at the moment.

Now there is one specific Polish Spitfire that I can get decals for.Its serial is BS451 used by 303 squadron in June of 43.Now I woulda thought that it would have the fit that I have but in "Spitfire History" if Im reading it correct this plane had some mods done.It looks like it was passed around a bit then went to SAAF in 47.So what did it look like in 43 when used by 303 squadron.......ARRRRRRRGGGGGG GGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Model building can be such a pane sometimes hehehhehe

Thanks Again!
Pipz

[Guppy35]

How many pics you want Pipz?

Looking at three books here in front of me.

"Polish Aces of World War 2"  Robert Gretzyngier & Wojtek Matusiak

"Spitfire IX and XVI of Polish Airmen Vol I"  Wojtek Matusiak

"Spit & Polish- RAF Polish Squadrons fight back from Chailey Sussex in Support of D-Day 6th June 1944"  Richard Whittle

Chock full of info on Polish Spits with a ton of photos and profiles

Kev, Wojtek is the guy who helped solve the riddle of that Silver Polish Spit.  Great resource.

[Guppy35]

BS451 RF-M in 1943 with 303 Squadron.  Small intake, large cannon humps etc.  Right up your alley Pipz


Profile of another 303 squadron Spit IX from the same time showing the left side with the markings.

[pipz]

Yo Corky!!!!
 heheh I figured it wouldnt be long before I heard from you.Your rite thats just what the doctor ordered!Best part is I can get decals for that exact plane,makes things easier on Pipzy!I have a 3 day weekend ,the plane is already painted and ready for decals.So you know im rammy to get it done.Thats actualy a realy nice picture of BS451.Ill have to pick up those books you mentioned.It makes things a whole lot easier when ya have an actual picture of the topic your modeling.This way none of the guys at the local Hobby store can call me out on anything Thanks a lot for that it realy does help me out!!!!!

Pipz

[Squire]

http://modelingmadness.com/scotts/allies/gb/spit9.htm

Or do a desert scheme.

[ramzey]

http://www.geocities.com/skrzydla1/308/308Squadron.html

[pipz]

Thanks fellaz!
 I have a spit VIII thats in desert camo and im tryin to break it up a bit.I got decals for RF-M.As of rite now its all decaled up and dryin.Tomorow I should be able to clear coat it and finish it up.

Pipz

[Masherbrum]

303 Squad, and the rest of the Poles in WWII poor guys got screwed over royally by the Allies.

[pipz]

Ya you aint kiddin about that!I hate politics

Pipz