SpitfireAA810.bsky.social
@spitfireaa810.bsky.social
Restoring Sandy’s Spitfire - the Great Escape Spitfire - to flight.
Incorporating the Photographic Reconnaissance Charity, PRU Archive, National PRU Monument Campaign, and the Reconnaissance Heritage Flight.
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk
Incorporating the Photographic Reconnaissance Charity, PRU Archive, National PRU Monument Campaign, and the Reconnaissance Heritage Flight.
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk
THE PRU IN WARTIME COLOUR
The project is very lucky to have Sandy Gunn’s original colour photographs from his time at RAF Benson, sadly there are very few other original colour images, particularly of PR.IV Spitfires.
Today we feature one of the more well known surviving colour…
The project is very lucky to have Sandy Gunn’s original colour photographs from his time at RAF Benson, sadly there are very few other original colour images, particularly of PR.IV Spitfires.
Today we feature one of the more well known surviving colour…
December 16, 2025 at 8:35 AM
THE PRU IN WARTIME COLOUR
The project is very lucky to have Sandy Gunn’s original colour photographs from his time at RAF Benson, sadly there are very few other original colour images, particularly of PR.IV Spitfires.
Today we feature one of the more well known surviving colour…
The project is very lucky to have Sandy Gunn’s original colour photographs from his time at RAF Benson, sadly there are very few other original colour images, particularly of PR.IV Spitfires.
Today we feature one of the more well known surviving colour…
MOSQUITO MONDAY
A 544 Squadron Mosquito is seen refuelling in Gibraltar, date and identity unknown. Several of the reconnaissance units operated small detachments of aircraft at remote bases, particularly in the Mediterranean, Italy, and North Africa.
A 544 Squadron Mosquito is seen refuelling in Gibraltar, date and identity unknown. Several of the reconnaissance units operated small detachments of aircraft at remote bases, particularly in the Mediterranean, Italy, and North Africa.
December 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
A 544 Squadron Mosquito is seen refuelling in Gibraltar, date and identity unknown. Several of the reconnaissance units operated small detachments of aircraft at remote bases, particularly in the Mediterranean, Italy, and North Africa.
A 544 Squadron Mosquito is seen refuelling in Gibraltar, date and identity unknown. Several of the reconnaissance units operated small detachments of aircraft at remote bases, particularly in the Mediterranean, Italy, and North Africa.
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today’s aircraft is PR.XI PL883 of 400Sqn photographed at B78 Eindhoven in 1944. This aircraft was destroyed on the ground by attacking aircraft during Operation Bodenplatte on the 1st January 1945.
Today’s aircraft is PR.XI PL883 of 400Sqn photographed at B78 Eindhoven in 1944. This aircraft was destroyed on the ground by attacking aircraft during Operation Bodenplatte on the 1st January 1945.
December 14, 2025 at 10:06 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today’s aircraft is PR.XI PL883 of 400Sqn photographed at B78 Eindhoven in 1944. This aircraft was destroyed on the ground by attacking aircraft during Operation Bodenplatte on the 1st January 1945.
Today’s aircraft is PR.XI PL883 of 400Sqn photographed at B78 Eindhoven in 1944. This aircraft was destroyed on the ground by attacking aircraft during Operation Bodenplatte on the 1st January 1945.
ON THIS DAY IN 1941
Sandy found himself in the air operationally for the first time in a while, it was not to be without its challenges:
“Mission 25 - Spitfire AA806
Airborne from Benson at 10:45 with only one mud flap, as one was lost; result: one lens covered with mud. Set course for Clacton
Sandy found himself in the air operationally for the first time in a while, it was not to be without its challenges:
“Mission 25 - Spitfire AA806
Airborne from Benson at 10:45 with only one mud flap, as one was lost; result: one lens covered with mud. Set course for Clacton
December 10, 2025 at 8:25 AM
ON THIS DAY IN 1941
Sandy found himself in the air operationally for the first time in a while, it was not to be without its challenges:
“Mission 25 - Spitfire AA806
Airborne from Benson at 10:45 with only one mud flap, as one was lost; result: one lens covered with mud. Set course for Clacton
Sandy found himself in the air operationally for the first time in a while, it was not to be without its challenges:
“Mission 25 - Spitfire AA806
Airborne from Benson at 10:45 with only one mud flap, as one was lost; result: one lens covered with mud. Set course for Clacton
F/O JOHN MICHAEL HEWLETT SARGENT
Today we mark the loss of John who was posted missing flying Spitfire N3117 on a low-level dicing operation to Berck.
Born in Kent he was born in Chiswick, he was educated in Westgate and Canterbury before joining the Army and becoming a 2nd Lt
Today we mark the loss of John who was posted missing flying Spitfire N3117 on a low-level dicing operation to Berck.
Born in Kent he was born in Chiswick, he was educated in Westgate and Canterbury before joining the Army and becoming a 2nd Lt
December 9, 2025 at 9:04 AM
F/O JOHN MICHAEL HEWLETT SARGENT
Today we mark the loss of John who was posted missing flying Spitfire N3117 on a low-level dicing operation to Berck.
Born in Kent he was born in Chiswick, he was educated in Westgate and Canterbury before joining the Army and becoming a 2nd Lt
Today we mark the loss of John who was posted missing flying Spitfire N3117 on a low-level dicing operation to Berck.
Born in Kent he was born in Chiswick, he was educated in Westgate and Canterbury before joining the Army and becoming a 2nd Lt
MOSQUITO MONDAY
A post-war image of PR.34 RG236 of 540 Sqn at RAF Benson. 181 PR.34’s were produced, remaining in RAF service until December 1955.
A post-war image of PR.34 RG236 of 540 Sqn at RAF Benson. 181 PR.34’s were produced, remaining in RAF service until December 1955.
December 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
A post-war image of PR.34 RG236 of 540 Sqn at RAF Benson. 181 PR.34’s were produced, remaining in RAF service until December 1955.
A post-war image of PR.34 RG236 of 540 Sqn at RAF Benson. 181 PR.34’s were produced, remaining in RAF service until December 1955.
Looking for an exceptional Christmas gift? We are raising money for the cowling restoration of AA810 and you can have your name, or that of a loved one, written on the inside for £100. Interested? DM us and we can tell you more!
December 7, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Looking for an exceptional Christmas gift? We are raising money for the cowling restoration of AA810 and you can have your name, or that of a loved one, written on the inside for £100. Interested? DM us and we can tell you more!
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today we feature PR.IV AA797 taken at Wick. Built in Reading and flown at Henley on the 30th September 1941, this aircraft entered service with 1 PRU at RAF Benson in December 1941.
This aircraft was lost over Trondheim with F/Sgt Mervyn Jones at the…
Today we feature PR.IV AA797 taken at Wick. Built in Reading and flown at Henley on the 30th September 1941, this aircraft entered service with 1 PRU at RAF Benson in December 1941.
This aircraft was lost over Trondheim with F/Sgt Mervyn Jones at the…
December 7, 2025 at 8:29 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today we feature PR.IV AA797 taken at Wick. Built in Reading and flown at Henley on the 30th September 1941, this aircraft entered service with 1 PRU at RAF Benson in December 1941.
This aircraft was lost over Trondheim with F/Sgt Mervyn Jones at the…
Today we feature PR.IV AA797 taken at Wick. Built in Reading and flown at Henley on the 30th September 1941, this aircraft entered service with 1 PRU at RAF Benson in December 1941.
This aircraft was lost over Trondheim with F/Sgt Mervyn Jones at the…
TODAY IN 1942 - OPERATION OYSTER
Not all photo recon flights occurred before raids, many were taken after to assess the impact of strikes, but some on critical installations were taken during raids!
Today in 1942, 93 RAF aircraft took off to carry out a daylight pinpoint raid on the Philips Radio
Not all photo recon flights occurred before raids, many were taken after to assess the impact of strikes, but some on critical installations were taken during raids!
Today in 1942, 93 RAF aircraft took off to carry out a daylight pinpoint raid on the Philips Radio
December 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM
TODAY IN 1942 - OPERATION OYSTER
Not all photo recon flights occurred before raids, many were taken after to assess the impact of strikes, but some on critical installations were taken during raids!
Today in 1942, 93 RAF aircraft took off to carry out a daylight pinpoint raid on the Philips Radio
Not all photo recon flights occurred before raids, many were taken after to assess the impact of strikes, but some on critical installations were taken during raids!
Today in 1942, 93 RAF aircraft took off to carry out a daylight pinpoint raid on the Philips Radio
OPERATION CROSSBOW - NOBALL ATTACKS
Today marks 82 years since the Allied bombing campaign started against the V1 ‘NOBALL’ sites in occupied France and Belgium. These sites that had been watched carefully by the RAF PR Squadrons for months were monitored for construction progress with…
Today marks 82 years since the Allied bombing campaign started against the V1 ‘NOBALL’ sites in occupied France and Belgium. These sites that had been watched carefully by the RAF PR Squadrons for months were monitored for construction progress with…
December 5, 2025 at 6:02 PM
OPERATION CROSSBOW - NOBALL ATTACKS
Today marks 82 years since the Allied bombing campaign started against the V1 ‘NOBALL’ sites in occupied France and Belgium. These sites that had been watched carefully by the RAF PR Squadrons for months were monitored for construction progress with…
Today marks 82 years since the Allied bombing campaign started against the V1 ‘NOBALL’ sites in occupied France and Belgium. These sites that had been watched carefully by the RAF PR Squadrons for months were monitored for construction progress with…
ON THIS DAY IN RAF PR HISTORY
The first flight of the Mosquito PR.34 today in 1944. The war in the far east now needed an aircraft capable of flying huge distances. By modifying the existing PR.16 aircraft with a bulged fuselage tank enabled the PR.34, combined with wing drop tanks, to deliver a
The first flight of the Mosquito PR.34 today in 1944. The war in the far east now needed an aircraft capable of flying huge distances. By modifying the existing PR.16 aircraft with a bulged fuselage tank enabled the PR.34, combined with wing drop tanks, to deliver a
December 4, 2025 at 10:24 AM
ON THIS DAY IN RAF PR HISTORY
The first flight of the Mosquito PR.34 today in 1944. The war in the far east now needed an aircraft capable of flying huge distances. By modifying the existing PR.16 aircraft with a bulged fuselage tank enabled the PR.34, combined with wing drop tanks, to deliver a
The first flight of the Mosquito PR.34 today in 1944. The war in the far east now needed an aircraft capable of flying huge distances. By modifying the existing PR.16 aircraft with a bulged fuselage tank enabled the PR.34, combined with wing drop tanks, to deliver a
WAAF WEDNESDAY
We’re still collating stories of those who served both in the air and on the ground and in particular much of this information comes from families.
Are you or do you know related to anyone who served in support of the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance role?
We’re still collating stories of those who served both in the air and on the ground and in particular much of this information comes from families.
Are you or do you know related to anyone who served in support of the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance role?
December 3, 2025 at 8:22 AM
WAAF WEDNESDAY
We’re still collating stories of those who served both in the air and on the ground and in particular much of this information comes from families.
Are you or do you know related to anyone who served in support of the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance role?
We’re still collating stories of those who served both in the air and on the ground and in particular much of this information comes from families.
Are you or do you know related to anyone who served in support of the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance role?
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
June 3, 2024 at 12:50 PM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
Today’s aircraft is Mosquito PRI W4059 photographed in 1942. It flew 75 operations with 1PRU before serving with 540 Sqn. It finished its days with 8(c) OTU training future PR pilots.
SYTTENDE MAI
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
May 17, 2024 at 9:12 AM
SYTTENDE MAI
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
The project would like to wish our Norwegian friends, followers and partners a happy Constitution Day as they celebrate a national holiday.
Without our Norwegian friends, AA810 would never have come home. Thank you all!
HAPPY 103RD BIRTHDAY F/LT WILLIAM ‘BILL’ WILLIAMS
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
May 13, 2024 at 8:03 AM
HAPPY 103RD BIRTHDAY F/LT WILLIAM ‘BILL’ WILLIAMS
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
Bill served with 681 Sqn in Burma through much of the war, he flew PR Spitfires including the PR.IV ferrying one from Benson via Cornwall and Gibraltar to Cairo.
Todays pic of Bill from 1945:
www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-mem...
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
May 12, 2024 at 9:58 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
Today’s subject is the prototype Spitfire PR.XI EN654. She first flew in May 1943 before service with 16 Sqn from October. In June 1945 it became a mail carrier for service with Fighter Command Communications and was eventually sold off in August 1947.
MAJOR STEM ANNOUNCEMENT
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
May 9, 2024 at 7:18 AM
MAJOR STEM ANNOUNCEMENT
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
@rafyouthengage and Spitfire AA810 are delighted to announce a new partnership together in STEM and history provision in UK schools
For the announcement in full, please see: www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/post/spitfir...
MOSQUITO MONDAY
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
May 6, 2024 at 8:05 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
With the D-Day commemorations exactly a month away, today’s image is of this lovely collection of striped PR Mossies taken at RAF Benson during a spell of wet weather!
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
May 5, 2024 at 7:43 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
PR.XI PL841, shown here with 681 Sqn in the Far East. MIA from RAF Alipore on 07/06/45 on a mission to Moulmein, Burma with F/Lt Thomas Woodhouse from Honour Oak Park, London as pilot. The 27-year-old & his Spitfire are believed to rest in the Bay of Bengal
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
April 29, 2024 at 7:42 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
Today’s image is an original wartime colour shot of PR.XVI NS591, part of a batch of PR.XVI Mossies supplied to the USAAF in 1944. This aircraft continued in a PR role, would survive the war unscathed, and was eventually transferred to the French Air Force in July 1946.
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
April 28, 2024 at 7:07 AM
SPITFIRE SUNDAY
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
Spitfire PR.X SR396 at Eastleigh prior to delivery to 542 Sqn at @RAFBenson. Only 16 PR.X were built using the fuselage of a Mk.VII and PR.XI wings. Painted pink, SR396 would be written off with a heavy landing and u/c collapse in Feb 1945. #pinkspitfire
MOSQUITO MONDAY
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
April 22, 2024 at 7:39 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
The first production Mosquito PR Mk.1 W4051. Built in 1941, it flew with 1PRU then 540 Sqn before 8(c) OTU training PRU crews. She had a long life, finally suffering damage in an accident in July 1944. It returned to the factory but was not repaired before scrapping in June 1945.
PARTS APPEAL
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
April 17, 2024 at 8:05 AM
PARTS APPEAL
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
As the project looks at more of the systems for the restoration, we are appealing to anyone who might have a MkII Oxygen Economiser (6D/479). We need one to complete the reconnaissance oxygen system on AA810. Can you help?
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
April 15, 2024 at 7:30 AM
MOSQUITO MONDAY
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM
Today’s image features a Mosquito ground team fitting a Type F.52 camera with 36-inch lens through the starboard side loading-hatch of a De Havilland Mosquito at RAF Benson in August 1943.
This image has been colourised for us by Colour by RJM