Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa (P7350)  [@ RAF Coningsby]

P7350 is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world and the only survivor of the Battle of Britain still flying. She is believed to be the 14^th aircraft of 11,989 built at the Castle Bromwich ‘shadow’ factory, Birmingham. Delivered to 6 MU in the August of 1940, P7350 first flew with 266 [on Sept 6^th as UO-T] and later 603 Squadron. Around the 25^th October 1940 P7350 was involved in combat with Bf 109s and forced to crash land. The repaired bullet holes can still be seen on the port wing. Quickly repaired, P7350 flew again on 15^th November only 3 weeks after the crash landing. P7350 later served with 616 [from March 18^th 1941] and 64 [from April 10^th] Squadrons. After April 1942, P7350 was relegated to support duties serving with the Central Gunnery School [from April 1942 to February 1943] at Sutton Bridge. After another accident it went to 57 OTU on March 31^st. Stored at 39 MU from July 1944 until sold as scrap to John Dale & Sons [for £25] who realized its importance and presented it to RAF Colerne where it was used for display until 1967. Brought to flying condition for 'The Battle of Britain' film and flown as G-AWIJ by Spitfire Productions in 1968. P7350 now flies with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.