We are due this weekend to get our second Gate Guardian, it will be a copy of a Spitfire MkIIa P7666.
This aircraft was constructed from funds collected from the “Observer Corps” It was assigned to 41 Sqn November 1940. It carries the “Observer Corps” emblem with the Elizabethan watchman, signal fire and approaching Spanish ships. The Corps was renamed the “Royal Observer Corps” later in April 1941.
While with 41 Sqn this Spitfire was flown by SqL Don O. Finlay. The 2 swastikas represent the 2 BF109E he shot down during November 1940. The aircraft was then assigned to 54 Sqn February 1941. It was flown by PO Jack Stokoe when it was shot down April 1941. He had shot down a BF110 and then bailed out over the channel.
The image is of the original aircraft with Squadron Leader D O Finlay, the Commanding Officer of No. 41 Squadron RAF and former British Olympic hurdler, standing by his Supermarine Spitfire Mark IIA, P7666 ‘EB-Z’ “Observer Corps”, at Hornchurch, Essex
Once the aircraft is in place I will post an image or two
