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Down, But Not Out by Ivan Berryman. (P)
Spitfire Mk IIa P7350 is an aircraft with an astonishing history. Scrambled on 25th October 1940 from Hornchurch, Pilot Officer Ludwik Martel climbed his aircraft through thick cloud and was immediately attacked by a number of Messerschmitt Bf.109s. Two other Spitfires were shot down and Martel's aircraft was raked with machine gun and cannon fire, the latter punching a large hole in the port wing Severely injured, but still in control, Martel descended through 16,000ft to make a wheels-up landing in a field near Hastings. The aircraft was recovered and repaired and left 603 Sqn for duties elsewhere, but P7350 was damaged in at least a further three incidents before being finally made surplus in 1947. Sold for scrap for just £25, The aircraft again survived and was brought back to flying condition for the film The Battle of Britain. And she is still flying today, eighty years on, with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. |
