The first FR.XVIII for the RAF, SM844, was issued on 28 May, 1945, and assigned to 28 Squadron in Hong Kong. The unit operated there from Sek Kong and Kai Tak. SM845 represents one of the unit's Spitfires. Pilot is former BBMF boss S/L Ian Smith.
The well-known 'Grace Spitfire' undergoing maintenance at Duxford. Note the engineer reaching for his mug. ML407 is in her former c/s of 485 (New Zealand) Squadron and was taken on charge by 485 at RAF Selsey, on the south coast, on 30th April, 1944.
The french part of Switzerland is well known for housing some special events with a lot of warbirds. Together with the FAI 2005 championships we saw an very impressive show of two days. Christophe Jacquard presents his impressive PR.XIX .