These were not the last Spitfires in service with the RAF as the Temperature and Humidity flight at Woodvale had Three PRXIX's until June 12th 1957 when they where retired and became what would eventually be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. I believe the HKAAF aircraft where 2 Mk.24's and 2 PRXIX's, one of the MK.24's VN485 is on display at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. The date of there retirement is significant for me as it is the day I was born.
I was born in HK july 1958. I remember my dad taking me to see one displayed in a grass area outside what i believe was called the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank? In the centre of Victoria on HK island. Dad was in the HK police force after he finished his national service with the RAF. He instilled a love of Aviation in me and in fact I am in the process of building a model of the MK24 (Airfix 1/48 scale) Was great to see these, the last MK of a great aircraft, even though it had no sound. Thankyou.
Nineteen years from first flight to retirement from service! Interesting to compare that with more modern aircraft like the Tornado - 45 years from first flight to RAF retirement. The Hurricane lasted ony 13 years from first flight to RAF retirement.
In fairness that's because Spain was a) broke and b) not that trustworthy. If Britain had been a fascist quasi-pariah until 1974 they'd have used the Spit longer.
absolutely beautiful airplane
The best ever made
The Lion Rock standing tall in the background while the 4 Spits are started😉
These were not the last Spitfires in service with the RAF as the Temperature and Humidity flight at Woodvale had Three PRXIX's until June 12th 1957 when they where retired and became what would eventually be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. I believe the HKAAF aircraft where 2 Mk.24's and 2 PRXIX's, one of the MK.24's VN485 is on display at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. The date of there retirement is significant for me as it is the day I was born.
I was taking photos of 485 just last month at Duxford, nice to see her in the air in this film, shame theres no sound though!
I was born in HK july 1958. I remember my dad taking me to see one displayed in a grass area outside what i believe was called the Hong Kong Shanghai Bank? In the centre of Victoria on HK island. Dad was in the HK police force after he finished his national service with the RAF. He instilled a love of Aviation in me and in fact I am in the process of building a model of the MK24 (Airfix 1/48 scale) Was great to see these, the last MK of a great aircraft, even though it had no sound. Thankyou.
Would make a good RAF trainer even today. Maybe a turbine engine??
These are either Mk 22 or 24 i would think. Would be interesting to know if any of the 4 survived.
Yes, VN485 was on display in Kai Tak until 1989, when it was brought home to the UK. It is now on static display at Duxford
@@michaelknott4361 Thanks for the info. I was going to check the Duxford Mk 24 serial. Saved me the job. Cheers.
@@richardmarshall4322 You're welcome
Nineteen years from first flight to retirement from service! Interesting to compare that with more modern aircraft like the Tornado - 45 years from first flight to RAF retirement. The Hurricane lasted ony 13 years from first flight to RAF retirement.
The introduction of jet powered aeroplanes cut short the career of most late war piston engined fighter designs.
Bf 109 including Buchon 30 years. 1935 to 65
In fairness that's because Spain was a) broke and b) not that trustworthy. If Britain had been a fascist quasi-pariah until 1974 they'd have used the Spit longer.
Hurricanes were outdated as fighters by 1940
Does anyone know what happened to these four?
One is in a museum.
Best of the prop fighters
The Mk 19 and 24 were both Griffon powered.
Beauties......
Governor Grantham did a great deal for the poor people and refugees of Hong Kong.
Probably would have been worth millions if not scrapped.
yo fix the audio
No audio in the original video of IWM