Warren Snowdon MP
WWII SPITFIRE FOUND IN FRANCE TO RETURN HOME TO POINT COOK, VICTORIA
The Spitfire was discovered on a beach near Caen, in northern France in November last year. It was originally shot down on 11 June 1944 by anti-aircraft fire and was operated by Flight Lieutenant Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith from Sans Souci, in Sydney.
The aircraft remains will require extensive conservation treatment in Australia before being displayed. Given the fragile nature of the wreckage the aircraft has recently been re-immersed into Caen harbour to prevent further deterioration until transport arrangements can be finalised.
Plans are underway to have the wreckage moved from France at the end of May, and it’s expected to take a month to transport it by sea to Australia.
The wreckage include an engine, forward fuselage and portions of the mainplanes, will be displayed at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook to help museum visitors learn about the contribution and sacrifice made by Australian forces to the liberation of Europe.
The spitfire was part of Number 453 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, the first Australian squadron to go into action on 6 June 1944. It operated from advanced bases in the beachhead providing tactical support for the troops landing on the Normandy beachhead.
The squadron carried out operations that included, harassing the retreating enemy, attacking enemy convoys, bombing missions, armed reconnaissance and bomber escort duties. Today, No 453 SQN is a Joint Battlefield Airspace Control (JBAC) squadron headquartered at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales (NSW).
It is fitting that the aircraft could be returned to Australia for display in 2011, the year of Air Force’s 90th birthday when the traditions and achievements of Air Force are being acknowledged.
The identity of Flight Lieutenant Smith was confirmed by Defence in 2010. The Flight Lieutenant will be buried with full military honours at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Ranville, Normandy, France on 19 April 2011. RAAF is in contact with surviving relatives in Australia.
WWII SPITFIRE FOUND IN FRANCE TO RETURN HOME TO POINT COOK, VICTORIA
The Spitfire was discovered on a beach near Caen, in northern France in November last year. It was originally shot down on 11 June 1944 by anti-aircraft fire and was operated by Flight Lieutenant Henry ‘Lacy’ Smith from Sans Souci, in Sydney.
The aircraft remains will require extensive conservation treatment in Australia before being displayed. Given the fragile nature of the wreckage the aircraft has recently been re-immersed into Caen harbour to prevent further deterioration until transport arrangements can be finalised.
Plans are underway to have the wreckage moved from France at the end of May, and it’s expected to take a month to transport it by sea to Australia.
The wreckage include an engine, forward fuselage and portions of the mainplanes, will be displayed at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook to help museum visitors learn about the contribution and sacrifice made by Australian forces to the liberation of Europe.
The spitfire was part of Number 453 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, the first Australian squadron to go into action on 6 June 1944. It operated from advanced bases in the beachhead providing tactical support for the troops landing on the Normandy beachhead.
The squadron carried out operations that included, harassing the retreating enemy, attacking enemy convoys, bombing missions, armed reconnaissance and bomber escort duties. Today, No 453 SQN is a Joint Battlefield Airspace Control (JBAC) squadron headquartered at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales (NSW).
It is fitting that the aircraft could be returned to Australia for display in 2011, the year of Air Force’s 90th birthday when the traditions and achievements of Air Force are being acknowledged.
The identity of Flight Lieutenant Smith was confirmed by Defence in 2010. The Flight Lieutenant will be buried with full military honours at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Ranville, Normandy, France on 19 April 2011. RAAF is in contact with surviving relatives in Australia.