As reported on March 26, 2014 via Global Aviation Resource, Historic Flying Ltd. in Duxford, England successfully test flew the latest masterpiece to emerge from their workshops; Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia N3200. There are now four airworthy Mark I Spitfires in the world, something almost inconceivable just a few years ago.
This particular survivor has quite a colorful history, having been on strength with 19 Squadron at Duxford during the Battle of France. On May 26th, the Squadron’s commanding officer, Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Dalton Stephenson was flying N3200 during the evacuation of Dunkirk, protecting the British forces below. During combat with German fighters, N3200 received some bullet strikes; one of which holed the radiator. With his engine seized, Stephenson put the stricken Spitfire down on the beach at Sangatte, where he was picked up by the Germans and became a POW. The Spitfire sat on the beach, with the waves slowly burying her in the sand, and there she lay for another forty six years.
The Spitfire was eventually rediscovered in 1986, and exhumed by a group in France. Her remains went on display for the next decade or so at the famous underground V-3 Museum at la Forteresse de Mimoyecques, where during WWII Hitler intended to launch his V-3 “superweapon” upon the Allies. Simon Marsh and Thomas Kaplan repatriated N3200 in 2000, and she went into storage at various places around the UK before ending up with Historic Flying in 2007, under the new ownership of Mark One Partners LLC, who also own the now airworthy Spitfire Mk.I P9374. Several well known companies participated in the restoration, including the Aircraft Restoration Company (whose hangar HFL shares), Airframe Assemblies (which did a lot of the airframe reconstruction) and RetroTrack & Air (UK) which rebuilt her Merlin engine.
The Spitfire proudly wears the same livery she wore when she was with 19 Squadron flying from Duxford. That she is flying there once more is simply marvelous, and Sqn Ldr Stephenson would surely be proud. While Stephenson’s war in the air was short, he made a real nuisance of himself to the Germans while in captivity. Not satisfied with simply sitting out the war, he participated in several failed prison escapes, which eventually landed him in Colditz Castle as a trouble maker. There, alongside other notable POW’s, including his former RAF Cranwell classmate Douglas Bader, he helped to design and build a glider in secret, with the aim of escaping by flying from one of the castle’s towers. Known as the “Colditz Cock” the glider never did fly in anger, as the war ended before its completion. Interestingly, a team built and successfully flew a replica of the “Colditz Cock” using the original plans in 2000.
After the war, Stephenson continued his flying career with the RAF, which also included his serving as personal pilot to King George VI for a while. He rose to the rank of Air Commodore, but sadly lost his life while on an exchange trip with the US Air Force in November, 1954. He was test flying one of the very first production F-100A Super Sabre (53-1534) out of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, when his aircraft unexpectedly dove in from 13,000 feet. Stephenson was one of the most experienced and respected jet pilots in the RAF at the time of his death. He is buried in the British plot at Maxwell AFB.
WarbirdsNews wants to thank Paul Filmer, and the team of Global Aviation Resource for allowing us the use of David Whitworth’s pictures.
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Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
It is simply amazing the history of this beautiful plane. What an undertaking to restore this piece of history. Bloody good job you chaps.
Your assertion Stephenson was “picked up by the Germans at Sangatte” is incorrect. In fact, despite being scalded by the escaping coolant from his Spitfire’s holed radiator and injuries from the crash landing, he extricated himself from the wreckage and walked hundreds of miles in occupied territory to Brussels where he presented himself at the US Embassy. Fearing it may compromise their neutral status, the Americans refused him entry. So, having no alternative, he surrendered to the Germans who treated him as a celebrity, before flying him to Stalag Luft I, even allowing him to briefly take the controls of the transport ‘plane!
As the previous correspondent says, the restoration is exceptional. I hope the owners grant permission for the aircraft to fly during next year’s display season and for many years to come. It is indeed a beautiful sight – and sound.
What parts were original?
Who test flew the rebuilt mk1 spitfire
Hi Roger… if you look at the caption of the leading photograph, you will see that John Romain made the first test flight, as is often the case with ARCo restorations. Thanks very much or your interest!
Just watched the restoration on tv with Guy Martin. what a team of dedicated guys to get this spit airworthy. Amazing.
The restoration of this wonderful Spitfire, is a magnificent feat of engineering. Well done to all concerned, and it is good to know it is residing at Duxford.
I would also like to add, the designers of the colditz cock were Mr Bill Goldfinch and Mr Jack Best, I’m sure Mr Stephenson helped build the original.
This new flying Spit sure does look stunning.
Are you aware as to what year the plane was first issued to 19 Squadron? My great uncle John Arthur Gordon was with the Squadron from late 1936 until (I think) sometime in 1940 (but could be 39, military records I have are not too clear.) I do know that he was a Flt Lt for 19 Squadron in Aug 1938 when they were the first to receive the spitfire. I am just wondering whether this plane might have been flying with the Squadron when he was with it, as that would be neat!
Thanks!
went to 19 Sqn Duxford on 19th of April 1940. Stephenson was shot down on the 27th of May 1940
In reality it’s a replica taking the identity of the corroded original. I’m pleased it’s been built but I wish that they’d kept the original.
Just out of interest are there no parts or materials whatsoever from the original plane? And if not was the original wreck preserved and displayed somewhere?
Id also like to know what if anything other the the engine is orignal please?
Wow..just watched an English program here in Australia ‘Dunkirk: The New Evidence ‘ re- evacuation of British troops when they covered Spitfire Mark 1 N3200 , shot down defending the troops ,left to rot on beach of Dunkirk for 46 yrs. Aircraft was shown , after 30 yr restoration, revisiting Dunkirk , with numerous low level flybys. Just brilliant..