Another legendary warbird has joined the ranks of Flying Legends, the Germany-based flying museum located at Siegerland Airport, about 50 miles east of Bonn. Spitfire MH415, one of the most authentic airworthy Spitfires today, is now officially part of the museum’s growing collection.
In April 2024, a team led by Flying Legends CEO Georg Raab, alongside Frédéric Vormezeele, CEO of the Belgium-based company Fast Aero, traveled to Sywell, England, to conduct a pre-purchase inspection of MH415. Nearly a year later, the long-awaited moment has arrived. On March 21, 2025, MH415 officially became based at Siegerland Airport. Its transfer had been delayed for several months due to a faulty hydraulic valve, which stalled progress and prevented its relocation. However, once the issue was resolved, Frédéric Vormezeele undertook the challenging ferry flight from Brasschaat, Belgium, to Siegerland.
Though the skies were clear, strong winds made the approach uncertain for hours. After careful monitoring and deliberation, the decision was made at 1:35 PM. Frédéric, after extensive discussions with Georg, determined it was safe to proceed. Shortly before MH415’s arrival, Georg took to the skies in the Corsair to meet Frédéric at a predetermined rendezvous point. Together, they delivered a breathtaking aerial display, performing two dramatic flybys that thrilled spectators and aviation enthusiasts alike. Upon landing, MH415 received a ceremonial water salute from the Siegerland Airport fire department, marking the completion of its journey.
A Storied History
Built in 1943 at Castle Bromwich, Spitfire MH415 served with RAF No. 129 and No. 222 Squadrons, actively participating in combat missions over Europe. Retired from frontline service in 1944, it was reassigned to various units before being placed in storage in 1945. In the post-war years, the aircraft was sold to the Dutch Air Force, later serving in Java before returning to the Netherlands. In 1953, it was transferred to the Belgian Air Force but was retired by 1956. MH415 was then converted into a civilian target-towing aircraft, registered as OO-ARD.
During the 1960s, the Spitfire took on a new role in Hollywood, appearing in several films, including The Longest Day and Battle of Britain, the latter requiring extensive flying sequences. After filming, American pilot Wilson “Connie” Edwards acquired the aircraft and moved it to Texas. It was flown sparingly before being placed into long-term storage in 1973. In 2014, MH415 was acquired through Platinum Fighter Sales and underwent a full restoration by Vintage Fighter Restorations and Air Leasing Ltd. The aircraft returned to the skies on April 8, 2021, with Peter Kynsey at the controls during its first post-restoration flight from Sywell, UK. Today, it remains one of the most authentic Spitfires still flying, preserving its remarkable wartime and post-war legacy.
Flying Legends Expands Its Impressive Fleet
Flying Legends is quickly making a name for itself across Europe with a growing collection of historic aircraft. In addition to MH415, the museum showcases a P-51 Mustang known as Frances Dell, a Chance Vought F4U-5NL Corsair (BuNo 124541, D-FCOR), and a Harvard Mk. IV (RCAF 20286). Now, with the addition of a combat-veteran Spitfire, Flying Legends continues its mission of preserving and displaying some of the world’s most iconic warbirds. For more information, visit www.flying-legends.eu.
