By Kevin Wilkins
Those who follow the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be aware that Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 has spent more than two years at Biggin Hill, undergoing an extensive maintenance program with The Spitfire Company. A number of unforeseen challenges extended the timeline, keeping the 84-year-old aircraft grounded longer than first planned. Throughout that period, substantial work has been completed to ensure that this historically significant Spitfire remains airworthy for years to come. We are pleased to share that on Wednesday 28 January, AB910 took to the air once again, marking its first flight since October 2023. Flown by BBMF Fighter Leader Squadron Leader Andy Preece MBE, the aircraft carried out its post-maintenance air test from Biggin Hill.
Following the sortie, a small number of items were identified that require additional attention. Since then, unsuitable weather conditions have prevented the aircraft’s return flight to RAF Coningsby. Once conditions improve, AB910 will make the journey home. The Spitfire now wears fresh markings representing the scheme it carried on D-Day in 1944 while serving with 402 (City of Winnipeg) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, and is looking superb in this historically accurate finish.
Built in July 1941 at Supermarine’s Castle Bromwich factory, Spitfire AB910 began operational service the following month with 222 Squadron at RAF North Weald, flying 12 combat missions before sustaining damage. After repairs, it served with 133 Squadron, completing 29 sorties including four engagements during the Dieppe Raid, and later operated from RAF Biggin Hill. In September 1942, it moved to Scotland for coastal patrol duties from RAF Turnhouse. Returning south in July 1943, AB910 flew with 416 Squadron (RCAF) from RAF Tangmere, and in January 1944 joined 402 Squadron (RCAF) at RAF Digby, taking part in patrols over the Normandy beachheads on D-Day. Later that year it transferred to No. 53 Operational Training Unit at RAF Hibaldstow, and in May 1945 joined 527 Squadron (Radar Calibration Unit) at RAF Digby. Its wartime service concluded in 1946.
Between 1946 and 1955, the aircraft was privately owned under the civil registration G-AISU, flown by Group Captain Allan Wheeler as both a personal aircraft and air racer. After further damage, it passed to Vickers-Armstrong before being acquired by the RAF in 1965 to join the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, where it continues to serve — marking 61 years with the organisation in 2026. For more information about the RAF Memorial Flight Official Club, visit www.memorialflightclub.com.
