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Spitfire LZ842
Manufacture
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX
Year
1943
Serial No
LZ842
Restoration & Civilian Life
After the war, LZ842 was selected for transfer to South Africa, arriving in Cape Town in April 1948. Sadly, it was sold for scrap in 1952. However, the aircraft survived as a hulk in a scrapyard and was eventually transferred to the South African Air Force Museum in 1978. In 1989, the remains returned to Europe before travelling to Australia, where they were acquired by Peter Monk in 2003. Following an extensive and highly detailed restoration, LZ842 returned to the skies in 2022, bringing its remarkable Mediterranean history back to life. Today, this beautifully restored Spitfire represents a unique piece of aviation history, faithfully recreated to an exceptional level of authenticity.
Built at Castle Bromwich in April 1943, Spitfire LZ842 is one of the rarest airworthy Mk IX Spitfires in existence. It carries distinctive Mediterranean markings and a striking blue underside, reflecting its service in the warmer climates of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
LZ842 is believed to be the second-earliest Mk IX Spitfire still flying, and is currently the only flying Spitfire in the world powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 63 engine. Another unique feature is its pilot’s water tank, a modification specifically fitted to Spitfires operating in hot climates.
Delivered to No. 39 Maintenance Unit at Colerne on 17 April 1943, LZ842 was prepared for overseas service before being shipped to Casablanca aboard the SS Fort Jersey in May. It went on to serve with the Middle East Air Force, flying with No. 93 and No. 232 Squadrons in Malta and Sicily, before joining No. 327 (Free French) Squadron in late 1944.
Its wartime career came to an end following a forced landing at Mourmelon in fog and low fuel. The aircraft overturned after striking a bomb crater and was subsequently dismantled at Lokeren, Belgium.