Supermarine

1945

TE184

On 7 September 1948, Spitfire TE184 was issued to No. 203 Advanced Flying School, entering active service in a training role. As post-war requirements evolved, the unit was later redesignated as No. 226 Operational Conversion Unit, reflecting its function in preparing pilots for frontline aircraft.

On 27 February 1950, TE184 was transferred to No. 607 Royal Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Ouston. Its operational life in this capacity was brief; by 13 June 1950, the aircraft was placed into storage at No. 33 Maintenance Unit, RAF Lyneham. Later that year, on 9 November, it was reassigned to the Gunnery School at RAF Leconfield.

On 30 January 1951, TE184 sustained Category 3R damage. A reassessment on 27 February resulted in its reclassification as Category 5 (GI), ending its flying career. The aircraft was subsequently converted for ground instructional use and delivered to No. 64 Reserve Centre at Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, where it was allocated the maintenance serial 6850M.

In 1952, TE184 was transferred to No. 1855 Squadron, Air Training Corps, at Royston, Lancashire. There, it served as a static instructional airframe and exhibition piece for over a decade. In February 1967, it was relocated to RAF Bicester and later used as a static airframe during the production of the film The Battle of Britain, contributing to one of the most notable aviation films of its time.

Restoration efforts began in August 1970 when TE184 was moved to No. 5 Maintenance Unit at RAF Kemble for overhaul and repainting as “LA-A.” By late 1971, it had been transferred to No. 23 Maintenance Unit at RAF Aldergrove for storage on behalf of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. In March 1977, the aircraft was placed on external display; however, due to deterioration caused by maritime conditions, it was subsequently moved indoors for preservation.

A major transition occurred in 1986 when TE184 was sold to Nick Grace. Registered as G-MXVI to Myrick Aviation Services on 2 February 1989, the aircraft underwent a comprehensive rebuild as a high-back Mk.XVI. It returned to flight on 23 November 1990, marking its re-entry into operational condition after nearly four decades.

Ownership transferred in 1995 to Alain de Cadenet, and on 5 December 1996, TE184 was moved to Hawker Restorations for further work. In 2002, it was repainted in Free French Air Force markings. Subsequent restoration at Booker by Personal Plane Services (PPS) led to another major milestone: on 20 February 2009, TE184 flew again following overhaul, piloted by test pilot Jonathon Whaley.

The aircraft remained in private ownership, including a period under Stephen Stead until 2021. It is currently owned by Peter Freedman, presented in a revised livery and maintained in airworthy condition as a significant example of post-war Spitfire preservation and restoration.