Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXb MH415

The Supermarine Spitfire MH415, a true icon of aviation history, was manufactured in the summer of 1943 at the Vickers-Armstrong factory in Castle Bromwich. Delivered to the Royal Air Force (RAF), this aircraft began its operational service with 129 (Mysore) Squadron at Hornchurch in August 1943. Designated as DV*G, it was flown regularly by Squadron Leaders H. Gonay and J. Tripe.
On September 4, 1943, MH415 reportedly damaged a Messerschmitt Bf 109 while flown by Sqn. Ldr. Gonay. Later that month, on September 24, Flying Officer D.F. Ruchwaldy scored a confirmed kill, downing a Focke-Wulf Fw-190 northwest of Amiens, France. The aircraft was then reassigned to 222 (Natal) Squadron in October 1943, receiving the new code ZD*E, and flew under various pilots. By January 2, 1944, MH415 transitioned to the Air Fighting Development Unit (AFDU) at RAF Wittering, and later, in September 1944, joined 126 (Persian Gulf) Squadron at Bradwell Bay. After the war, the Spitfire was transferred to multiple Maintenance Units before being decommissioned.

Post-War History

In the post-war period, MH415 was sold to the Dutch Government and joined the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) in the Dutch East Indies. Serving from December 22, 1947, it carried serial numbers H-108 and later H-65 under 322 Squadron. Following its military career, the aircraft was sold in 1956 to the Belgian company COGEA and registered as OO-ARD for target towing duties. MH415 later made its film debut in the epic war movie The Longest Day (1962).
In 1966, it was purchased by Group Captain H. Mahaddie for the classic film The Battle of Britain (1968). After filming, Chief Stunt Pilot Wilson “Connie” Edwards acquired MH415, shipping it along with 13 Spanish-built “109s” to his ranch in Big Spring, Texas. The Spitfire spent the next 46 years in dry storage, flown only sparingly by Edwards during the early 1970s.

Restoration and Modern Legacy

In 2014, Platinum Fighter Sales brokered the sale of MH415 to a consortium of investors. The aircraft was transported to Pay’s Air Service in Scone, New South Wales, Australia, where Vintage Fighter Restorations carried out an exhaustive five-year restoration. Maintaining authenticity, the team utilized original British components and installed new wing spars. Upon completion, MH415 was shipped back to the UK, registered as G-AVDJ, and completed its post-restoration maiden flight in April 2021.
With its remarkable combat record and painstaking restoration, MH415 stands today as one of the most original and historically significant Spitfire Mk. IX aircraft in existence. In summer of 2024, Georg Raab signed the purchase contract for MH415 and it has been part of the Flying Legends GmbH collection ever since.