‘KILL’ DAYS AFTER PLANE ENTERED SERVICE
ANDY flew in Spitfire MJ627 with white D-Day stripes on its wings.
Just two days after the plane began service, pilot Sid Bregman downed an enemy fighter during the Allied push into Nazi Germany.
The Canadian recalled later: “On September 27, 1944 we were patrolling the area around Arnhem, at about two in the afternoon.
“We all had special long-range tanks on. Over Arnhem, my engine stopped. Obviously the tank had fallen off, so I switched [tanks].
“That particular manoeuvre put me in a position somewhat astern of the rest of the squadron.
“As I looked over my shoulder... there was an Me 109 alone, with me now very manoeuvrable.
“It took about two or three seconds for me to get in line, and another second or two after that I hit the 109. It only took 11 shells.”
MJ627 carried out ground attack and bomber escort missions in the war before being converted in peacetime into a two-seater trainer for the Irish Air Corps.