This fighter was shipped to India in July 1945, where it was absorbed into Air Command South East Asia (SEAC). Officially transferred to the Indian Air Force at the end of December 1947, little is known of this period of service, but it flew during the 1947-48 war with Pakistan. Purchased derelict by Doug Arnold, the aircraft returned to the UK in 1981, and many years later, the aircraft was sold to Tim Wallis of the Alpine Fighter Collection, Wanaka, NZ.
The first post-restoration flight was made in January 1994; after that, the aircraft was shipped to New Zealand, making its debut at Warbirds over Wanaka. Unfortunately, the aircraft was badly damaged during take-off, severely injuring pilot Tim Wallis on 2nd January 1996.
The rebuild commenced in 1997 with AvSpecs Ltd, and ownership was transferred to Murray Miers in early 2009. The Spitfire took to the air again on 2nd April 2015 and, following a monumental effort, made its debut at the Classic Fighters 2015. Part of Murray's 'Chariots of Fire Collection' based here at Omaka, the Spitfire wears SEAC colours.
About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
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