File:VS Spitfire LF.XVIe ‘TB597 GW-B’ (really RR263) (53393930976).jpg

c/n CBAF.IX3310 Built at Castle Bromwich in 1944 with the serial RR263 and joined the 2nd Tactical Air Force. Loaned to Vickers-Armstrong for trials in 1949 but returned in 1950 and put in store. From 1951 to 1954 it operated with No4 Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit (4CAACU) at RAF Llandow in South Wales, before again going to storage. Allocated the maintenance serial 7216M, it was the permanent gate guard at RAF Kenley between 1955 and 1967, painted with the 66 Squadron codes LZ-B. In January 1967 it was restored in the markings of 340 (Free French) Squadron, representing TB597 coded GW-B. In May that year it was transported Tours Airbase (BA 705) inside a Blackburn Beverley, re-assembled and then handed over to the French Air Force as a memorial. It spent the next ten years back on guard duty, although now at Tours, but in early 1977 a team began work to get the aircraft flying again. Using Merlin spares from a CASA 2.111, RR263 first ran again on 20th May 1977. Taxing tests followed, with Captain Paul Fourtier in the cockpit. During the base open day the following month the Spitfire is reported to have ‘flown’, although some reports imply ‘hopped’ is a better description. But there the excitement ended. After further restoration work the aeroplane was dismantled and roaded to Le Bourget, this taking place in either October 1977 or October 1978 (reports differ). It was immediately placed on display, replacing the genuine ex-French Spitfire IX ‘BS464’. Sadly, BS464 would later be destroyed in the horrendous Dugny hangar fire on 17th May 1990. RR263, still marked as TB597, remains on display and is currently in the Second World War Hall (Hall 5). Musée de l'air et de l'espace. Le Bourget Airport, Paris, France.