The final flight of last Spitfires in service with British Forces (1955)

On the occasion of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1955, four Spitfires (Mk 19 and Mk 24) of the Hong Kong Auxilliary Air Force flew past His Excellency The Governor Sir Alexander Grantham G.C.M.G. marking the end of their service with British Forces.
The Mk XIX (Mk 19) was the last and most successful photographic reconnaissance variant of the Spitfire.
en.wikipedia.o...)
The final version of the Spitfire, the Mk 24, first flew at South Marston on 13 April 1946.
A total of 81 Mk 24s were completed, 27 of which were conversions from Mk 22s. The last Mk 24 to be built was delivered in February 1948 and were used until 1952 by 80 Squadron. Some of the squadron's aircraft went to the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force where they were operated until 1955.
en.wikipedia.o...)
Film from Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force Film Unit (no sound)

[@marciocorrea8531]

absolutely beautiful airplane

[@YourFriendlyOfficeAssistant]

The best ever made

[@neilrandell5880]

These were not the last Spitfires in service with the RAF as the Temperature and Humidity flight at Woodvale had Three PRXIX's until June 12th 1957 when they where retired and became what would eventually be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. I believe the HKAAF aircraft where 2 Mk.24's and 2 PRXIX's, one of the MK.24's VN485 is on display at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. The date of there retirement is significant for me as it is the day I was born.

[@philsmodelmaking2260]

I was taking photos of 485 just last month at Duxford, nice to see her in the air in this film, shame theres no sound though!

[@IntrospectorGeneral]

Nineteen years from first flight to retirement from service! Interesting to compare that with more modern aircraft like the Tornado - 45 years from first flight to RAF retirement. The Hurricane lasted ony 13 years from first flight to RAF retirement.

[@JohnyG29]

The introduction of jet powered aeroplanes cut short the career of most late war piston engined fighter designs.

[@richardmarshall4322]

Bf 109 including Buchon 30 years. 1935 to 65

[@YourFriendlyOfficeAssistant]

In fairness that's because Spain was a) broke and b) not that trustworthy. If Britain had been a fascist quasi-pariah until 1974 they'd have used the Spit longer.

[@canman5060]

Governor Grantham did a great deal for the poor people and refugees of Hong Kong.

[@richardmarshall4322]

These are either Mk 22 or 24 i would think. Would be interesting to know if any of the 4 survived.

[@michaelknott4361]

Yes, VN485 was on display in Kai Tak until 1989, when it was brought home to the UK. It is now on static display at Duxford

[@richardmarshall4322]

@@michaelknott4361 Thanks for the info. I was going to check the Duxford Mk 24 serial. Saved me the job. Cheers.

[@michaelknott4361]

@@richardmarshall4322 You're welcome

[@MyAddad]

Beauties......

[@peterfinucane8122]

The Mk 19 and 24 were both Griffon powered.

[@racheltaylor6578]

Probably would have been worth millions if not scrapped.

[@Poorlybobsdad]

Does anyone know what happened to these four?

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

One is in a museum.

[@b0BSh4nk3r]

yo fix the audio

[@aviationvideosarchivespart3970]

No audio in the original video of IWM