Model of Spitfire MK IX MK923 Metal Tree Decoration

Large scale model of Spitfire MK IX MK923 in flight. The first Squadron was that of 126 Squadron at Sawbridgenorth, Hertfordshire on 10.5.1944. Given code 5J-Z. The Squadron moved three times, first to Culmhead on the 22.5.1944 and again to Harrowbeer on the 3.7.1944 and finally to Bradwell Bay 30.8.1944. MK923 first action was on a sortie on May 28 1944 flown by 126 Squadron. The pilot for this was Commanding Officer Sq. Ldr. W.W.Swinden on a shipping recon to the St. Brieuc-Ile de Batz area. S/L Swinden chose this plane as his personal mount with other pilots flying in her occasionally. June 1944 saw Swinden replaced by Squadron Leader J.A.Plagis ( Rhodesian ace ) who chose ML214 as his preferred plane more so of MK923. The plane stayed active but with no specific pilot. August 14 1944 two Messerschmitt Bf 109G's were shot down by Pilot Officer Risley on Rodeo 202 South of Paris. MK923 then left 126 Squadron after squadron were relocated to Bentwaters in Suffolk 30.12.1944. The real plane is now in a museum in Seattle.