The Ultimate green garden gnome

[Jon Skagfeld]

Indeed, LZ844 was a Mk Vc as reported. However, the aircraft is depicted as being a Mk I of 609 (West Riding) Sqn, who flew the Mk I from Aug '39-May'41. Mk Vb and Mk Vc weren't flown until May '41-May '42 in 609 Sqn.

I'm not sure when the radio antenna configuration changed, but what is shown is typical of Mk I aircraft, Mk V.

The weapons ( 2 x 20mm cannon, 2 x .303 in machine guns) are typical of a Mk Vb, whereas the Mk I of 609 Sqn had 8 x .303 in guns.

Certainly, no Mk I had a four blade propeller.

Given that this aircraft which is for sale was cobbled together from wrecks, still it offends my military collector sensibilities that it is shown not as what it originally was, but as it is purported to be,... incorrectly.

Here, in Toronto, a similar situation existed when a PRU Spit was painted up as if it were a 401 (RCAF) Sqn aircraft when 401 never flew PR duties. It, too, incorrectly sported a four blade prop.

If anyone is interested, I have a great deal of research info related to Spits in general and LZ 844/R6915 in particular.