**** DONE: Spitfire MkVIII, 136 Squadron RAF, Burma, 1944, Commonwealth GB.

[Airframes]

Username: Airframes.
Name: Terry.
Category: Judge, non-competing.
Kit: ICM Spitfire MkVIII.
Scale. 1/48th.
Accessories: Almark and home-made decals, some scratch-building.



Spitfire MkVII flown by F/Sgt Bob Cross, DFM, 136 Sqn., RAF,Arakan, Burma, 1944.
It's about time I got this thread, and the build, underway, although I'll be posting the background and more info later, when I've received some copy pages of Bob Cross's Log Book.
So far, a definite serial number for one of the MkVIIIs flown by Bob has not been established, although some of the Log Book entries might allow me to narrow things down, working just from the individual aircraft code letters entered in his Log, and I think I might already have a contender.
As some of you will know, this model is being built at the request of Max, who's wife Barbara is the niece of the late Bob Cross, the highest scoring RAF pilot, of the highest scoring RAF squadron in SEAC, or more correctly, ACSEA (Air Command, South East Asia).
It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to do this, and I only hope I can do the model justice, as a tribute to Bob, and all those who served in the 'Forgotten War', and as a fitting memento for the family.
As soon as I have all the information collated with my research to date, I'll post the fascinating story and background, and I hope to make a start on the model itself over the weekend, once the final touches have been completed on the BoB GB Hurricane.
EDIT: The background info on the Squadron, and Bob Cross, is now added below, in PDF form, for ease of viewing. Enjoy!

[Crimea_River]

Looking forward to this Terry. We can compare notes as the kit is virtually the same as my Mk IX currently on the go.

[vikingBerserker]

Looking forward to it.

[Airframes]

Thanks Andy and David, and I'm looking forward to it too!
Yep, it's the same kit throughout the ICM range (except the MkXVI low-back), just different decals. Means some good stuff for the spares box !

[ozhawk40]

Great choice T, looking forward to this one.

Cheers

Peter

[Airframes]

Thanks Peter. I hope to have the first pics at least, and maybe the background info, posted by Sunday.

[rochie]

we all know you'll do a great job Dogsbody the new owners will be very pleased with your efforts i'm sure.

[Airframes]

Thanks Red Two !

[Wurger]

Very nice choice. Looking forward to the build Terry.

[MaxCamps]

Thanks Terry
Log Book will be in the post Monday provided that there is no more snow! Barbara & I await progress og the build with excitement! We know you are going to make a fabulous job of it!!
BR
Max & Barbara

[Airframes]

Cheers mate - I hope so!

[Wildcat]

Terry, Osprey's "Spitfire aces of Burma and the Pacific" has a profile of a MkVIII flown by cross. It shows HM-B MT567, which it states he flew but did not claim any victories in.
HTH

[Wayne Little]

Best of luck with this build Terry.....you don't really need it though....this one is special so I'm sure it will be REAL good!!!

[Vic Balshaw]

Nice one Terry and without a doubt you will do justice to such an honourable request.

[Airframes]

Thanks very much guys.
Thanks Andy. That's the only one I've been able to correlate, serial and code, probably flown by Bob.(No serial numbers in his Log Book, only individual codes, 'B' being one of them) However, I have a number of copies in different publications, showing the well-known shot of 'B' at the head of the line-up in the Cocos, in September 1945, with captions stating MT567 and MT657 !!
Sod's law, the Morgan / Shacklady book lists all serial numbers of all Spits built, and, normally, their users. But all the MkVIIIs are only shown as issued to MUs, and then where shipped to, for example, India !
And of course, both of the above serials ended up in - India!!
But, if you have the profile, any chance of posting it anyway?
Cheers.