Allied – Spitfire Mk I N3242

Pilot Officer M Lyall, flying with 602 Squadron, fought Major Helmut Wick (pictured) , one of the most decorated Luftwaffe pilots during the Second World War. At approximately 3 p.m.,Thursday 28 November 1940  a German pilot on a “Frei Jagd” or unrestricted search over the Isle of Wight encountered a flight from 602 Squadron.

Three Spitfires became victims with no losses from the major’s wing. Consideration is then given to the possibility that P/O Lyall’s Spitfire crashed at or near Rill Farm, near Whitley bank. It is presumed that Lyall bailed the damaged spitfire too late, as he did not survive. His aircraft, on the other hand, was significantly damaged but not a right off and as a result, it was recovered, converted into a Mk V, and reissued to 603 Squadron; however, it once again encountered difficulties and was tragically lost at sea a year later.

As a follow-up, in November of that year, Major Helmet Wick, who had committed over 44 murders, became a victim. His loss is now attributed to the Spitfire Mk 1 X4586 of 609 Squadron piloted by Flt. Lt. J. Dundas, who was shot down by Wick’s wingman Pflanz. A memorial to Flt. Lt. J. Dundas was unveiled in 2000 on the precipitous edge just above Freshwater.

 Note: Images and diagrams of the aircraft displayed reflect the type of aircraft and are not those of the specific.

• https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Helmut_Wick
• http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/71909

• All images are of similar aircraft and not the specific plane in question.
• Wight Air Wrecks – A T Gilliam ISBN 0-7524-2376-2
• Battle in the Skies – H J Leal (IWCP)