Allied – Spitfire Mk IX MJ219

On June 11, 1944, a Mk IX Spitfire was involved in an accident that resulted in a fatality at North Grounds Farm, which was located near Chale.

The aircraft, which belonged to the 229th Squadron and was stationed at Tangmere, was being piloted by a South African pilot by the name of Flt. Lt. R. A. Cummings when it collided with the chimney of the farm house and then careered further out of control, striking the trees and plunging to the ground. The visibility was poor.On this gloomy and rainy day in June, at around 14:45 hours, it is believed that the pilot passed away instantly.

   Note: All images are merely representative of the aircraft and not specific.

• 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)