Aircraft History
Built by Supermarine. Delivered to the Royal Navy (RN) to Fleet Air Arm (FAAF) as Seafire Mark XV serial number unknown, possibly SW853.

Wartime History
Assigned to either HMS Implacable or HMS Albion. Fuselage code A-CF with a white stripe on the rear fuselage with 2 and tail fin flash.

Mission History
During 1945, this Seafire took off from HMS Albion and during the flight this aircraft had mechanical problems and landed at Hobsonville Airfield. Afterwards, this aircraft was abandoned.

Wreckage
During September 1945, this Seafire was stored outdoors at Hobsonville Airfield. Used as an instructional airframe for the Aircraft Finisher's School, where airmen where trained to paint aircraft. Sometime in late 1945 or early 1946 scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

Charles Darby adds:
"I have heard stories that there was a second Seafire in NZ at the same time, but have never seen photos showing two together to confirm this. One of the Seafires (if indeed two were here) was SW815."

References
Thanks to Charles Darby and Fred Waldron for additional information

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Last Updated
September 8, 2020