SPITFIRE, KENT COASTAL PATROL

Spitfire MJ627

Built at Castle Bromwich in 1943 as a Mk IX, MJ627 entered operational service with 441 Squadron RCAF, flying from an advanced landing ground in Belgium during the final year of the Second World War. Just days after joining the squadron, on 27th September 1944, MJ627 was flown by P/O Sidney Bregman during a dogfight over Arnhem, where he shot down a Messerschmitt Me 109 the aircraft's confirmed kill, captured on its own gun camera film, now held by the Imperial War Museum.

MJ627 went on to fly numerous ground attack, bomber escort, and patrol missions before being converted post-war into a two-seat trainer and serving with the Irish Air Corps for almost a decade. Restored to flying condition in the 1990s, it now flies again in its original 441 Squadron colours and invasion stripes, operating from the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar as part of the Warbird Experiences fleet.