April 1st, 2024, is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. To honour this anniversary we are commissioning a full scale replica of a MK IX Supermarine Spitfire, one of the premier fighter aircraft of the Second World War. This aircraft will become part of the Museum’s permanent collection, and the centerpiece of our Second World War gallery.

Thematic Links to New Brunswick and the Spitfire:

• RCAF 403 Squadron - This aircraft will commemorate the history of 403 Squadron, now 403 Operational Training Squadron, CFB Gagetown, the only remaining RCAF Squadron in NB. Second World War - 403 (Fighter) Squadron (formed 1941) was one of the first RCAF Squadrons to be formed overseas. The squadron flew various Spitfire models, Mk I through Mk XVI, serving with RAF Fighter Command and the Second Tactical Air Force. 403 Squadron, RCAF, was awarded seven battle honours:Defence of Britain 1941-1944; English Channel and North Sea 1942; Fortress Europe 1941-1944France and Germany 1944-1945; Normandy 1944; Dieppe 1944; and Rhine 1944.Today - 403 Squadron provides operational helicopter aircrew training.

• Lord Beaverbrook (Max Aitken) - Early Life - Although born in Ontario, Max Aitken spent much of his life in New Brunswick. He grew up in Newcastle, lived in Chatham where he worked as a local correspondent for the Montreal Star, and later moved to Saint John. Second World War - In the early 1940s Lord Beaverbrook played a key role in the war effort as Winston Churchill’s Minister of Aircraft Production, and later as Minister of War Production. He was instrumental in mobilizing industrial resources, especially for Spitfire and Hurricane production, thereby providing the UK with the air superiority needed to win the Battle of Britain.

• Aircraft MK and Markings: Spitfire F Mk IX MA585 - We will be replicating the Spitfire flown by Canadian Ace George “Buzz” Beurling, DSO, DFC, DFM & Bar. Buzz Beurling was the most successful Canadian fighter pilot of the Second World War. In December 1941, Buzz Beurling joined 403 Squadron as a Sergeant Pilot, his first posting overseas. He remained with 403 for nearly 4 months. He returned to 403 Squadron in September, 1943. On the 24th of that month he scored his 30th air victory while flying Spitfire F Mk IX MA585.

• Royal Canadian Air Force 416 Squadron - Formed November 22, 1941, 416 Squadron flew Spitfire aircraft throughout the Second World War, including the MK IX. 416 Squadron was awarded eight battle honours: Defence of Britain 1942-44; English Channel and North Sea 1943; Fortress Europe 1942-44;Dieppe 1944; France and Germany 1944-45; Normandy 1944; Arnhem 1944; and Rhine 1944.

Spitfire tie to CFB Chatham: Major-General (retired) Ken Lett was a Second World War Spitfire pilot and became a postwar Officer Commanding 416 Squadron on F-86 Sabres in Europe. 416 Squadron, operating out of RCAF/CFB Chatham NB from 1962 until 1984, was equipped with CF-101 Voodoo aircraft.

• Royal Canadian Air Force 421 Squadron - 421 Squadron, under the command of Wing Commander Johnnie Johnson in the late Spring of 1943, was equipped with the Spitfire Mk IX. 421 Squadron was awarded six battle honours: Defence of Britain 1942-44; Fortress Europe 1942-44; France and Germany 1944-45; Normandy 1944; Arnhem 1944; and Rhine 1944. 

421 Squadron was the 2nd fighter squadron to be re-activated after the Second World War (on September 15, 1949). It was re-formed at RCAF Station Chatham with deHavilland Vampire aircraft for a short time before relocating to RAF Station Odiham in the UK. There the squadron continued flying Vampire aircraft and became Canada's first air contribution to the newly formed NATO.

A number of New Brunswickers flew Spitfires with 403, 416 and 421 Squadron during the war and Flight Lieutenant Karl Linton (416) of Plaster Rock and Flying Officer Fred Evans (421) of Saint John were both awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for their valour. Squadron Leader John Hart of Sackville flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain with 602 Squadron and was also awarded the DFC.  This aircraft will honour and commemorate their service.