The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
A Spitfire Mark XI of No. 683 Squadron in the blue camouflage of all Photo Reconnaissance aircraft. A photographic reconnaissance wing was based at San Severo north of Foggia. Here, as with the entire photo-reconnaissance command it was very much a British-United States joint operation. The Americans used Lightnings and the British squadrons used Mosquitos and Spitfires. All aircraft were painted this rather unusual blue. In this sketch an airman is seen removing one of the big aerial cameras from its compartment behind the pilot's cockpit. During the course of the Allied campaign in Italy No. 683 Squadron, RAF, formed part of a combined British-American photographic reconnaissance wing based at San Severo. All aircraft engaged in photographic reconnaissance in the theatre were camouflaged in blue. In the case of the Spitfire the aerial camera was installed in a special compartment behind the pilot, who operated it by remote control. Some Australians served as pilots in No. 683 Squadron and became specialists at the work.
During the course of the Allied campaign in Italy in 1943-45 No. 683 Squadron, RAF, formed part of a combined British-American photographic reconnaissance wing base at San Severo, north of Foggia. For
Portrait of photo-reconnaissance pilot Squadron Leader Harry Smith, RAF, of No 683 Squadron in San Severo, Italy.
Flying Officer Eric Hay, No.683 Squadron, Royal Air Force, one of three Australians, including the Commanding Officer, on a photo reconnaissance squadron in Italy.
RAYAK, SYRIA, 1942. A SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE AIRCRAFT OF 451 SQUADRON RAAF IN FRONT OF HANGARS AT RAYAK AIRFIELD. THE COLOUR OF THIS AIRCRAFT IS DARK BLUE, AND IT WAS USED FOR PHOTO - RECONNAISSANCE SOR
Depicts a Spitfire Mk VC surrounded by bushland. A figure stands to the right of the aircraft. It is believed that this Spitfire was one of the first 24 to arrive in Australia and was flown by Wing-
Recto: Front of spitfire aircraft on the ground; Verso: Full sketch of a Spitfire aircraft on the ground Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Peter and Elizabeth