Supermarine Spitfire MK IX Wings Arrive in Canada

GATINEAU, QC. – Wings of a Second World War fighter arrived here Monday at Vintage Wings of Canada marking a significant development toward fully restoring the aircraft to airworthy condition.

The partially completed wings arrived from the United Kingdom in a sea container for the fabrication and installation of long-range fuel tanks and final assembly. They will then be shipped to Comox, BC for installation.

“Although there is much work to do, this is a pivotal point in the restoration of this historically significant aircraft,” said Rob Fleck, President of VWC. “The delivery of these wings is just one more step toward realizing the dream we had when we first acquired the aircraft from the Royal Canadian Air Force two years ago.”

The Comox Air Force Museum, owned by the Department of National Defence (DND), wished to see the fighter become airworthy once again so sought a reputable Canadian organization known for its restoration capability to do it. The Spitfire Mk IX was sold to Vintage Wings in 2009, and is being restored to flying condition in Comox.

The Spitfire carries the squadron code ‘Y2-K’ and is now known as the ‘Roseland Spitfire’ in
dedication to Arnold ‘Rosey’ Roseland. During his service with 442 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Roseland flew Spitfire Y2-K on 65 occasions.

All 16 aircraft of the Vintage Wings collection have been dedicated to a Canadian aviator who flew the type either in training or in combat. Roseland, a much respected flight leader and hero of the Second World War, is one such aviator who perished while flying a Spitfire on a support mission for Canadian ground forces.

VWC is a public charitable organization, operating at the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport, whose mission is to commemorate our veterans, to educate Canadians about our nation’s rich aviation heritage and to inspire youth to pursue their dreams. Founded by high-tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Potter in 2005, the organization is governed by an independent board of directors including Chris Hadfield, Canadian Space Agency astronaut and commander of the next mission to the International Space Station.

For general information on Vintage Wings of Canada visit www.vintagewings.ca.