Spitfire ER726
Stats:
model: Vbfactory: CBAF
engine: M46
add
All Images:
History:
33MU 27-10-42 82MU 8-11-42 'Bluff IV' 11-42 Gibraltar 8-12-42 NWAfrica 81Sq Shot down by Bf109 nr Bone 1-1-43 F/O WS Large+* for acronyms please see source: Spitfire Production
Pilots:
| Name | Date | Rank | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large W S | 1943‑01‑01 | F/O | kia |
note: 'pilot to aircraft' linkage created via Pilot's page
Spitfire Posters:
post
Comments / Questions:
by: kurtis ER726 Photo? 2025-10-11 18:20:08
Some research indicates the photo attached may well be ER726, having suffered a crash landing in enemy territory in Algeria.
.. ER726 does seem to be a good possibility, it was based at Bône, now known as Annaba Rabah Bitat Airport in Algeria.
The photo might have been taken somewhere to the East of the airport, but I haven't yet found any information about where the Germans lines were on the 1st January 1943 - I'll keep looking. The Operational Record Book says that 81 Squadron was operating around the Annaba harbour so that would tie up.
reply
by: kurtis Related Blog Post 2025-10-11 19:41:40
See related Blog post about the ER7?6 image submitted to us for investigation, click Blog in nav bar above for details.
reply
by: Justin ER723 2025-10-12 13:18:46
Maybe ER723 of 232 squadron? Shot down by Bf109 over Bay of Tunis 12-4-43
reply
reply: kurtis Sorensen 2025-10-12 15:44:24
possibly but in checking ther details of Sorensen's crash landing inverted where he had to dig himself out as he was buried somewhat. Antennae looks in place. Fascinating reading though as there is considerable detail on this pilot's service in North Africa and subsequent POW experience.
https://rcaf403squadron.wordpress.com/2019/10/12/flight-lieutenant-frank-sorensens-biography/
reply: Justin ER723 2025-10-13 11:57:26
If you look at Air27-1428-40 & 1428-41 of 232 squadron the 11-04-43 you can see P/O Sorensen's was flying ER723 on the 11-04-43 missing believe killed. Maybe I'm wrong but the 6 looks like a 3 to me. The Germans may of turned the Spitfire back over from inverted.
reply: Justin 2025-10-13 20:03:53
This Spitfire looks like it was turned back to the right way up owing to the wing. Two wings the same side. The Germans would of wanted to look inside the cockpit.
reply: Justin 2025-10-13 20:14:11
Looking again at the picture I see the R/T mast still in place. Unless the Germans stuck it back in the hole after it was turned back.
reply: Justin 2025-10-13 20:18:30
https://www.rafcommands.com/database/serials/details.php?uniq=ER723
reply: kurtis maybe 2025-10-13 20:47:40
remains a mystery, yes, it could be ER 723 if it landed just so, too bad there is no date on the back the original picture. Curious what the Germans are looking at.
reply: Kevin Charles 2025-10-17 09:06:05
Also the tailplane is intact, I can't see how it would be if it landed inverted.
I'll look through the possibilities of the last digit being a 3.