WWII RAAF Spitfire aircraft wreckage gifted to NT Government

THE wreckage of an RAAF Spitfire aircraft, which crashed into Litchfield bushland during World War II, has been gifted to the NT Government by the Commonwealth

The wreckage of the WWII Supermarine Spitfire that was recently re-discovered in Litchfield National Park

THE wreckage of an RAAF Spitfire aircraft, which crashed into Litchfield bushland during World War II, was gifted to the NT Government by the Commonwealth on Tuesday.

The downed aircraft crash-landed in 1943. It was lost in scrub for decades until it was rediscovered in 2016.

Currently the plane remains hidden in the bush under close surveillance, via an undisclosed security system, so potential scavengers are unable to salvage rare Spitfire parts from the wreck.

The handover of the Spitfire coincides with the 76th anniversary of the last Japanese air raid over the Top End.

Pilot Colin Duncan with his Spitfire aircraft which crash-landed in Litchfield bushland

Tuesday’s handover was held to coincide with the premiere of A Fiery Exit, a short film about the crash based on a first-hand account by the pilot, Flight Sergeant Colin Duncan, who survived by ejecting and parachuting from the burning wreck.

Sgt Duncan’s grandson, Duncan Williams, said it was a special moment for him and his family to look upon the aircraft his grandfather spoke about.

“It all happened a long time before I was born. It wasn’t something he spoke about a great deal but as he got toward the end of his life, it was an exceptional story he shared,” he told the NT News.

Fom left, Duncan Williams, Minister for Heritage Lauren Moss and Air Commodore John Meier at the official handing over by the RAAF to the NT of the wreckage of a Spitfire that crashed in the now Litchfield National Park during WWII. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Twenty-seven years had passed since I wrote down his story before the wreckage was found.

So for this all to come back has been really lovely ... for his memory to be refreshed.”

RAAF Air Commodore John Meier said the Darwin bombings, and subsequent air battles that ensued with Allied forces against Japanese pilots in 1943, was often understated in the history books.

But the preservation of the historic wreckage was a testament to the grit of Australian servicemen, he said.

Part of the wreckage of a WWII Supermarine Spitfire that was recently re-discovered in Litchfield National Park

“Its preservation will be a fitting memorial to all those who fought and died during this difficult period in Australia and the Territory’s wartime history,” he said.

“While many Australians know and understand the significance of the battles on Kokoda, and most know about the Coral Sea battles, I believe there is not the same level of recognition for the operations that were flown over the defence of Darwin.”