Spitfire over Sydney ?

[FlugWeasel]

Does anyone know anything about the Spitfire that was gracing the sky over North Sydney about 1300 today ?

Nothing like the purr of a Merlin engine and the flash of an elliptical wing to stir the spirit.

[FlugWeasel]

Bobby Gibbes

Ok, I answered my own question. It was the funeral for Wing Commander Robert Henry Maxwell “Bobby” Gibbes

http://www.aviationmuseum.com.au/news/News.cfm

[das Uber Soldat]

yeh i heard a fast jet of some description come tearing over my house about that time, ran out to see what it was but no joy

[Feather #3]

3SQN 4-ship as the salute was fired outside the church....a splendid tribute and moving farewell...did him proud!!

G'day

[tail wheel]

Was it a Spitfire or Col Pay's P40 Kittyhawk?

[FlugWeasel]

Definitely a Spitfire

It was Temora's Mark VIII dressed with Gibbes' personal markings.

[tail wheel]

Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII VH-HET

The aircraft is painted in the green and grey camouflage colours worn by the RAAF aircraft defending Darwin during World War II and in operations in the South West Pacific. The aircraft carries the markings of Wing Commander R.H. (Bobby) Gibbes AM WG CMR DSO DFC*.

Photo acknowledgement and credit to Temora Aviation Museum.