Collection: WWII 1940 Battle of Britain Sgt. D F Corfe's SHOT DOWN R.A.F. British Spitfire (R6603) Wreckage Fragment - Recovered Denge Wood, Petham
This incredible collection comprises Battle of Britain R.A.F. aircraft wreckage fragments from a British Spitfire (ID Number: R6603) of No. 66 Squadron. This Royal Air Force British Spitfire was piloted by Sgt. D F Corfe was shot down during an air-to-air dogfight by a German Me109 on September 18th, 1940 this time over the Canterbury area, in Spitfire R6603. Corfe baled out and was admitted to Chartham Hospital, with injuries. His Spitfire aircraft crashed at Denge Wood, Petham. Over the course of his service in the R.A.F. Sgt. D F Corfe served valiantly in combat against German attacking planes during the Battle of Britain. Sgt. D F Corfe was shot down multiple times…bailing out and surviving each time. His luck, however, would soon run out as Sgt. D F Corfe was KILLED IN ACTION on April 25th, 1942. On 25th April 1942 Corfe, with five other Hurricanes, was sent to intercept Ju88s, Ju87s and Me109s over St Paul's Bay. He became separated from the other Hurricanes and was attacked by four Me109s. Corfe broke away and raced for cover between some hills. He was then hit by local ground fire, losing part of his wing. The Hurricane, BE708, crashed into rocks and exploded on impact, killing Corfe. This artifact of Sgt. D F Corfe’s Spitfire that was shot down Denge Wood, Petham is a testament to the R.A.F. pilot that gave their lives in the defense of Britain. The large engine from Sgt. D F Corfe British Spitfire (ID Number: R6603) of No. 66 Squadron is currently on display in the Royal Air Force Museum in London. These smaller and medium-sized fragments as from the same salvage efforts and aircraft.
