Spitfire P9383 at Leconfield Airfield.

On the 26th of July 1940 this aircraft undershot the flarepath while landing at dawn and the undercarriage collapsed. The pilot was not injured.

Pilot - P/O William L B (Bill) Walker RAF, ok.

Bill Walker was born on 24th August 1913. He arrived at 616 Sqdn on 18th June 1940 having being called up on 1st September 1939 and undergoing training until this date. Soon after this incident at Leconfield 616 Sqdn were posted back to the south of England where the Battle of Britain was in full swing and on 26th August 1940 while flying Spitfire R6701 he was shot down following combat off the Kent coast. He baled out of his aircraft but had been shot in the ankle in the combat. After a period of time he was picked up by a fishing boat and eventually to hospital. It was not until 2nd May 1941 until he rejoined 616 Sqdn, now based at Tangmere. He survived the War and is believed still living.