Spitfire W3641 at Leconfield airfield.

This 610 Squadron aircraft was due to have been flown on a convoy patrol during the morning of 11th December 1941. On take off in a crosswind at Leconfield airfield at 08.25hrs the aircraft drifted off the runway and soon after becoming airborne the port undercarriage leg struck a camouflaged lorry that was parked near the runway. The lorry was difficult to see against a dark background and it had been parked too close to the runway. The pilot managed to remain in the air and appears to have flown the convoy patrol. He then landed with the undercarriage retracted on his return to land at Leconfield at 09.10hrs.

Pilot - Sgt George Mains RAF (745346).