Spitfire X4903 at Buckton, Filey.
On 9th May 1941 this 485 Squadron aircraft's engine caught fire in the air as it nearer base following a convoy patrol. The pilot force landed close to the cliff top near
Buckton to the south of Filey.
Pilot - Sgt James Kerrow Porteous RNZAF (NZ401301).
James Porteous was born in Auckland, New Zealand in November 1916 and was working as a salesman when he enlisted into the RNZAF in April 1940. He probably
first flew with 93 Squadron before joining 485 Squadron. He had just been involved in a flying accident at Leconfield on 26th april 1941 when Spitfire X4916
overturned on landing and gained the nick-name "Pranger". He was awarded the DFC for service with 243 Squadron as Acting F/Lt, Gazetted on 27th July 1943.
As S/Ldr he later commanded 122 Squadron in 1944. In total he was credited with shooting down seven enemy aircraft, including a V1 rocket. Following the War
he returned home and died 17th March 1993 in Auckland.
Spitfire X4903 was built to contract 19713/39 by Vickers Armstrong's (Supermarine) Ltd. at either Woolston or Eastleigh and was first test flown on 21st
December 1940. On 24th December 1940 it was flown to 6 MU at Brize Norton for storage. On 2nd March 1941 it was taken on charge by the newly formed 485
Squadron at Leconfield but sustained Cat.B/FA damage as a result of the forced landing at Buckton on 9th May 1941. The following day it was dismantled
and transported by road to Scottish Aviation Ltd. at Prestwick for assessment and on 19th May 1941 it was Re-Cat.E2/FA and struck off charge.