We honour the history and legacy of those South Africans who gave their lives in the fight against tyranny in WW II, by restoring Spitfire DB-H 5518 to its original flying condition, as a symbol and tribute to this hard-fought-for FREEDOM.
Our Spitfire is a uniquely South African National Heritage asset – a Mk IXe, low back, clipped wing, tear-drop canopy with a Merlin 66 engine. We aim to preserve Spitfire 5518 for younger generations to enjoy.
By engaging with retired aviation personnel we enable retired folk to teach and transfer their experience and skills to the younger generation. Young engineers and aviation technicians will benefit from the restoration process by gaining invaluable experience and skills transfer.
The remarkable journey of Spitfire Mk IX, also known as 5518, began in May 1945 on the Castle Bromwich production line. Originally designated TE213, she was the 5,556th Mk IX built and equipped with the powerful Merlin 70 engine.
After production, TE213 was stored before being sold to the South African Air Force (SAAF) in July 1947. In mid-August of that year, she embarked on a journey to the Union of South Africa via Egypt and was assigned serial 5518 at 15 Air Depot. Later that year, she was transferred to 1 Air Depot in November.
5518’s Service Career
On 4 December 1948, Spitfire 5518 joined 1 Squadron at Air Force Station Waterkloof. Her operational history includes moments of triumph and challenge. In June 1949, she was involved in a collision with another Spitfire, sustaining category 1 damage. After repairs at 15 Air Depot, she returned to active service, first with 7 Wing in early 1951, and then with the Air Operations School in April of the same year.
5518 faced further adversity in September 1951 when she hit a drogue cable, again sustaining category 1 damage. In June 1953, she was transferred back to 1 Squadron at A.F.B. Swartkop, only to return to 15 Air Depot for storage later that September.
A New Role as Gate Guardian
The SAAF retired the Spitfire Mk IX in April 1954. Spitfire 5518 was selected for a unique honour: to serve as a gate guardian at A.F.S. Waterkloof. After her Merlin engine was removed, she was positioned outside the administration block, standing as a proud sentinel for the next 23 years.
Today, Spitfire 5518 holds a special place in South Africa’s aviation history. As the only surviving South African Spitfire with the potential to take to the skies again, she represents the dedication, resilience, and spirit of those who served alongside her.
In November 1978, Spitfire 5518 was removed from her post as a gate guardian and transported to the SAAF Museum’s storage facility at Lanseria Airport. It was decided to restore 5518 to airworthy condition while keeping her on the SAAF’s records, marking the beginning of an ambitious project.
Progress on the restoration was slow but steady. In November 1993, the project was handed over to Atlas Aviation/Denel for completion. By late September 1995, the restoration was successfully finished. Spitfire 5518 was repainted in the colours and designation of 5553 “AX-K”, a former 1 Squadron Spitfire.
Taking to the Skies Again
In early October 1995, the newly restored 5553 took to the skies for her first post-restoration flight. However, persistent engine issues soon emerged, grounding the aircraft until 10 April 1996, when the problems were resolved. Just ten days later, on 20 April 1996, 5518 made her public debut at the SAAF Museum and quickly became a star on the air show circuit.
Despite her success, engine troubles resurfaced in September 1998, necessitating a complete overhaul. Despite these challenges, Spitfire 5518’s restoration marked a significant achievement, symbolising the dedication and passion of all involved in bringing this historic aircraft back to life.
TE213 was the 5556th Mk IX built, rolling out of Castle Bromwich in May 1945.
On arrival in South Africa in August 1947, she was allocated the number 5518 and was one of a 137 aircraft purchased. She served with 1 and 2 Squadrons and later at the Operations School at Langebaanweg.
After an eventful career which included a collision with another Spitfire and a drogue cable, she was taken out of service in 1954. In 1955 a decision was taken to erect a gate guard at AFB Waterkloof and 5518 was given a chance at surviving being scrapped. She was displayed at Waterkloof from 1955 to 1978 as 5518, W5851, and W5518.
In November 1978 she was accorded her true value and removed from the pylons and taken to the SAAF Museum at Lanseria airport near Johannesburg for restoration to airworthy condition. The restoration which started in 1985, was performed by Atlas Aircraft Corporation, sponsored by Reutech.
The first flight after her restoration took place in October 1995, painted as 5553 / AX-K, named Spirit of Reutech.
On the 15th April 2000 at a SAAF Museum Flying Day, 5553 suffered an engine malfunction after a low level fly-past and had to make a forced landing short of the runway, where she went through a security wall, breaking up. 5553 was then put back into storage at the SAAF Museum where she would remain for the next 15 years. The pilot, Lt-Col Neil Thomas (OC SAAF Museum), escaped with minor injuries during an emergency forced landing.
In early 2015, it was decided that the SAAF Museum in conjunction with the Friends of the South African Air Force Museum (FSAAFM) would work on restoring 5518 to static condition, with the possibility of making her airworthy in the future.
Work began on the restoration hangar in February 2022 and in March 2023, the roof was completed. The hangar is situated at Air Force Base Swartkop.
The Story of Spitfire JF294 in South Africa
During the final years of World War II, Supermarine Spitfire Mark VIII, JF294, embarked on a remarkable journey from Cairo to Cape Town, flown by Flying Officer G.E. “Tiger” Camplin of the Royal Air Force Transport Command, Mediterranean Group. The mission was to present the aircraft as a gift to the South African Government.
From March to September 1944, Flying Officer Camplin conducted numerous flying demonstrations across the Union of South Africa. JF294 captivated audiences as it participated in the ‘Liberty Cavalcades’, travelling to various towns and showcasing the cutting-edge engineering and performance of the Spitfire.
In October 1944, JF294 was formally transferred to the South African Air Force (SAAF). In 1948, the aircraft found its final home at the South African Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. There, it was redesignated as ‘5501’ and remains proudly displayed as a tribute to the history and legacy of the Spitfire and its role in South Africa’s aviation history.