Special BBMF tribute to Sqn Ldr Mark Long

Header image: BBMF Spitfire Mk XVI TE311 outside the BBMF hangar with its new tribute markings on its starboard side. (Photo: Andy Preece)

Many readers will have seen the news on social media that BBMF Spitfire Mk XVI TE311 has had new code letters painted on its starboard side as a special tribute to Squadron Leader Mark Long, who tragically lost his life on 25th May when Spitfire Mk IX MK356 crashed shortly after take-off from RAF Coningsby.

Spitfire TE311 is probably the aircraft that Mark flew the most with the BBMF and is certainly the aircraft that the Flight’s personnel most associate with him. On its starboard side TE311 now wears the code letters ‘L-NG’, which, with the roundel in between the ‘L’ and the ‘N’, appears as LONG. Under the windscreen quarterlight is the name SQN LDR MARK LONG, with a Squadron Leader’s pennant. Meanwhile, TE311’s port side retains the relatively new 322 (Dutch) Squadron markings, with the code letters ‘3W-M’, the Dutch orange inverted triangle and the ‘Polly Grey’ parrot nose art.

The squadron code letters ‘NG’ were used during the Second World War by 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron Auxiliary Air Force (AuxAF), a night-fighter unit which flew radar-equipped Bristol Blenheims, Bristol Beaufighters and DH Mosquitoes. Disbanded on 18th April 1945, the squadron was reformed on 10th May 1946 as a day-fighter unit and, when the prefix “Royal” was conferred to the AuxAF by HM King George VI in 1947, it became 604 Squadron RAuxAF. The squadron was equipped with Mk XVI Spitfires from October 1946 to May 1950 and from 1949 it used the unit’s original code letters ‘NG’ on its aircraft. So, it is possible that a Mk XVI Spitfire has previously worn the squadron code letters ‘NG’ with the individual aircraft letter ‘L’.

Privately-owned airworthy Spitfire Mk XVI, RW386, which is based in Sweden, served with 604 Squadron from 1947 to 1949 and today wears the code letters ‘NG-D which it wore in 1949. The code letters appear on the starboard side as ‘D-NG’.

In memory of Squadron Leader Mark Long, a Just Giving page has been set up to support his family and their wish to set up a Flying Scholarship for disabled individuals. Should you wish to donate to this worthy cause, you can do so here.