Warbirds of India

Spitfire MV-459 as seen as displayed at Ambala Air Force Station.

The Warbird Discovery of the Year 2003 goes without doubt to the wreckage dug out of the Markanda riverbed in Haryana. When the reports of the recovery of the wreckage were first surfaced in February and March, We at Warbirds of India merely thought that this aircraft remains would be soon consigned to the dustbin / local scrap dealer - We are happy to say we have been proved wrong!.

On these pages we present the complete story on how Spitfire MV-459 was found, examined, restored and displayed in its complete glory!

The Frozen Tear War Memorial featuring Gnat E-1051 at Ambala Air Force Base. 34 Names of IAF pilots who died in operations both in peace as well as wartime are etched on the obelisk. Photo Courtesy : Jagan Pillarisetti / Kaleido India Ltd

Ambala was one of the oldest and largest airbase inherited from the British for the IAF. The then Advanced Flying Training School operating from there used to operate Harvards and Spitfires. Later on, Ambala AFS operated Vampires, Toofanis, Mysteres and Hunters in a combat role. It was from this airbase that Spitfires and Harvards flown by Instructors took part in the early days of fighting in the Srinagar valley in the 1947-48 Kashmir Operations. Today the Airbase houses 7 Wing operating Jaguars and MiG-21 Bisons.