The Down Spitfire had the serial number P7823. The Mark IIa Supermarine Spitfire flew with RAF 54 Squadron, RAF 152 Squadron, and RAF 504 Squadron. On 7th January 1942, it crashed near Derrymacash, Co. Armagh. Canadian Pilot Walter McManus died in the crash as he returned to RAF Ballyhalbert, Co. Down from RAF St. Angelo, Co. Fermanagh.
The plane was one of many fighters funded by people of Northern Ireland who contributed to the Belfast Telegraph Spitfire Fund.