Corgi AA29104 - Supermarine Spitfire MK.IXC1/72 Scale Diecast Model"Porky II", Pilot: Lt. Robert Connor, 309th FS "Wild Ducks", USAAF, Tunisia, 1943

About This Model

Corgi Aviation Archives series AA29104 is a 1/72 scale diecast model of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, named “Porky II”, flown by Lt. Robert Connor, 309th Fighter Squadron (309th FS) “Wild Ducks”, 31st Fighter Group (31st FG), USAAF, Tunisia, 1943.

Porky II: An American Spitfire’s Story

The 309th Fighter Squadron “Wild Ducks” began with P-39 Airacobras. They arrived in Britain in 1942 and switched to Spitfire Mk.Vs. In April 1943, they upgraded to Spitfire Mk.IXc. At that time, they were stationed in North Africa.

Lt. Robert Connor of the 309th Fighter Squadron, USAAF, flew the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc. Its serial was MH656 and its code WZ-RR. This aircraft marked a period when Americans flew British fighters.

He continued the tradition of naming aircraft “Porky.” He christened this Mk.IXc “Porky II.” On the right side, he painted Porky Pig and the phrase “That’s All Folks!” The art was framed like a slice of white bread. RAF ocean grey and dark green camouflage covered the aircraft with USAAF star-and-bar roundels outlined in bright red.

Lt. Connor and the 309th FS flew Spitfires in the Tunisian campaign and during the invasion of Sicily. In March 1944, they switched to North American P-51 Mustangs.

Today, a restored Supermarine Spitfire LF.XVIe (serial RW382) replicates “Porky II.” The owners call it “The Suffolk Spitfire.” This warbird displays unique USAAF markings. These markings honour American airmen based in East Anglia during WWII.