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Unlikely Warrior – A South African Spitfire pilot in Europe’s War

Restored aircraft that actually saw combat are rare, but MH434 was the actual Spitfire Mk. IXb in which Henry “Pat” Lardner-Burke flew a 200-hour combat tour and recorded at least 3 ½ kills. (Photo by John Dibbs/Facebook.com/theplanepicture)

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Author’s Note: My family, through the Old Flying Machine Company, has been the honored custodians of Spitfire IXb LF MH434—an outstanding example of living history—for many decades now. We have always been aware of the contributions of Henry “Pat” Lardner-Burke, the exemplary South African pilot who flew it in World War II. However, until researching this article, we never fully understood the nature of his skill and bravery, the admiration of those who served with...

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