Spitfire lost in 1945 located in Belgian forest and 80 years after it last flew takes to the skies once more
Published on Jan 18, 2026 at 2:32 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jan 14, 2026 at 9:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A Supermarine Spitfire that was lost in 1945 and resurfaced over 80 years after it last flew has recently taken to the skies once again.
This example of the famous British fighter aircraft was lost towards the end of World War II, crashing into a forest.
However, over several years, its remains were excavated, and an ambitious plan was put in place to bring the aircraft back to life.
That plan has been completed, and this once-lost World War II icon is now back where it belongs, after years of hiding beneath the mud and dirt.
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How the Spitfire was lost at the end of World War II
An Instagram reel has told the story of how this particular aircraft was lost at the end of the war.
The aircraft is Supermarine Spitfire MJ444, and it was damaged by anti-aircraft fire during a ground attack in the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945.
It was being flown by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Flt Lt Harold ‘Hal’ Fairfield of 443 Squadron.
While Fairfield survived bailing out, the aircraft crashed into a wooded area.
MJ444 then remained there for decades, buried under grass, dirt, and mud.
For most aircraft, this would be the end of the story.
However, MJ444 would turn out to be a lucky survivor.
How MJ444 was saved and revived
The aircraft was located in 2019, and a decision was made to excavate the remains of the World War II fighter.
Aero Legends later went on to acquire the remains of the Spitfire and decided to commission a full restoration.
This would be a tricky task, as much of the aircraft was in small pieces.
Many new components would need to be built as well.
However, the restorers aimed to use as much of the original fighter aircraft as possible.
Incredibly, in 2024, this remarkable aircraft flew once again.
The restoration was completed by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford in the UK.
The company has years of experience with Spitfires, as well as other fighters like the Hawker Hurricane.
Now, this majestic machine can wow the crowds, displaying at airshows and telling its remarkable story.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
