Originally James S. Blyth was with the 22nd Photo Recon Squadron/22nd Photo Recon group flying F-5s, a modified P-38 for photo recon. In April 1944 he transferred to the 14th Photo Recon Squadron because he always wanted to fly a Spitfire. The 14th PRS were equipped with Spitfire Mk. XI and Blyth flew 36 recon missions. On September 12, 1944 while flying PA944 the landing gear failed to deploy and Blyth made a safe belly landing. With a new wooden prop and new radiator PA944 was soon flying again.
The Mark XI was basically a Mark IX Spitfire interceptor that had its guns and armour removed, a larger oil tank added in the nose, a more powerful engine, a larger fuel capacity and photographic equipment added for recon missions. The Mk.XI defense was its speed.