First flown in October 1960, XM172 joined 56 Sqdn at RAF Wattisham and when the unit formed the 'Firebirds' display team, this was one of their aircraft. A final flight was made to Coltishall in June 1974, where it was prepared for gate guard duties, joining Spitfire SL542. Initially carrying 145 Sqdn (226 OCU) marks as operated till 1970, it was later painted in 226's own red/white colours of the mid-1960s. Removed to Booker in 1989, the Lightning was bought by a private owner at Spark Bridge in 2006