On Wed, 1 May 2013 14:50:52 +0100, Ramsman wrote
(in article ):

Morgan & Shacklady's Spitfire The History gives basic details of every
aircraft. ER219 is not shown as going to the USAAF, but was struck off
charge on 30-4-43. I think it's probable that these stars are Operation
Torch markings, although that was from 8-11-42. But why Shaibah in that
case, unless that's where aircraft were scrapped?

Sorry I didn't make it clear enough in my post but the Spitfires were crated
up in N Africa, shipped to Iraq and re-assembled in Shaibah (and possibly
elsewhere). They were then flown over the border to Iran where they were
collected by the Soviet Air Force.

The March '43 date you quote corresponds to the timing in the Russian URL I
listed.