One of the greatest classic fighters, and probably the most elegant war machine ever designed. Unfortunately, side views only partially show its superb lines. I started with the Mk V version, and also the Mk I/II. I will be also be doing the Mk V (Trop) and later the Mk IX. More to come later!

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1. This aircraft belonged to Robert Stanford-Tuck while he was commanding the Biggin Hill Wing. He was shot down by flak near Boulogne in France on 28 January 1942 while flying this aircraft. He was a POW until February 1945, when he escaped and met the advancing Russian army. The aircraft is believed to be BL 336, but some sources state it is P8783.

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2.After evading France in June 1940, Jean Demozay joined the RAF and flew Hurricanes with No 1 and No 242 Squadron before joining No 91 “Nigeria” Squadron from July 1941 to February 1942. During this period he scored 11 aerial victories, mostly with Spitfire Mk Vb W3122. He returned to No 91 Squadron as Commanding Officer from July to December 1942, scoring several other kills. His total tally is 21 confirmed and 2 probable aerial victories. He was killed in a flying accident in 1945.

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3. A No 41 Squadron Spitfire Mk Ia used by Eric Lock during the Battle of Britain. Lock was credited with 16.5 victories during the battle and had a total of 26 when he was reported MIA over France on August 3, 1941.

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4. This Spitfire Mk Vb was flown by 7-victory ace Bernard Dupérier during Operation Jubilee, the disastrous Dieppe landing in August 1942.

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5. Pierre Clostermann, French ace of aces in World War 2, flew this Mk IXc while he was with No 602 Squadron ‘City of Glasgow’. The aircraft bears the Free French croix de Lorraine and the Glasgow lion.

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6. This Spitfire Mk Ia was flown by Sgt W. Duncan-Smith of No 611 Squadron in December 1940. Flying this aircraft, he scored his first aerial victory, a shared victory over a Do 17Z bomber on December 29. Duncan-Smith later became an ace with at least 17 victories to his credit.