|
|
You currently have no items in your basket |
|
|
|
You currently have no items in your basket |
|
|
Spitfire Royal Air Force fighter aircraft, maximum speed for mark I Supermarine Spitfire, 362mph up to The Seafire 47 with a top speed of 452mph. maximum ceiling for Mk I 34,000feet up to 44,500 for the mark XIV. Maximum range for MK I 575 miles . up to 1475 miles for the Seafire 47. Armament for the various Marks of Spitfire. for MK I, and II . eight fixed .303 browning Machine guns, for MKs V-IX and XVI two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 browning machine guns. and on later Marks, six to eight Rockets under the wings or a maximum bomb load of 1,000 lbs. Designed by R J Mitchell, The proto type Spitfire first flew on the 5th March 1936. and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938, with 19 squadron based and RAF Duxford. by the outbreak of World war two, there were twelve squadrons with a total of 187 spitfires, with another 83 in store. Between 1939 and 1945, a large variety of modifications and developments produced a variety of MK,s from I to XVI. The mark II came into service in late 1940, and in March 1941, the Mk,V came into service. To counter the Improvements in fighters of the Luftwaffe especially the FW190, the MK,XII was introduced with its Griffin engine. The Fleet Air Arm used the Mk,I and II and were named Seafires. By the end of production in 1948 a total of 20,351 spitfires had been made and 2408 Seafires. The most produced variant was the Spitfire Mark V, with a total of 6479 spitfires produced. The Royal Air Force kept Spitfires in front line use until April 1954. |
| Recommended Spitfire Item : |
| Spitfire Aviation Art Prints, Paintings and Drawings Aviation Art |
 | Spitfire Special Delivery by Michael Turner. | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Reach for the Skies by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | 41 Squadron Spitfires by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Tally Ho by Robert Taylor | £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Guardian Angels by Ivan Berryman. | 2 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Scramble by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires - September 1940 by Barry Price. | £60.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Back from Normandy by Nicolas Trudgian. | 4 editions available from £160.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Kerrs Last Combat by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Bader Bus (MKV Spitfire) by Colin Walker. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Land, Sea and Air by Ivan Berryman. | 9 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Escort for the Straggler by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Safely Home by Nicolas Trudgian. | £46.20 | |||||||||||||||
 | Pride of Britain by Philip West. | 3 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Time to Leave by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire MKIX Taking Off by Barry Price. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Dawn Sortie by Gerald Coulson. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Magic by Gerald Coulson. | 2 editions available from £43.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | In Defence of Britain by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | In the Sunlit Silence by Gerald Coulson. | £16.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Hunting Party by Ivan Berryman. | 6 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Normandy Beach Head Patrol by Geoff Lea. | 6 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | A Time for Heroes by Robert Taylor | 3 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires Safely Home by Stephen Brown. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Greycap Leader by Robert Taylor. | 2 editions available from £225.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Evening Patrol by Gerald Coulson. | £180.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Chariots of Fire by Gerald Coulson (P) | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Those Valiant Few by Robert Taylor. (AP) | 2 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire MkI by Philip West. | 1 editions available from £60.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Sqn Ldr Maurice Brown - No.41 Sqn by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Total Commitment by Ivan Berryman. | 8 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Into the Schwarm by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire! by David Pentland. | 4 editions available from £56.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Normandy Breakout by Nicolas Trudgian. (Y) | 5 editions available from £125.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | A Quick Despatch by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £80.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Battle of Britain by Gerald Coulson. | £180.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Their Finest Hour by Nicolas Trudgian. (AP) | 4 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | Battle Line by Philip West. | £115.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Duxford and Shuttleworth by John Wincentzen. | £38.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Preparing for Action by Robin Smith. | £80.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Scramble, Combat, Return by Keith Woodcock. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Victory Over Malta by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Early Morning Sortie by Keith Aspinall. | £18.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Evening Flight by Gerald Coulson. | £18.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Into the Blue by Simon Atack. | 2 editions available from £110.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Victory Above Dover by Ivan Berryman. | 10 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Normandy Veterans Association 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Print by Michael Turner. | £176.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Quartet by Gerald Coulson. | 2 editions available from £70.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | In the Playground of the Gods by Ivan Berryman. | 10 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires by Barry Price. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Maltese Falcons by Anthony Saunders. (Y) | 5 editions available from £65.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Piece of Cake by Michael Turner. | £130.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire Poster by P Oliver. | £14.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Against the Odds by Michael Turner. | £60.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | George Cross Island Association 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Print by John Young. | £176.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Final Encounter (Spitfire v Messerchmitt) by Michael Turner. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Country by Nicolas Trudgian. (AP) | 1 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | D-Day Spitfire - Johnnie Johnson by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £250.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires - High Patrol by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires 1940 by Bob Murray. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | High Summer by Anthony Saunders. | 3 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire by Barrie Clark. | 3 editions available from £42.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Winter of 41 by Philip West. | 3 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | 41 Sqn Scramble by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Patrol by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | A Nation Alone by Ivan Berryman. | 3 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Tribute to the Spitfire Pilots by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £300.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Mission Accomplished by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | September Victory by Nicolas Trudgian. (B) | £450.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Eagles Prey by Robert Taylor. | 2 editions available from £320.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Channel Combat by Adrian Rigby. | £125.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Escort by Keith Woodcock. | £18.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Beware of the Lion by Geoff Lea. | 7 editions available from £51.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Over Buckingham Palace by John Young. (AP) | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Combat over the Pas de Calais by Simon Smith. | 3 editions available from £100.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Canadian Wing by Robert Taylor | £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Speak, Merlin! by Robin Smith. | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Gallant Ohio by Robert Taylor | 2 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Diamonds of the Sky by Robin Smith. | £43.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Johnnie Johnson by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £360.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Maintenance Check by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £300.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | First Flap of the Day by Nicolas Trudgian. | 7 editions available from £220.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires in the Sunshine by Michael Turner. | £115.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires Over Kent by Graeme Lothian. (GS) | 3 editions available from £460.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Canadian Heroes by Stan Stokes. | 2 editions available from £40.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire MKVb W3458 YQ-X. by M A Kinnear. | £14.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | After the Battle by Robert Taylor. | 1 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | Wounded Eagle by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Dogfight - Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £300.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Wing by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £300.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | High in the Sunlit Silence by Michael Rondot (AP) | 3 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | Foes Now Friends by Alan S Holt | 2 editions available from £125.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Winter of 41 by Nicolas Trudgian. | 2 editions available from £140.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Country by Ivan Berryman. | 8 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Summer 1940 by Ivan Berryman. | 5 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Scramble by Gerald Coulson. | 3 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | MkIX Spitfires, June 1944 by Barry Price. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Angels Three Zero by Robert Taylor | £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Gauntlet by Anthony Saunders. | 4 editions available from £120.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £240.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Freedom Fighter by Adrian Rigby. | £34.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | D-Day Spitfires by Barry Price. | £34.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Dorniers Demise by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Normandy Fighter Sweep by Nicolas Trudgian. | £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Alley by Ivan Berryman. (Y) | 12 editions available from £45.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire - The Last and the First by Roy Cross. | £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Give Us Spitfires by Ivan Berryman. | 5 editions available from £43.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Dawns First Light by Stephen Brown. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Defence of the Realm by Adrian Rigby. | £125.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires - Masters of the Air by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Southern Patrol by Philip West. | £125.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Ranger by Graeme Lothian. | 2 editions available from £115.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires Over London by John Young. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires at Dawn by Barry Price. | £34.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire - Job Well Done by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £300.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Shuttleworth Salute by Ivan Berryman. | £100.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires Over St Michaels Mount by Robert Taylor. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | From Dawn to Dusk by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Eagle Squadron Scramble by Robert Taylor | £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires of No.54 squadron during the Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £340.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Over the Beaches by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | D-Day, A New Dawn for Europe by John Young. | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Eagle Force by Robert Taylor. | 3 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Thoroughbred by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £70.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | 234 Squadron Scramble by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £250.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Eagles High by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Magnetic Attraction by Bob Murray. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Close Encounter by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Duel of Eagles by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires over London by John Young. | £34.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Coastal Patrol by Richard Taylor. | 1 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Final Encore by Roy Garner. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | First Light - Battle of Britain, July 1940 by Philip West. | 1 editions available from £125.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Seek and Destroy by Robin Smith. | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1a by Keith Woodcock. | 1 editions available from £32.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Return of the Heroes by Ivan Berryman. | 3 editions available from £51.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Wings of Glory by Robert Taylor. | 2 editions available from £175.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Victory over Dunkirk by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Friendly Ordinance (Beer Run to Normandy) by Ronald Wong. | £80.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Moral Support by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £60.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Job Well Done by Ivan Berryman. | 7 editions available from £150.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Teamwork by Geoff Lea. | 2 editions available from £50.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Freedom Fighters by Simon Smith. | 6 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Sunset by Barry Price. | £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Flt Lt Walter Lawson by Ivan Berryman. (B) | 7 editions available from £90.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | August Victory by Simon Atack. | 2 editions available from £120.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Summer of 44 by Stuart Brown. | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires Over Darwin by Robert Taylor. (B) | 2 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | The Longest July by Ivan Berryman. (SM) | 9 editions available from £12.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Dawn by Keith Woodcock. | 2 editions available from £55.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Combat Over London by Robert Taylor | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Head to Head by Nicolas Trudgian | 2 editions available from £215.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Beurlings Day by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Bob Doe - Spitfire Ace by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £300.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Defending the Realm by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Combat Over Normandy by Graeme Lothian. | £130.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4590 PR-F. by M A Kinnear. | £14.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4277 XT-M. by M A Kinnear. | £14.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Endless Sky by Keith Woodcock. | £115.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | P.O. Constantine Pegge, 610 Sqn, August 1940 by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £360.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Tally-Ho by Geoff Lea. | 4 editions available from £37.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Dawn Till Dusk by Richard Taylor. | 5 editions available from £110.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Muscateer by Robert Tomlin. | £14.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Fighter Legend - Johnnie Johnson by Nicolas Trudgian. | 2 editions available from £100.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | A Day for Heroes by Ivan Berryman. | 7 editions available from £145.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires - Malta Bound by Philip West. | 4 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Wing Commander Bob Doe during the Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £340.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Battle of Britain by Stan Stokes. | 5 editions available from £40.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Two of 222 by Anthony Saunders. (B) | 5 editions available from £70.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Bader Legend by Robert Taylor | 2 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Inspiration by John Young. | £250.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Combat Over Beachy Head by Nicolas Trudgian. | 6 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | High Pursuit by Ivan Berryman. (Y) | 13 editions available from £52.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Coastal Patrol Spitfire by Barry Price. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Fleeting Moments by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Ramrod by Robert Taylor | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Longest Day by Adrian Rigby. | £165.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | High Summer High Battle by Nicolas Trudgian. | 4 editions available from £120.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Johnny Comes Home by Gerald Coulson. | £20.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Duo by Barry Price. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Return of the Few by Stephen Brown. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Fighting Lady by Graeme Lothian. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Mediterranean Spitfires by Keith Woodcock. | £70.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Mk.IX - No.441 Sqn RCAF by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £280.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Heroes Return by Nicolas Trudgian. | £42.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire F Mk21 by Ivan Berryman. | 10 editions available from £70.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Victory Over Gold by Nicolas Trudgian. | 5 editions available from £145.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire on the Prowl by Stan Stokes. | £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Deadly Chase by Ronald Wong. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Head on Attack by Robert Taylor | £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Battle of Britain by Michael Turner | £32.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Close Encounter by Ivan Berryman. | 12 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | A Dunkirk Encounter by Ivan Berryman. | 4 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Merlin Chorus by Anthony Saunders. | 3 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Polish Spitfire by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £340.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Depart in Peace by Geoff Lea. | £100.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Dawn Scramble by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Hornchurch Scramble by Robert Taylor. | 4 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Summer of 41 by Tom Marchant. | £14.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfires Over the Needles by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Battle for the Skies Over Dieppe, 19th August 1942 by Graeme Lothian. | 9 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | In Them We Trust by Ivan Berryman. (Y) | 13 editions available from £50.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Flying into Dusk (Spitfire) by Freddy Stringer. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Coming Home Together by Robert Taylor. | SOLD OUT / SOLD | |||||||||||||||
 | Battle of Britain Ace - Bob Doe, 234 Squadron by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £320.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Malta - George Cross by Robert Taylor. | 3 editions available from £225.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire MKIX by Barry Price. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight by Trevor Mitchell. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Battle of Britain by Graeme Lothian. | 8 editions available from £130.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Over Tower Bridge by John Young. (AP) | £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Adversaries by Ivan Berryman. (P) | 9 editions available from £ | |||||||||||||||
 | Operation Bodenplatte by Nicolas Trudgian. | 4 editions available from £160.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | First Combat by Robert Taylor | £170.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Tally Ho! by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Evening Glory by Philip West. | 1 editions available from £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Battle for Britain by Robert Taylor. | 4 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | First Light by Gerald Coulson. | £135.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Pinpoint Navigation by Stephen Brown. | 2 editions available from £80.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Scenic Route by Alan S Holt | 2 editions available from £95.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Juno Beach by Anthony Saunders. | 3 editions available from £85.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia N3093 of 616 Sqn RAF by Keith Woodcock. | £9.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Home at Dawn by Nicolas Trudgian. | 3 editions available from £200.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Victory Over the Rhine by Nicolas Trudgian. | 6 editions available from £160.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Typhoon Legacy by Michael Rondot. | 3 editions available from £75.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Summer of 44 by Nicolas Trudgian. | 4 editions available from £140.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire Mk.IXE by Ivan Berryman. (Y) | 13 editions available from £50.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Troubleshooters by Gerald Coulson. | £40.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Rhapsody in Blue by Gerald Coulson | 1 editions available from £295.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | High Spirits 1940 by Gerald Coulson. | 2 editions available from £70.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Spitfire - Fighting Lady by Graeme Lothian. (P) | £380.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Fledgling by Ivan Berryman. (Y) | 10 editions available from £48.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Doe's Griffin by David Pentland. | 4 editions available from £56.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Late Return - Spitfires by Bob Murray. | £13.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Story of the Spitfire. | 2 editions available from £12.99 | |||||||||||||||
 | The Right of the Line by Graeme Lothian. (AP) | 1 editions available from £155.00 | |||||||||||||||
 | Against All Odds by Philip West. | 2 editions available from £135.00 |
| Recommended Spitfire Item : |
| Ranger by Graeme Lothian. Before D-Day allied fighters ranged far and wide across the North of Europe. Limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 23 inches x 11 inches (59cm x 28cm). Price £115.00 Signed by Commander Johnnie Johnson (deceased). Signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 100 prints. Image size 23 inches x 11 inches (59cm x 28cm). Price £125.00 Signed by Commander Johnnie Johnson (deceased) ITEM CODE DHM0871 | ||||||||||||||||
| Top Aces for this aircraft | ||
| Name | Victories | Info |
| James E "Johnnie" Johnson signatures | 36.91 | |
| Adolf Gysbert Malan | 35.00 | |
| Marmaduke Pattle | 34.00 | |
| Brendon E "Paddy" Finucane | 32.00 | |
| George Frederick Beurling | 31.50 | |
| Robert Stanford-Tuck signatures | 29.00 | |
| Clive Caldwell | 28.50 | |
| James Harry "Ginger" Lacey signatures | 28.00 | |
| Neville F Duke signatures | 28.00 | |
| Francis S Gabreski signatures | 28.00 | |
| Colin Falkland Gray | 27.50 | |
| Eric Stanley Lock | 26.50 | |
| Lance C Wade | 25.00 | |
| Don E Kingaby signatures | 23.00 | |
| Harbourne M Stephen signatures | 22.50 | |
| Alan Christopher Deere signatures | 22.00 | |
| Evan Dall Mackie | 21.50 | |
| Archibald A "Archie" McKellar | 21.00 | Has at least part claim to the first British air victory of the war, and is credited with shooting down the first aircraft to fall on British soil since 1918. |
| James E Rankin | 21.00 | |
| Raymond Hiley Harries | 20.00 | |
| John Cunningham signatures | 20.00 | |
| Dominic S Gentile | 19.83 | |
| Duane W Beeson | 19.33 | |
| James S Varnell Jr | 17.00 | |
| W G G Duncan-Smith signatures | 17.00 | |
| James Francis Edwards signatures | 16.50 | |
| R N Baker | 16.50 | |
| Ronald Berry | 16.00 | |
| Agorastos "John" Plagis | 16.00 | |
| Donald James Mathew Blakeslee signatures | 15.50 | |
| Ian Richard Gleed | 15.00 | |
| Peter Malam Brothers signatures | 15.00 | |
| Robert Francis Thomas Doe signatures | 15.00 | |
| James A Goodson signatures | 15.00 | |
| Samuel J Brown | 15.00 | |
| Archie Glenn Donahue signatures | 14.00 | |
| Robert C Curtis signatures | 14.00 | |
| Tom Neil signatures | 14.00 | |
| John Connell Freeborn signatures | 13.50 | |
| Claude Weaver III | 13.50 | |
| George Carpenter | 13.33 | |
| Roderick Illingworth Alpine Smith signatures | 13.20 | |
| John Donald Rae signatures | 13.00 | |
| James L Brooks signatures | 13.00 | |
| John J Lynch | 13.00 | |
| Tony Gaze signatures | 12.50 | |
| David C Fairbanks | 12.50 | |
| Howard D Hively | 12.00 | |
| Pierce W McKennon | 12.00 | |
| James Averell Clark Jr | 11.50 | |
| George Harman "Ben" Bennions signatures | 11.00 | |
| Hugh Spencer Leslie Dundas signatures | 11.00 | |
| Charles Milton McCorkle | 11.00 | |
| John B Lawler | 11.00 | |
| Leland P Molland | 11.00 | |
| Norman L McDonald | 11.00 | |
| Robert J Goebel signatures | 11.00 | |
| Bobby Gibbes signatures | 10.50 | |
| Richard Joseph Audet | 10.50 | |
| George C "Grumpy" Unwin signatures | 10.00 | |
| Albert Ulrich Houle signatures | 10.00 | |
| Michael Gladych signatures | 10.00 | |
| Spiros N Pisanos signatures | 10.00 | |
| Sylvan Feld | 9.00 | |
| Arthur G Johnson Jr | 8.50 | |
| Carroll W McColpin signatures | 8.00 | |
| Dale E Shafer | 8.00 | |
| James O Tyler | 8.00 | |
| J M Ainley | 8.00 | |
| John Bisdee signatures | 8.00 | |
| Wallace 'Jock' Cunningham signatures | 8.00 | |
| MacArthur Powers | 7.50 | |
| Francis Dawson-Paul | 7.50 | |
| James Douglas Lindsay signatures | 7.00 | |
| Arnold E Vinson | 7.00 | |
| Carl W Payne | 7.00 | |
| Chesley G Peterson | 7.00 | |
| Daniel J Zoerb | 7.00 | |
| Frank A Hill | 7.00 | |
| Gregory A Daymond | 7.00 | |
| John Harvey Curry | 7.00 | |
| Murry D McLaughlin | 7.00 | |
| Reade Franklin Tilley signatures | 7.00 | |
| Ripley O Jones | 7.00 | |
| Bob Foster signatures | 7.00 | |
| Wilf Sizer signatures | 7.00 | |
| Richard F Hurd | 6.09 | |
| Fred F Ohr | 6.00 | |
| Henry L Mills | 6.00 | |
| James Eldridge Peck | 6.00 | |
| J D Collinsworth signatures | 6.00 | |
| Lewis W Chick Jr | 6.00 | |
| Merriwell W Vineyard | 6.00 | |
| Raymond C Care | 6.00 | |
| Raymond F Harmeyer | 6.00 | |
| Roy William Evans | 6.00 | |
| William J Dillard | 6.00 | |
| William R Dunn | 6.00 | |
| D M Pieri | 6.00 | |
| Basil Gerald 'Stapme' Stapleton signatures | 6.00 | |
| Walter Lawson | 6.00 | |
| Frederick O Trafton Jr | 5.50 | |
| Joseph P Lynch | 5.50 | |
| Oscar H Coen signatures | 5.50 | |
| Keith Ashley Lawrence signatures | 5.00 | |
| Harrison R Thyng | 5.00 | |
| Arthur B Cleaveland | 5.00 | |
| Charles R Fischette signatures | 5.00 | |
| David C Wilhelm | 5.00 | |
| Edward L Gimbel | 5.00 | |
| George G Loving Jr signatures | 5.00 | |
| Jackson B Mahon | 5.00 | |
| James E Peck | 5.00 | |
| James W Empey | 5.00 | |
| John H White | 5.00 | |
| Kenneth G Smith | 5.00 | |
| Richard D Faxon | 5.00 | |
| Richard L Alexander | 5.00 | |
| Selden E Edner | 5.00 | |
| Virgil C Fields Jr | 5.00 | |
| V N Cabas | 5.00 | |
| P G Johnson | 5.00 | |
| H P M Zary | 5.00 | |
| R L Burnett III | 5.00 | |
| J N Thorne | 5.00 | |
| J A Carey | 4.50 | |
| R M Davenport | 4.50 | |
| M K Fletcher | 4.50 | |
| J E Butler | 4.50 | |
| J A Adams | 4.50 | |
| J Aitken Jr | 4.50 | |
| J A Jacobs | 4.50 | |
| V J France | 4.50 | |
| V H Wynn | 4.00 | |
| M G H McPharlin | 3.00 | |
| W J Daley | 2.50 | |
| More... | ||
| Pilot signatures for this aircraft | |||||
| Name | Info | ||||
 Air Chief Marshal Sir Neil Wheeler GCB, CBE, DSO, DFC, AFC (deceased) | An ex-Cranwell entrant who had graduated in 1937, Wheeler had served in Bomber Command before the war. In 1940 he joined the Photographic Development Unit at Heston pioneering photographic reconnaissance, flying unarmed Spitfires deep into enemy territory. In November 1942 he was just completing his OTU on Beaufighters when the posting arrived to 236 Squadron and the North Coates Wing shortly after its first disastrous strike attack on 28th November 1942. Wheelers review and revision of the tactics involved in Strike Wing attacks, and the intensive training program he introduced, were to prove critical to the success of the whole concept. On 18th April 1943, Wheeler led the North Coates Wing in its first successful attack, on a German convoy off Ijmuiden. Leading the Wing until September 1944, Neil Wheeler went on to hold high command in the post-war RAF. Sadly, Neil Wheeler died on 9th January 2009. | ||||
 Air Commodore Alan Deere DSO DFC* (deceased) | Top scoring New Zealand Ace with 22 victories, Deere was born in Auckland on December 12th 1917. Alan Deere would become one of the RAF's finest pilots. Joining the RAF in 1937, in September 1938 Al Deere was posted to No.54 Sqn at the time flying Gloster Gladiators, then in early 1940 the Squadron converted to Spitfires. His first brush with death happened when his oxygen failed while at altitude and ke blacked out, coming to only in time to pull his aircraft out of a dive and certain death. At the beginning of May 1940 Deere took part in the intensive air war over Dunkirk and on 23rd May 1940 Deere took part in a daring rescue operation. He and Pilot Officer Allen escorted their flight commander, James Leathart, to France where he was to land a Miles Master trainer and pick up the CO of 74 Squadron who had made a forced landing on the airfield at Calais-Marck. While the pick up was made, Alan Deere was at low level with Pilot Officer Allen at 8000 feet. As Flight Commander James Leathart prepared for take off in the Master, Pilot Offcier Allen spotted a flight o Bf109's coming their way. Deere scored his first victory, as a strafing Bf109 pulled out of its dive, presenting a perfect target. Deere fired a short burst and the aircraft stalled and then crashed into the sea. Deere, climbing to help Allen, crossed the path of two 109’s, one of which turned towards him. Deere also turned, firing at the second one, which rolled over and dived away. Pursuing the first one, he caught up at treetop height and pursued him, firing off his remaining ammunition before the German headed for home. During the whole event Deere and Allen accoutned for three Bf109's shot down and three damaged. All three aircraft returned to their base at RAF Hornchurch. During four days - 23rd to 29th May - Deere shot down three Bf109’s and three Bf110’s but his luck ran out and he was shot down over Dunkirk while attacking a Dornier Do17 and luckily managed a forced landing in Belgium where he optained a bicycle and cycled to Dunkirk where he managed to get on a destroyer and returned to Hornchurch within 30 hours of taking off. In June he was decorated with the DFC by the King at a special ceremony at Hornchurch. Alan Deere destroyed seven more enemy fighters and one bomber during the Battle of Britian and was awarded a Bar to the DFC. In January 1941 became an Operations Room Controller. He returned to operations on 7th May 1941, joining 602 Squadron in Scotland as a Flight Commander. On August 1st 1941 Alan Deere took command of 602 Squadron and on that day destroyed a Bf109. When his second operational tour ended in January 1942 Deere went to the USA to lecture on fighter tactics. In May 1942, he took command of 403 Squadron, commanding the squadron until August before being posted to staff duties. During a temporary attachment to 611 Squadron in February 1943 Deere destroyed an Fw190. Some days later he was appointed Wing Leader at Biggin Hill. He flew 121 sorties during his six months leadership and by this time his tally was twenty-two confirmed victories, ten probables and eighteen damaged. He was also awarded the DSO and a bar to his DFC. Alan Deere was also awarded the Croix de Guerre and the DFC (USA) and in May 1945 He was awarded an OBE. In December 1977 Air Commodore Deere retired form the Royal Air Force. Iin 1959 Air Commodore Alan Deere wrote of his experiences in his book, ’Nine Lives’. Sadly, he passed away on 21st September 1995. | ||||
 Air Commodore James Leathart (deceased) | After flight training, he joined No.54 Squadron flying Gauntlets. He became the commanding officer of No.54 Squadron as they re-equipped with Spitfire MkIs. In a remarkable event, he was awarded the DSO when he rescued the stranded CO of No.74 Sqn. Commandeering a Miles Master training aircraft, he flew to France escorted by other pilots from No.54 Sqn, and rescued the CO before returning across the Channel. It was for this action that he was awarded the DSO in June 1940. Died in 1998. Citation for the DSO During May, 1940, this officer led his squadron on a large number of offensive patrols over- Northern France. On one occasion an attack was made on a formation of no less than 60 enemy aircraft. In company with his squadron he has shot down fifteen Messerschmitts, and possibly one Heinkel in and one Junkers 88, during the period mentioned. He also flew a trainer aircraft to Calais Marck aerodrome to rescue a squadron commander who had been shot down there but was uninjured. Whilst taking off, after the rescue, an attack was made by twelve Messerschmitt 109s but with great coolness and skilful evasive tactics Flight Lieutenant Leathart succeeded in shaking off the enemy and landing again without damage. Subsequently, he took off and flew back to England unescorted. This officer has displayed great courage, determination and splendid leadership. | ||||
 Air Commodore Mickey Mount CBE DSO DFC (deceased) | Flying Officer C.J Mount joined NO.602 squadron on August 8th 1940 after a brief conversion course on Spitfires. On August 18th his Spitfire L1005 was severely damaged in combat with JU 87's and BF109's over Ford. Micky was unhurt. he again escaped injury when his Spitfire X4270 was damaged landing at Tangmere. he served in many of the theatres of WW2 and he flew Hurricanes in Malta and North Africa and Wellingtons in the Middle east. Micky retired and lived in Ascot in Berkshire. He died 4th August 2002. | ||||
 Air Commodore Peter Brothers CBE, DSO, DFC* (deceased) | Learnt to fly at the age of 16 and joined the RAF two years later in 1936. He first saw action in 1940 when as a Flight Commander in 32 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill, he flew his Hurricane against the fighters and bombers of the Luftwaffe. He recalls this as an intensely busy period, during which he shot down an Me109 - his first enemy aircraft; by the end of August that same year his tally of enemy aircraft shot down increased to eight. Awarded the DFC, he was transferred to 257 Squadron where he joined Bob-Stanford Tuck as a Flight Commander. Promoted in 1941 to Squadron Leader, Pete Brothers then took command of 457 Squadron RAAF, equipped with Spitfires. A year later when 457 Squadron returned to Australia, Pete took command of 602 Squadron. In the early autumn of 1942 he went on to become Wing Leader of the Tangmere Wing, succeeding his old friend, Douglas Bader. By the end of the war Pete Brothers had amassed 875 operational hours over a 44-month period. He was credited with having personally shot down 16 enemy aircraft and damaged many more. He later went on to command 57 Squadron during the Malaya campaign. Upon return to the UK Pete Brothers joined the V-Force, flying Valiant-4 jet bombers. He retired in 1973. Sadly, Pete Brothers died 18th December 2008.
| ||||
| Air Marshal Sir John Nicholls KCB CBE DFC AFC (deceased) | A Korean war veteran with 2 MiG kills in F-86 Sabres, in April 1952 Nicholls was sent to the US to convert to the F-86 Sabre before joining a USAF squadron in Korea. He was assigned to the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron operating from Kimpo airfield near Seoul and over the next six months he completed 100 operations On June 28th 1952 John Nicholls flew his first sortie, he flew every day and soon built up his experience. Two months later he was credited with damaging two MiGs on one sortie. He set one on fire before it disappeared into cloud and the other was seen damaged and with a lot of smoke as it made its escape across the Yalu River, an area Allied pilots were forbidden to fly over. On his 99th and penultimate operation, John Nicholls was a wingman to the Wing leader when they intercepted four MiGs just south of the Yalu. Nicholls chased one of the MiGs for some time and fired his cannons, scoring hits on the enemy fighter, which broke up and crashed. It was the first MiG to be shot down by an RAF pilot. On December 9th John Nicholls flew his last sortie in Korea and shortly afterwards was awarded a DFC to add to an American DFC and Air Medal. John Nicholls has flown every great fighter from the Spitfire to the Phantom, including the USAF century series. On his return to the RAF, Nicholls continued his career as a fighter pilot flying Meteors and Hunters before becoming a tactics instructor at the prestigious Day Fighter Leader's School. In 1959 he was attached to English Electric as RAF project test pilot on Lightnings. He commanded AFDS at RAF Binbrook where in 1963 Lightning vs Spitfire combat trials were flown and later, he commanded RAF Leuchars. He retired as Vice Chief of the Air Staff to become Director in charge, BAe Lightnings in Saudi Arabia. John Nicholls was appointed CBE (1967) and KCB (1978). Sadly, he died 17th May 2007, aged 80. | ||||
 Air Marshall Sir Alfred (Freddy) Ball, KCB DSO DFC | Air Marshall Sir Alfred (Freddy) Ball, KCB DSO DFC attended RAF College, Cranwell in 1939 and joined 13 Squadron in France in March 1940 on Lysanders (Army Co-operation). He joined No 1 PRU Benson early in 1941 on Spitfires. He commanded 4 PRU (later 682 Sqdn) as Squadron Leader in October 1942 and flew out to North Africa for Operation Torch, the Allied landings, flying Spitfires. He was posted to the UK as CF1, 8PR, OTU Dyce, Aberdeen in September 1943 and took over 542 Sqdn Benson in March 1944 (PR Spitfire Mk XIs and Mk XIXs). In September he was promoted to Wing Commander and given command of No 540 Squadron flying Mosquito 16s and 32s. The Squadron moved to France early in 1945 to support the Allied armies. In December, Freddy was posted to Egypt to take command of No 680 PR Sqdn (later to become 13 Sqdn), flying Mosquitoes and Spitfires. He was posted to Staff AHQ East Africa in 1946 and retired from the RAF in April 1979.
| ||||
 Air Vice Marshal Johnnie Johnson CB, CBE, DSO**, DFC* (deceased) | Johnnie Johnson joined 92 Spitfire squadron in August 1940, but it was with 616 squadron that he scored his first victory on June 26th 1941 while flying with Douglas Baders Tangmere Wing. He was squadron leader of 610 squadron in July 1942, but it was as Wing Commander of the Kenley Wing in 1943 that his scores really started to mount. He was W/C of 144 wing during D-Day and led 127 and 125 wings until the end of the war when we has the topscoring allied fighter pilot with 38 air victories. Inspired by the great British WW 1 aces like Bishop and Ball, Johnnie Johnson dreamed often as a child of becoming an R.A.F. pilot. The young Johnson enthusiastically joined the Volunteer Reserve at the first opportunity. After completing his initial flight training Johnson was posted to 616 Squadron at Kenley. However, this Squadron had been hit hard with the loss of six pilots and five wounded, and the unit was withdrawn to Coltishall prior to Johnson encountering combat. With only 12 hours of flight time in a Spitfire this was no doubt advantageous. In February 1941 Billy Burton moved the Squadron to Tangmere. Douglas Bader then arrived to take over the Tangmere Wing, and fly with the 616 Squadron. Johnnie, Alan Smith and Cocky Dundas were chosen to fly with Bader. During the summer of 1941 the Battle of Britain was at its peak. Bader took the time to instruct Johnson carefully in both the art of flying and the skills necessary to attain success in aerial combat. Bader's idea of an afternoon off duty, according to Johnson, was to take his section over the Channel in hopes of running into Adolph Galland and his Abbeyville Boys. On August 19, 1941 Bader failed to return from a mission when 616 Squadron was hit hard by a group of Messerschmitt 109s. Johnson flew on in Baders absence, and in the summer of 1942 he was promoted to command of the 610 Squadron. In 1943 he was promoted again to Wing Commander of the Canadian Spitfire Wing in Kenley. By that time Johnson had attained eight confirmed victories. During the spring and summer of 1943 Johnnie led the Canadian unit on more than 140 missions over Northwest Europe. Johnsons squadron attained more than 100 victories during this period, and Johnnies own personal score rose to 25. After a short leave, Johnson was posted to lead the 144 Canadian Spitfire Wing. On D-Day Johnson led his Wing on four missions in support of the Allied invasion. On June 8, Johnsons Wing was the first Spitfire group to land in newly liberated France. Johnson continued fighting in France through September 1944 when he achieved his 38th and final victory. Patrolling the Rhine Johnsons unit jumped nine 109s which were flying beneath them in the opposite direction. Five of the 109s were downed. Early in 1945 Johnson was promoted to Group Captain and put in command of the 125 Wing, which was equipped with the Spitfire XIV. Flying from former Luftwaffe airfields the 125 Wing assisted in the final Allied push to Berlin. Johnson attributed much of his aerial combat success to his ability to make tight turning maneuvers. Johnsons tightest call came on August 19, 1942 when he was unable to dislodge an Me-109 from his tail during the raid on Diepppe. Johnson raced his Spitfire flat out at a group of Royal Navy ships. The usual barrage of flak and tracer fire came right at him, and fortunately for the ace, missed his Spitfire but effectively eliminated the brave pilot on his tail. During the Korean War Johnson flew fighter-bombers with the USAF. Following his retirement from the R.A.F. in 1966 Johnson founded the Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust that has provided homes for more than 4000 disabled and elderly persons, and his sixth book Winged Victory was published in 1995. Johnson flew many of the Spitfire models. His favorite was the beautiful Mark IX, the best of them all. Johnnie passed away in 2001 at the age of 85, in Derbyshire, England.
| ||||
| Air Vice Marshal Sandy Johnstone CB DFC AE DL (deceased) | Early in 1938, Johnstone was a civilian navigation instructor at Scottish Aviation, moving later to the Civil Air Navigation School at Prestwick. In August 1939 he was called to full-time service with 602 Squadron. After some Spitfire engagements off the Scottish coast, he received command of 602 - he was still only 24 - and led it south to the tiny airfield at West Hampnett, in West Sussex, where it was stationed throughout the Battle of Britain. Sandy was in command of no. 602 squadron during the critical days of the Battle of Britain, flying with the squadron before the war though to 1941, when he was posted to the Middle east, he also served with 229 and 249 squadrons in Malta during the Islands most fateful days of the war. Sandy became a successful author and resided near Ipswich in Suffolk. Sandy Johnstone died 13th December 2000, aged 84. Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross : Acting Squadron Leader Alexander Vallance Riddell JOHNSTONE (90163), Auxiliary Air Force. This officer has proved himself to be a leader of ability and determination and has been mainly responsible for the high standard of morale in his squadron. He has destroyed four enemy aircraft of which one was shot down at night. | ||||
 Bobby Gibbes (deceased) | Born 6th May 1916. Bobby Gibbes began pilot training in 1940, and by June 1941 was flying Tomahawks with No3 RAAF Sqn. By February 1942, he was commanding the squadron. Upgrading to the Kittyhawk, he had more aerial victories, before being forced to bale out on May 26th 1942. On December 21st 1942, during an action in the Western Desert, an aircraft from the squadron was forced to crash land a few miles from the target. Gibbes landed his aircraft in the rocky desert, aiming to pick up the downed pilot. He ditched his own parachute, sitting on the pilots lap in the cockpit. On take-off, one wheel fell off the aircraft after colliding with an object on the groud, but he managed to land the aircraft on the one remaining wheel, avoiding a damaging belly landing. He was then shot down behind enemy lines, evading capture for three days before being rescued. He returned to Australia, and was injured during a training flight crash. He died 11th April 2007. | ||||
 Captain Jim Brooks | Jim Brooks joined the 31st Fighter Group in Italy in early 1944, flying the P51 against Me109s, Fw190s, and the Italian Macchi Mc202. He scored his first victory on a mission to Ploesti. Later, leading the 307th Fighter Squadron on a Russian shuttle mission, they engaged a large formation of Ju87 Stukas, shooting down 27 enemy aircraft, Jim Brooks accounting for three of them. He ended his tour with 280 combat hours, and 13 confirmed victories. | ||||
| Captain Murray Anderson DFC* | Commissioned in the Royal Tank Regiment from RMA Woolwich in 1939, Murray Anderson was seconded to the Royal Air Force in 1940. He flew Spitfires with No.1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit at RAF Benson until 1943. He then joined 161 (Special Duties) Squadron flying Lysanders, and was the most successful 'pick up' pilot for the whole of that year even though in May 1944 he was posted to 65 Squadron 2nd Tactical Air Force, flying Mustangs. After a rest period he was posted to 52 Sqn at Dum Dum in May 1945. | ||||
| Charles Fischette | RAF fighter ace with 5 victories. On April 5th Charles Fischette while Escorting A-20s downed a FW190 and on May 6th while participating in a sweep to Tunis, Fischette destroyed another German fighter. On June 10th while escorting bombers to the Italian island stronghold of Pantelleria. was engaged by 30 enemy fighters over the harbour. Fischette destroyed one ME-109 and shared a probable with Lt. Wooten. On the 11th Pantelleria fell but the 307th engaged a formation of bombers and fighters attacking the invasion fleet. Lt Fischette downed 2 enemy aircraft and making him a ace. (and his five victories were part of the the 307th total of 33 enemy aircraft downed at that point). Charles Fischette woulod gonto command the 494th fighter SQD on the 19th July 1944 | ||||
 Chief Test Pilot Alex Henshaw (deceased) | Alex Henshaw perhaps understands the Spitfire better than any other pilot - for he was Vickers Chief Test Pilot on Spitfires at the new Spitfire factory at Castle Bromwich during World War II. By the end of the war he had personally test flown a total of 2360 different Spitfires and Seafires - more than ten per cent of the entire production. It is often stated that those lucky enough to have seen Alex handle the Spitfire in flight, that it is an experience that can never be forgotten, he was acknowledged as a virtuoso in aerobatics. Alex Henshaw died 24th February 2007. | ||||
 Col Reade F Tilley USAF (deceased) | A native of Clearwater, Florida, Reade Tilley grew up with a love for competition in the fast lane. This made Reade natural for driving race cars and the military equivalent; fighter pilot. After attending the St. Petersburg College in Florida and the University of Texas at Austin, Reade was faced with the difficult choice of deciding whether to continue to pursue his race car driving career or become a fighter pilot. With war raging in Europe, Reade opted for the latter, and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. In 1941 he was assigned to No. 121 Eagle Squadron of the RAF. This was one of the three American-manned squadrons in the RAF. Reading of the horrific air attacks being endured by the people of the besieged Island of Malta, Reade volunteered for a daring mission to launch landbased Spitfires from the USS Wasp to relieve the forces on the island. On the morning of April 20, 1942 forty-seven Spits, including one flown by Tilley, were launched from the Wasp. The arrival of these fighters was very important in saving the strategic island from annihilation by the Nazis. Arriving safely in Malta, Tilley would soon fly in combat, and on his second mission he would down a Bf-109. The Luftwaffe launched an all-out effort to destroy the recently arrived Spitfires, and within a matter of days all of the newly arrived aircraft were either destroyed or damaged. In June Tilley returned to Gibraltar and led another flight of Spitfires to Malta, this time from the deck of the HMS Eagle. During his combat tours at Malta, Tilley attained a total of seven confirmed aerial victories, two probables, and five damaged. He was one of the first two American pilots to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during the defense of Malta. The citation reads in part: "... on three occasions by making feint attacks after having expended his ammunition he successfully drove off enemy fighters attempting to machine gun our aircraft as they landed ..." Reade was promoted to Flying Officer in August of 1942, and in October he transferred to the USAAC with the rank of Captain. In early 1944 he was promoted to the rank of Major. Tilley remained with the USAF following the War and served initially with the USAFE, the Air Forces in Europe, where he was involved with the Berlin Air Lift. Later Tilley would serve with the Strategic Air Command. Promoted to Colonel in 1955, he served as the Director of Public Information for General Curtis LeMay. During this period Tilley was able to hone his race car driving skills as a member of the SAC Racing Team. Driving an Allard, Tilley competed against some of the top professional drivers of the era in a series of road race competitions at Air Force bases throughout the country. Reade also served as Director of Information for Pacific Air Forces during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force, he became a consultant. Reade Tilley passed away in 2001. | ||||
| Colonel Archie G Donahue USMC (deceased) | Archie Donahue was born in Casper, Wyoming in 1917. He attended schools in Wyoming until 1934 when his family moved to Texas. He had his first airplane ride at the age of eight and the flying bug bit him. Archic completed three years of engineering studies at the University of Texas before joining the Navy as an Aviation Cadet. During his training Archie was stationed at Kansas City, Jacksonville, and finally Corpus Christi. He requested a transfer to the Marine Corps, and upon his graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in February of 1942. After a short posting to Norfolk, Archie was assigned to VMF-112, which was nicknamed the "Wolfpack." The squadron was sent to Guadacanal in September where they commenced combat missions flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat. Archie would soon transition to the state-of-the-art F4U-1 Corsair. Between September 1942 and June of 1943 Archie was credited with nine aerial victories. One of these was achieved in the Wildcat with the balance attained while piloting the Corsair. On May 13, 1943 Archic would down five A6M3 Zeros during a single mission. In June of 1943 VMF-112 returned to the States, and the squadron was disbanded. Serving as a flight officer at El Toro Air Station in California, Archie was given the assignment of carrier qualifying VMF-451. In February of 1945 VMF-451 began combat operations flying from the deck of the USS Bunker Hill. For the next three months Donahue and his squdroninates flew numerous missions in support of the landings at lwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as strikes at the Japanese mainland, and in the process earning the nickname "Angels of Okinawa." On April 12, 1945 Donahue was once again credited with five victories during a fierce aerial battle over Okinawa. On May 11 th Archie's flight of 16 Corsairs had just returned to the carrier, and as the pilots completed their debriefing the Bunker Hill was hit by two Kamikaze aircraft, setting off a huge fire and killing 346. The Bunker Hill had to be withdrawn from action. Donahue returned to the States where he was made Commander of a squadron at El Toro. He was later transferred to Quantico, a large Marine base near Washington, DC. Archie flew a total of 215 combat missions during WWII including 56 from the deck of the Bunker Hill. He was credited with a total of 14 confirmed aerial victories. He had more than 4000 flying hours in military aircraft and 110 successful carrier landings. Although he never crashed an airplane, Archie was reported killed during aerial gunnery training when a student made a beautiful run and cut the tail off Archie's plane about five feet behind his head. Archie is a recipient of the Navy Cross, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and five Air Medals. Archie has also been an active participant in the Confederate Air Force, and in 1990 he piloted an SBD with an unusual pilot, Saburo Sakai, the high scoring Japanese ace who was shot down in WWII by the rear gunner of a SBD. Following his retirement from military service in 1958 Archie began a long and successful career in real estate development. Archie lives in Texas with his wife Mary. They have five children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sadly, he passed away on 30th July 2007. | ||||
| Colonel Bob Goebel | December 1943 found Bob Goebel in North Africa flying Spitfires in preparation for joining the 31st Fighter Group. As soon as they arrived they re-equipped with P51 Mustangs and flew to Italy, where Bob flew a total of 62 combat missions, including 16 hazardous trips to the Romanian oilfields. During his combat operations he led his squadron into action seven times, and his entire Group twice, whilst still only aged 21. He ended the war with 11 air victories. | ||||
 Colonel Don Blakeslee (deceased) | Joining the RAF in 1940 Don Blakeslee flew Spitfires with 401 Squadron. When the Eagle Squadron were formed he transferred as an experienced flight commander with several victories to his credit. An aggressive and fearless fighter pilot, Blakeslee was promoted to lead 133 Squadron, and was described as the best fighter leader the war produced. Already an Ace, he transferred to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group. By the war end he had over four years of continuous combat flying, and 14.5 air victories to his credit. Colonel Don Blakeslee sadly passed away on 3rd September 2008. | ||||
 Colonel Gabby Gabreski (deceased) | Gabby Gabreski was the top scoring 8th Air Force fighter Ace in Europe with 28.5 victories in World War II, plus further 6.5 in Korea. Flying P47s with the 56th Fighter Group, his illustrious career in Europe came to a spectacular end, when, strafing an airfield his aircraft touched the ground. He crash landed and was taken prisoner. The story of this American hero from Oil City, Pennsylvania begins in 1942. Gabreski dropped out of his pre-med studies at the University of Notre Dame to become a flyer. Anxious to get into action quickly Francis Gabreski got himself assigned to the 3-1-5 Polish fighter squadron of the RAF in 1942. Although Gabreski flew many combat missions with the Polish fighter squadron he attained no victories. In February of 1943 he was reassigned to the U.S. Army's Eighth Air Force. On August 24, 1943 he got his first victory (a Focke-Wulf 190) over France. Flying the P-47 Thunderbolt or "Jug", Gabreski continued to achieve victory after victory. He was officially credited with 28 confirmed aerial victories, and that excludes the scores of aircraft, tanks, and other vehicles destroyed by Gabreski during ground attack missions. For many weeks leading up to and following D-Day in June of 1944 Gabby had been on numerous missions involving the dive bombing and strafing of German trains, bridges, armored convoys, and gun emplacements. On July 20,1944 Gabby was scheduled to depart for a much-deserved leave, during which he planned to marry his girl, Kay Lochran. Shortly before his scheduled departure Gabreski was given the opportunity of leading the 61st Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group on an important mission. This was a challenge this ace could not resist. Near Cologne, Gabby spotted an airdrome and began a high-speed low-level attack. Defying his own axiom to "hit them hard, hit them fast, hit them low, but never come around for a second pass," Gabby made an ill-fated second pass over the field. On this second pass his propeller hit the tarmac, and Gabreski was forced to make a crash landing in a wheat field adjacent to the German airfield. For five days he was able to elude the German army, but he was finally captured and sent to Stalag Luft 1 in Barth Germany. In 1945 with the end of the War Gabby was released and he married Kay Cochran on June 11. Not long after the Korean War broke out, Gabby found himself in command of the 51st Fighter Wing, where he flew the F-86 Sabre jet. In Korea Gabreski attained 6.5 more confirmed aerial victories in engagements with Migs, earning the unique distinction of ace status in two different wars. Following his retirement from military service in 1967, Gabby worked for several years for Grumman Aircraft on Long Island. Later he was to become the President and General Manager of the Long Island Railroad. Two of his nine children are Air Force Academy graduates and pilots with the U.S. Air Force. At the time of his retirement from military service in 1967 Gabby is believed to have flown more combat missions than any other American fighter pilot. Gabreski lived in Long Island New York where the American flag proudly flew each day atop the Gabreski family flagpole. Colonel Francis "Gabby" Gabreski passed away on January 31,2002. | ||||
 Colonel Hubert M. Childress | Hubert Childress was posted to England, joining the 27th Photo Recon Squadron, 7th Photographic Group flying the F5 - a specially adapted photo-recon version of the P38 with cameras and no guns. Hubert flew his first combat mission on New Year's Eve 1943, and was heavily involved in many reconnaissance missions prior to D-Day. He also flew the Spitfire MkIXs on several operations. He flew 58 combat missions and later commanded the 7th Photographic Group (R) | ||||
 Colonel Jim Goodson | Jim Goodson joined the RAF in 1940. Posted to re-form 133 Eagle Squadron RAF flying Spitfires, he transferred to the USAAF 4th fighter Group in September 1942, commanding 336 Squadron. Flying P47s and then P51s, Jim Goodson flew continuously until he was shot down ten months before the end of the war. He was one of the most highly decorated Aces in the USAAF, with 32 enemy aircraft to his credit. | ||||
 Colonel Steve Pisanos | Born in Athens, Greece, Spiro Nicolas Steve Pisanos came to America on a tramp steamer. Arriving in New York in 1938 speaking no English, he worked in a bakery and hotels to earn money for flying lessons. Prior to Americas entry into World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force, was trained in California and England and eventually assigned to the 71st Eagle Squadron, comprised of American volunteers. Transferred to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group in September, 1942, he was commissioned a Lieutenant and became an American citizen, the first ever to become such outside the continental U.S. He became an Ace on January 1, 1944. On March 5, 1944, his P-51 crash-landed south of Le Havre, France while returning from an escort mission. He evaded the Germans for 6 months and worked with the French underground and the OSS on sabotaging missions. Following the war he served as a test pilot and in assignments with NATO and the USAF in Europe, followed by a tour in Vietnam and retirement as a Colonel in 1973. | ||||
| Dennis Nichols (deceased) | Battle of Britian pilot also served in Italy with 241 squadron. Former chairman of the Spitfire Society.
| ||||
 First Lieutenant Bill Slade | Arriving in England in July 1941, Bill quickly completed his RAF training and joined his fellow compatriots at 133 Eagle Squadron, formed a few months earlier. Flying Spitfires he took part in the air operations attacking the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau during the Channel Dash. Transferring to the 336th Fighter Squadron, USAAF, he completed a total of over 80 combat sorties during the war. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant Alexander N R L Appleford | Born in September 1921, Robin Appleford was one of the youngest pilots to take part in the Battle of Britain. He joined 66 Squadron at Duxford on 13th May 1940, flying Spitfires. He was shot down over the Thames Estuary during a dogfight on 4th September 1940, but baled out slightly wounded. After a spell as an instructor, in 1943 he flew another combat tour, this time with 274 Squadron, flying Hurricanes on coastal defence in North Africa. After a spell with the Aircraft Delivery Unit, he went to South Africa as a flying instructor. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Allan Scott DFM | Allan Scott joined the RAF in March 1941, joining 124 Squadron in October, where he made his first claims. Ordered to Malta, he flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle to the island on 21st July. Initially posted to 603 Squadron, he went to 1435 Squadron, seeing much action - including a victory during Operation Pedestal on 13th August. He remained with this unit until December 1942. Whilst on Malta he was credited with at least 5 destroyed and a further 2 probables, and received the DFM. Returnong to the UK he was commissioned in January 1943. In September he was posted to join 122 Squadron. His final tally was 6 victories. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Bernard W Brown | Flight Lieutenant Bernard Walter Brown was accepted for a short service commission in 1938, and after being accepted arrived in England in September, training at 5 E&RFTS, Hanworth and in late January 1939 he was posted to 5FTS, Sealand. He then went to No 1 School of Army Co-Operation at Old Sarum for a course on Lysanders in August 1939, and soon after joined 613 Squadron. Bernard Walker Brown was flying one of six Hectors detailed to dive-bomb gun emplacements near Calais. On the way to the target, he test-fired his forward gun but a fault caused the muzzle attachment to fly off, penetrate the fuselage and hole the main fuel tank. He jettisoned his bombs and turned back and make a forced-landing. In August 1940 he volunteered for Fighter Command, converting to Spitfires. He joined 610 Squadron at Biggin Hill. In late September he went to 72 Squadron, but on the 23rd was shot down by a Bf 109. He bailed out of the aircraft, badly wounded. Returning to active duty in November 1940, he was posted to 8FTS, Montrose for an instructor's course, after which he went to Rhodesia, subsequently instructing at Cumalo. In 1943, he trained with Transport Command, becoming a ferry pilot. He flew between the United Kingdom and the Middle East. He transferred to the RNZAF in January 1944 and by the end of the year was flying Halifaxes. He was released in 1945 to fly Dakotas with BOAC and later joined BEA, flying with the airline until his retirement in 1972. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Bill Green | Bill Green joined 501 Squadron at Filton, originally as a fitter, in 1936. In 1938 he joined a scheme to recruit NCO pilots, qualifying as a Flight Sergeant and re-joined 501 at Bristol in July 1940 with no training on Hurricanes. Teaching himself to fly it he went on to squadron strength on 20th August, and flew from Kenley throughout the Battle of Britain until November, surviving being shot down twice, before being posted to 504 Squadron. After a spell instructing on Spitfires and Tomahawks, he converted to Typhoons, and from November 1944 served with 56 Squadron on Tempests. In February 1945 he was shot down and taken prisoner until the end of the war. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant Colin Parkinson DFC | Australian Colin Parkinson joined the RAAF in 1940, arriving in England to join 19 Squadron flyin Spitfires. In March 1942 he shot down a Do217. In May he was posted to Malta, flying his Spitfire off HMS Eagle on 9th June, with 602 Squadron. After scoring several victories he flew to Gibraltar to lead in further Spitfires, taking off from HMS Furious to the island on 17th August. Commissioned, he now flew with 229 Squadron. On 9th October with 'Winco' Donaldson and 'Screwball' Beurling, he performed a low level beat up and acrobatics over the presentation of the George Cross to the people of Malta. He ended his tour of Malta in November 1942 with the DFC and 10.5 victories, plus probably 2 more. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Darek Nowosielski | Darek fought with the Polish Army in 1940, and after te fall of Poland escaped to volunteer as a pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1943 he joined 315 Polish Squadron flying Spitfire MkIXs and Mustangs. He flew first on convoy patrols on the Atlantic Approaches, then fighter patrols over France and Norway in 1944, and completed over 200 sorties. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Derek Lovell | Volunteered for the RAFVR in January 1941. He trained in Canada on Tiger Moths and Oxfords. He received his wings in April 1942 and was posted to Central Flying School. Following graduation, he taught Fleet Air Arm trainees on Harvards. He returned to the UK in March 1943 and flew Masters at AFU and Hurricanes at OTU. He taught Lancaster crews fighter evasion prior to posting to 84 GSU to fly Typhoons. He joined 197 Squadron at Needs Oar Point in the New Forest in June 1944 and was involved in close support operations and tactical dive bombing and low level bombing throughout the Normandy campaign and on through to VE-Day. He completed 135 operations and in August 1945 was posted to an OTU to instruct on Typhoons and Tempest Vs. He was demobbed in June 1946 and flew weekends in the VR on Tiger Moths and later Chipmunks. He was called up on the G Reserve in July 1951 and flew Harvards, Spitfire XXIIs and then Vampire Vs. He stood down in September as the Korea situation eased. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Eric Moore AE | Originally serving in the Army, he was involved in the Battle of Dunkirk before volunteering for the RAF in 1941 and joining 501 Sqn on Spitfires. Spending time in the Middle East and West Africa, he also spent time with 601 Sqn | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Ian MacLennan DFM | Canadian Ian Maclennan joined the RCAF in October 1940, arriving in England in August 1941. He joined 610 Squadron in February 1942, then 401 Sqn, where he destroyed an Fw190. Posted to Malta, he flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle on 9th June, and shortly after transferred to 1435 Flight. On Malta he claimed 7 victories and was awarded the DFM. He was commissioned, becoming a flight commander in November. In December he returned to England. In February 1944 he joined 433 Squadron as a flight commander. On 7th June he was hit by ground fire whilst covering the Normandy beaches, crash landed, and was taken POW. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Jack Biggs | Serving with 17 Sqn on Hurricanes he then transferred to Spitfires flying on the Burma front from March 1944 until the end of September 1945 as air cover for the planned invasion on Malaya which, as a result of the Nuclear attacks on the Japanese Empire, never happened. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Jack Rae DFC* (deceased) | New Zealander Jack Rae joined the RNZAF in September 1940, was posted to England and joined 485 Squadron RNZAF. He claimed 2 victories before being posted to 603 Squadron. With this unit he flew his Spitfire off USS Wasp to Malta, on 20th April 1942. After being shot down over the island, he was posted to 249 Squadron. During the following two weeks he saw much action, claiming 4 and one shared by the end of July. Posted back to the UK, he returned to combat flying in May 1943, rejoining 485 Squadron. He rapidly scored further victories, but on 22nd August just after downing an Fw190, his engine failed forcing him to land in France where he was taken POW. His final tally stood at 12 victories and 8 probables. He died on 19th December 2007. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant James Pickering AFC (deceased) | Jim Pickering joined the RAFVR in 1937, and was attached to 769 Sqn FAA, then 804 Sqn FAA. In June 1940 he returned to the RAF and flew Spitfires with 64 Sqn during the Battle of Britain. With 418 Flight Jim flew Hurricanes to Malta from HMS Argus on 2nd August 1940. This flight was to reinforce Malta's handful of outdated Gladiators and few surviving Hurricanes, and on 16th August was amalgamated to become 261 Squadron. With this unit Jim flew Hurricanes and at least five operations in the legendary Gladiators, which have been immortalised as Faith, Hope, and Charity. In April 1941 Jim was posted, first to Egypt, then 80 Squadron in October 1942, and 145 Squadron in December. He returned to the UK in 1943. Born in 1915 in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, James Pickering studied the printing business in Europe during the 1930s. Convinced that Hitler represented a threat which could lead to war, Pickering joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937. As a "week-end" flyer he earned his wings as a Sergeant Pilot in April of 1939. In September of that year Pickering's unit was mobilized. He was sent to an attachment of the Fleet Air Arm, where he flew Gladiators, Skuas, and Rocs, following his carrier training. In June of 1940 Pickering returned to the RAF flying Spitfires with No. 64 Squadron based in Kenley during the Battle of Britain. Pickering was selected along with eleven other carrier-qualified pilots to fly Hurricanes to Malta off the deck of the HMS Argus. On arrival in Malta these new Hurricanes and their pilots were integrated with the 3 flyable Gladiators and 3 Hurricanes already there to form No. 261 Squadron. This unit carried on the defense of Malta against Italian and German bombing missions which were launched regularly from Sicily, only sixty miles distant. Because of his earlier experience with the Gladiator, Pickering flew both Gladiators and Hurricanes at Malta for eight months. It is believed that Pickering is the last living RAF pilot to fly the Gladiator at Malta. Following his assignment in Malta, Pickering joined No. 1 Aircraft Delivery Unit which ferried aircraft from the West African Gold Coast and Port Sudan to various points throughout the war theater of operations. Pickering delivered a P-40 Warhawk to the Flying Tigers which involved one of the first flights "over the hump." In October of 1942 Pickering returned to operational flying with No. 80 Squadron (Hurricanes) at EI Alamein, and later with No. 145 Squadron (Spitfires). Having completed three separate operational tours, Pickering returned to England when victory was achieved in North Africa. In England, Pickering was assigned as a test pilot with No. 3501 Servicing Unit. He tested modifications to the Spitfire, and also test flew a number of P-51 Mustangs. Later he was transferred to No. 151 Repair Unit as its Chief Test Pilot. This was the largest unit of this kind in the RAF. Because of these experiences, Pickering is unusual in having flown eighty different types of aircraft during the War. Awarded the Air Force Cross, Pickering was released from the RAF at War's end. He returned to his family-owned printing business, and spent his working career with the company, from which he retired in 1965. He also served as an outside Director of the largest Building Society in Britain. Pickering joined the Volunteer Reserve once again following the War, and continued to fly with the RAF until reaching the mandatory age limit of sixty. Pickering has had a private pilot's license since 1938. He has flown thousands of hours and he is an expert on geological and archaeological research from the air. A Fellow of both the Geological Society and the Society of Antiquaries, Jim Pickering remains active to this day, and epitomizes the English character of determination and persistence which was so vastly underestimated by Hitler during WW 11. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant John Squier (deceased) | John Squier was called up from the RAFVR at the outbreak of war, joining 64 Squadron at Kenley in June 1940 flying Spitfires. In August he crash landed following an attack by Hannes Trautloft of III/JG51, suffering severe injuries. Rejoining 64 Squadron in November, he was posted to 72 Squadron, then 603 Squadron, and finally 141 Squadron. He was commissioned in 1942. After the war he became a test pilot and was the first pilot to eject at supersonic speed. He died 30th January 2006. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant Ken Evans DFC | Joining the RAF in 1939, Ken Evans was posted to 600 Squadron, where he flew night operations. In September 1941 he was posted to 130 Squadron to fly Spitfires, and in early 1942 was ordered to Malta. Arriving in Gibraltar he joined the carrier HMS Eagle. On 18 May he flew his Spitfire to Malta from the Eagle, to join 126 Squadron. Seeing much action over the island in June and July, in August he returned to Gibraltar to lead a new flight back to Malta, this time embarking on the carrier HMS Furious. One of 126 Squadrons most successful pilots on Malta, Ken was awarded the DFC, and credited with 5 destroyed, 3 probables and 3 damaged. Commissioned on Malta, he returned to the UK, and in September 1943 was posted to 165 Squadron as a flight commander. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Nigel Drever | Joining the RAF on a short service commission in May 1939, he was sent to 98 Sqn upon completion of his training. At the height of the Battle of Britain in September 1940 he then joined 610 Sqn on Spitfires before later being shot down over France in 1942 and spending time as a PoW in several camps including Stalag Luft III. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Peter Allen | Completing his pilot training at No.1 OTU in Canada, he was assigned to 54 Sqn on Spitfires which had been relocated from Britain to Darwin, Northern Australia in 1943. The squadron carried out Air Defence patrols against Japanese aircraft and high-level reconnaissance flights. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Peter Arkell | For his first tour Peter flew Mustangs and Spitfires with 26 Squadron on intruder and low lever photographic sorties over France, before joining 161 Squadron as Tempsford in 1944, flying Lysanders into occupied Europe. He then accompanied the Lysanders to Burma where he flew 35 successful but hazardous missions supplying Force 136 behind the Japanese lines. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant Richard L Jones | In July 1940 Richard Jones was posted to 64 Squadron at Kenley, flying Spitfires. He was involved in heavy fighting over the Channel during the Battle of Britain, with the squadron suffering many losses during July and August. Towards the end of the Battle of Britain, in October, he moved to 19 Squadron flying Spitfires from Fowlmere, and was heavily involved in the fighter sweeps taking place at that time. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant Sir Alan Smith DFC | An RAFVR pilot Alan Smith completed his conversion to Spitfires and was posted to 610 Squadron in October 1940. and then to 616 Squadron in December 1940, Alan Smith often flew as wingman to Douglas Bader and would have been flying in that position on the fateful August 9th had he not been suffering from a head cold and instead set off for London to buy a uniform to match his newly granted commission. Johnnie Johnson described him as the perfect No 2. He usually flew in the same section with Bader, Cocky Dundas and Johnson. Alan Smith was impressed not only by Baders ability to inspire his pilots, but also his willingness to protect them. He remembers the RAF police pouncing on the squadron to see if anyone was using aviation fuel in their cars and how Bader sent them packing in no uncertain terms! In November 1941 Alan Smith was posted to a training role but returned to operations in November 1942 in North Africa. After completing this tour he returned to instructing latterly in the USA. By the end of the war Smith had been awarded the DFC and Bar and had recorded five confirmed victories. After the war he had a very successful career in the textile industry. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Steve Woods DFC | Having served with 33 Sqn which flew in support of the Army in West Africa, he then transferred to 145 Sqn flying Spitfires in Malta and Italy including a spell as acting Commanding Officer. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Tony Holland DFC AE DFC (US) | Tony Holland flew the first spitfire to Malta from USS Wasp with 603 Squadron in April 1942. He shared in the destruction of 6 enemy aircraft. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant Trevor Gray | Trevor Gray joined the RAFVR in 1939 and was called for service on the outbreak of war. As he was only partially trained, he completed his flying training and after being awarded his wings was posted to 7 OTU at Hawarden After training Trevor Gray was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in August 1940. Converted onto Spitfires, and with the Battle of Britain at its Climax, he was urgently posted to join 64 Squadron at Leconfield, arriving on 16th September 1940. The Squadron had re-equipped from Blenheims to Spitfires earlier that year as it fought in the great air battles over Dunkirk, before seeing hectic action in the Battle of Britain. he damaged a Bf 110 in December 1940. He left the Squadron on April 3 1941 having completed his tour and was posted to 58 OTU at Grangemouth as an instructor from there he was posted to Castletown, the most northerly station on the mainland, to join 124 Squadron which was then being formed. Trevor Gray was then given a post as a research engineer officer at RAE Farnborough and finally left the RAF in 1946 as a flight Lieutenant | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant W R Cundy DFC DFM MID | Ron Cundy commenced flying with 135 Sqn before being posted to the Middle East with 260 Sqn flying Hurricanes and later Kittyhawks. Returning back to Australia he flew Spitfires in defence of Darwin with 452 Sqn RAAF. In North Africa he survived an encounter with Marseille, and ended the war with 5 confirmed victories. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant Wallace Cunningham DFC | Fl80545 Flight Lieutenant Wallace Cunningham, DFC, 19 Squadron, Cambridgeshire, Spitfires. Scottish. RAF 19 Squadron, Spitfire I P8439, Shot down: 28th August 1941 and held at Stalag Luft III | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant William J. Corbin DFC | Already a member of the RAFVR, William Corbin was called up for active duty in September 1939. Following training and conversion to spitfires, in august 1940 he was posted as a Sergeant Pilot to join 6 Squadron at Coltishall. With the exception of a few weeks spent with 610 Squadron he remained with 66 Squadron until September 1941. Commissioned in June 1942, he returned to combat flying in September, joining 72 Squadron with whom he went to North Africa. Here he shared in a probable Me109 and damaged another, and in August 1943 was awarded the DFC. | ||||
| Flight Lieutenant William Tex Ash | Volunteer American pilot Bill Ash joined the RCAF and flew Spitfires with 411 Squadron gaining 3 confirmed victories. Shot down in 1942 he became a POW and was sent to Stalag Luft III where he took part in The Great Escape, and later was involved in more than a dozen escape attempts from POW camps in Poland, Germany and Lithuania. A constant trouble maker to his captors, Bill Ash became a real life Cooler King after many hours spent in solitary captivity. | ||||
 Flight Lieutenant William Walker | Born on August 24 1913, William Walker joined the Royal Air Force Voluntary reserve on September 2 1938 at Kidlington, Oxford as an Airman u/t Pilot. William Walker joined the RAF on September 1st 1939 and posted to 1 ITW, Cambridge on November 15. He went to 2 FTS, Brize Norton on February 17 1940 and after training was posted directly to 616 Squadron on June 18th, flying Spitfires. In combat off Dover on August 26, Walker was shot down in Spitfire MK II, R 6701 and baled out, wounded in the foot. He landed in the sea and was rescued by a small fishing boat . He was taken to Ramsgate Hospital suffering from hypothermia, he was then transferred to the RAF Hospital at Halton, where they operated to remove the bullet from his ankle. On May 2nd 1941 he rejoined. Walker returned to hospital at Halton on September 23 1941 and after convalescence at Torquay, he rejoined 1 ADF on November 17. He was posted to 116 Squadron on July 8 1942, on anti-aircraft co-operation duties. He remained with the squadron until July 6 1944. He then went to the Sector Gunnery Flight at Gatwick until October 4, when he rejoined 1 ADF. He served with the unit at various locations until released from the RAF at Uxbridge on September 1 1945, as a Flight Lieutenant. | ||||
| Flight Sergeant Joseph Witkowski | Arrested in Poland in 1940, he escaped through Russia, Iran and Iraq to South Africa. Leaving Durban on the ‘Empress of Canada’ the ship was torpedoed in the South Atlantic and some of the survivors rescued by the Royal Navy. Upon arriving in the UK he then joined 308 Polish Sqn on operations flying Spitfires over Europe from 1944. | ||||
| Flt Lt Frank Newman | Flight Lieutenant Newman left O.T.U. to join 131 Squadron at Tangmere in time to participate in the closing months of the Battle of Britain. As the enemy activity diminished so the policy of Fighter Command turned to offensive sweeps over western France. By the end of 1942 the A.O.C decided to give the squadrons of 11 Group a rest from their intensive operations, so 131 Squadron was posted to northern Scotland to defend Scapa Flow naval base. This routine series of operations came to an end when Frank was chosen, together with a number of other experienced pilots, to form a fighter wing for the invasion of North Africa. My mid-1943 Rommel and the African Corps had been swept out of Algeria and Tunisia by General Montgomery and the Eighth Army. After a short rest the Desert Air Force was heavily engaged in the invasion of Sicily and Italy. By this time Frank was transferred to join the already famous 92 Squadron where he was pleased to come under the command of such experienced pilots as Group Captain Brian Kingcome and Squadron Leader Neville Duke. For the next few months 92 Squadron was heavily involved in a twice-weekly patrol over the Anzio Bridgehead where they occasionally met small units of the Luftwaffe. It was at this point that the squadron was hoping to score its 300th enemy aircraft destroyed. This happened on the 17th February 1944 and it was time for a squadron celebration! The enemy continued to appear in small numbers and later in the year whilst leading a dusk patrol Frank Newman and his fellow pilots were able to add to this score so that by the end of the campaign the total score reached 317½ definitely destroyed and over 200 probably destroyed. Any further increase in this number of victories was made impossible when the squadron was switched to fighter/bombers in late 1944; for this, tactics were so different. Each Spitfire carried a 500lb bomb and was given a map reference for his target by the army ground force. After the war Fl. Lt. Newman was sent on a training course to be become a Test Pilot. Upon completion of the course he was appointed Test Pilot at the R.A.F.’s biggest maintenance units (132 M.U.) where he enjoyed the privilege of flying thirty-one different types of aircraft. | ||||
| Flt. Lt. Peter G Brearley DFC | Flt. Lt. Peter G Brearley DFC joined the RAF in 1941 from Cambridge University Air Sqn. He obtained his Wings in 1942, and then completed a navigation course at 3 School of General Reconnaissance and after OTU joined 140 Photo Reconnaissance Sqdn in November 1942 until March 1944. The squadron was attached to Army Intelligence revising maps and possible coastal landing sites for the coming invasion. Targets also included flying bomb sites in Pas de Calais area and other varied sectors of enemy activity. At first Peter flew Spitfires and later Mosquitoes with F/O Leslie W Preston GM as navigator. He finished his RAF service as a flying instructor on Mosquitoes. | ||||
 Flying Officer Arthur Bishop RCAF | Arthur Bishop is the son of Billy Bishop VC, perhaps the most famous of all the First World War Canadian Aces. Arthur joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. Arriving in England he joined 401 Squadron RCAF flying Spitfires as part of 83 Group in the then recently formed 2nd TAF. After D-Day the Squadron was based in France, where he continued intensive flying. After the war he became a distinguished Canadian author, whose books include The Splendid Hundred - the story of Canadians who flew in the Battle of Britain. | ||||
| Flying Officer Kurt Taussig | Czech Kurt was sent, age 15, by his parents on the Kindertrnsport to England from Czechoslovakia in June 1939 to escape the Nazi persecution of the Jews. Determined to fight the Germans he joined the RAF at eighteen in late 1942, and after training was posted to the Middle East to join 225 Squadron flying Spitfires on photo-reconnaissance duties in Tunisia, the Sicily landings, and in Italy. | ||||
| Group Captain Albert Houle DFC (deceased) | Flying Officer and Group Captain Albert Shorty’Ulrich Houle Jr. Born in Massey on March 24, 1914, Albert Houle went to the University of Toronto with a Bsc (science) in 1936. In 1936 he won the Canadian intercollegiate wrestling championship . After the outbreak of World War Two Albert Houle in September 1940 enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at North Bay and received his flying wings is Saskatchewan. Along with other Canadian Pilots he joined 213 Squadron at Nicosia, Cyprus in September 1941 and remained with 213 Squadron until 1942. It was during this period that Flying Officer Albert Houle destroyed three enemy aircraft, damaged three others, and also had one probable and one shared. He was awarded the DFC on November 27, 1942. Not only did Group Captain Albert Houle fly with 213 Squadron but also 145 and 417 Squadrons, and his score of enemy aircraft was 11 destroyed, one probable and seven others damaged. Houle and his Spitfire became a legend during and after the war. He was the most successful of the many Canadian pilots who flew with the squadron during the war. His citation for his DFC reads : One evening in October, 1942, Flying Officer Houle was flying with his squadron on patrol over El Alamein when a formation of enemy dive-bombers was sighted. The enemy aircraft jettisoned their bombs and flew west in an attempt to avoid the combat. With great tenacity and determination Flying Officer Houle pursued them far over the enemies lines and in the rapidly failing light engaged and destroyed at least two of the hostile bombers, Group Captain Albert Shorty Ulrich Houle died June 1st 2008 and is buried in Ottawa Canada. | ||||
| Group Captain Brian Black Jack Walker | Brian Walker joined the RAAF in 1935. The outbreak of World War Two found him with 25 Squadron RAAF flying Wirraways. After a period of instructing he went to 12 Squadron before joining 30 Squadron RAAF as Command Officer. This was the first RAAF Beaufighter Squadron. He then went north to New Guinea where his exploits on Beaufighters are legendary. In 1944 he was seconded to de Havilland as test pilot on Mosquitoes. At the end of the year, until the conclusion of the war, he commanded No. 1 Fighter Wing in Darwin flying Spitfires and Mustangs. | ||||
| Group Captain Brian Kingcome DSO DFC (deceased) | Brian Kingcome flew Gladiators with 92 Squadron before the war, the squadron converting to Spitfire MkIs in 1939. He took part in the Battles of France and Dunkirk, before being posted as a flight commander to 92 Squadron, scoring his first victories in June 1940. He became acting commanding officer during the latter stages of the Battle of Britain. During this time he and his pilots achieved the highest success rate of any squadron in the entire Battle of Britain. After being shot down by Me109s and wounded, he returned to active operations. In February 1942 he was posted to command 72 Squadron, followed by promotion to Wing Leader at Kenley. In May 1943 he was posted to lead 244 Wing in the Mediterranean during the invasion of Sicily. An Ace, Brian Kingcome flew Spitfires in combat continually until the end of 1944, his tally finishing at 8 and 3 shared destroyed, plus a score of probables and damaged. One of the prewar Cranwell elite, Brian Kingcome was to become one ofthe Second World Wars great fighter leaders, alongside such immortals as Douglas Bader, Bob Stanford Tuck and Johnnie Johnson. At the outbreak of war he was serving in 65 Squadron, but in May 1940 was posted to 92 Squadron as flight commander. On 25 May he shared a Do 17 and on 2 June destroyed two He l l Is and damaged a third. He shared a Ju 88 with two others on I0 July, and again on the 24th. On 9 September he probably destroyed a Bf 110 and two days later shot down a He 111. On the 14th he damaged another. He shot down a Bf 109 on the 23rd and next day probably destroyed another and damaged a Ju 88. Three days later he shared a Ju 88 again, damaged two others, probably destroyed a Do 17, and damaged one of these also. Around this time he was awarded a DFC for six victories, and on 11 October got a Bf 109 He claimed another next day, and also damaged one. In 1941 he became commanding officer, having frequently led the squadron. It will be noted that he claimed many probables and damaged during the Battle of Britain, and this was due to his view that it was more important to hit as many as possible than to try and confirm victories. On 16 June 1941 lie probably destroyed a Bf 109, and on 24 July shot one down. He was then rested until late in the year, when he was posted to command 72 Squadron, and in February 1942 gave escort cover to the Fleet Air Arm pilot Eugene Esmonde, who won the VC trying to attack German capital ships with Swordfish during the Channel Dash. During 1941 he received a Bar to his DFC, having brought his score to 10. He was promoted to lead the Kenley wing, and on 15 April 1942 damaged a Fw 190. He probably destroyed a Bf 109 on 28 May, and during the year was awarded a DSO, having added another victory to his score. In 1943 he was posted to North Africa to lead 244 Wing, and lead this for 18 months, becoming a Gp. Capt. after the invasion of Italy. By the end of his stay with the wing he had brought his score to 18, and was then posted as SASO of a Liberator group, and flew an operation as a waist gunner over northern Yugoslavia after taking up this appointment. | ||||
 Group Captain Byron Duckenfield AFC | Byron Duckenfield started at Flying Training School on 25th November 1935 in a Blackburn B2 at Brough. As a Sergeant, he joined No.32 Sqn at Biggin Hill on 8th August 1936 and flew Gauntlets and Hurricanes. He joined 74 Squadron at Hornchurch on 11th April 1940, flying Spitfires, and on 5th May was posted to 501 Squadron flying Hurricanes at Tangmere. On the 11th of May at Betheniville, he survived a crash in a passenger transport Bombay aircraft in an aircraft in which he was a passenger, While comin ginto land the aircraft at 200 feet the aircraft stalled and the aircrfat fell backwards just levelly out as it histhe ground. 5 of th epassengers were killed when the centre section collapsed and crushed them. Duckenfield was fortunate as he had moved position during the flight. as the two passengers sitting each side of where he was sitting had died in the crash. (it was found later that the Bombay had beeb loaded with to much weight in the aft sectiion. ) recovering in hospital in Roehampton. On 23rd July 1940, he rejoined No.501 Sqn at Middle Wallop, then moved to to Gravesend two days later, scoring his first victory, a Ju87, on the 29th of July 1940. During August and September he scored three more victories. After a spell as a test pilot from 14th September 1940, he was posted to command 66 Squadron on 20th December 1941, flying Spitfires. On 26th February 1942 he took command of 615 Squadron flying Hurricanes from Fairwood Common, taking the squadron to the Far East. In late December 1942 he was shot down in Burma and captured by the Japanese. He remained a POW until release in May 1945. After a refresher course at the Flying Training School in November 1949, he took command of No.19 Squadron flying Hornets and Meteors from Chruch Fenton. After a series of staff positions, he retired from the RAF as a Group Captain on 28th May 1969. Duckenfield would write later his details : Burma At first light, 12 Hurricanes IIC aircraft of 615 Squadron, myself in the lead, took off from Chittagong for central Burma to attack the Japanese air base at Magwe, 300 miles away on the banks of the River Irrawaddy. Arriving at Yenangyaung, we turned downstream at minimum height for Magwe, 30 miles to the South and jettisoned drop tanks. Just before sighting the enemy base, the squadron climbed to 1200 feet and positioned to attack from up sun. On the ramp at the base, in front of the hangers, were 10 or 12 Nakajima KI - 43 Oscars in a rough line up (not dispersed) perhaps readying for take. These aircraft and the hangars behind them were attacked in a single pass, before withdrawing westward at low level and maximum speed. A few minutes later perhaps 20 miles away form Magwe, I was following the line of a cheung (small creek), height about 250 feet, speed aboput 280 mph, when the aircraft gave a violent shudder, accompanied by a very lound, unusual noise. The cause was instantly apparent: the airscrew has disappeared completely, leaving only the spinning hub. My immediate reaction was to throttle back fully and switch off to stop the violently overspeeding engine. Further action was obvious: I was committed to staying with the aircraft because, with a high initial speed, not enough height to eject could be gained without the help of an airscrew. So I jettisoned the canopy and acknowledged gratefully the fact that I was following a creek; the banks of either side were hillocky ground, hostile to a forced landing aircraft. Flying the course of the creek, I soon found the aircraft to be near the stall (luckily, a lower than normal figure without an airscrew) extended the flaps and touched down wheels-up with minimum impact ( I have done worse landings on a smooth runway!) My luck was holding, if one can talk of luck in such a situation. December is the height of the dry season in that area and the creek had little water, it was shallow and narrow at the point where I came down: shallow enough to support the fusalage and narrow enough to support wing tips. So I released the harness, pushed the IFF Destruct switch, climed out and walked the wing ashore, dryshod. The question may occur -Why did not others in the squadron see their leader go down? - the answer is simple, the usual tatctic of withdrawal from an enemy target was to fly single at high speed and low level on parallel courses until a safe distance from target was attained. Then, the formation would climb to re-assemble. Having left the aircraft, I now faced a formidable escape problem? I was 300 miles from friendly territory: my desired route would be westward but 80% of that 300 miles was covered by steep north-south ridges impenetrably clothed in virgin jungle; these were natural impediments, there was also the enemy to consider. Having thought over my predicament, I decided the best I could do - having heard reports of mean herted plainspeope - was to get as far into the hills as possible and then find a (hopefully sympathetic) village. I suppose I may have covered about 15 miles by nightfall when I came upon this small hill village and walked into the village square. Nobody seemed surprised to see me (I suspect I had been followed for some time) I wa given a quiet welcome, seated at a table in the open and given food. Then exhaustion took over, I fell asleep in the chair and woke later to find myself tied up in it. Next day I was handed over to a Japanese sergeant and escort who took me back to Magwe and, soon after that, 2.5 years captivity in Rangoon jail.
| ||||
| Group Captain Desmond Sheen DFC* (deceased) | A Great Australian Spitfire pilot throughout the Battle of Britain. Scoring his first victories in 1939. He was shot down twice and once wounded. He commanded 72 squadron and by 1945 commanded HQ 148 Airfield. He died in 2001.
| ||||
| Group Captain John Bisdee OBE DFC (deceased) | John Derek Bisdee was born on November 20th 1915 at Weston-Super-Mare, and educated at Marlborough. He joined the RAF Voluntary Reserve, and began the war as a sergeant pilot. His combat career started while with 609 (West Riding) squadron RAAF, flying Spitfires when the squadron was moved from Edinburgh to Drem in December 1939. They participated in the air cover of the evacuation of the BEF form Dunkirk. John Bisdee destroyed six aircraft between July 1940 and July 1941, including an Me110 during an eventful day n August 1940 when they attacked a strong Luftwaffe force of 45 JU88's escorted by many Me109s and Me110s. In July 1941 he became instructor at No 61 Operational training unit. While here he had a small speaking roll in the classic wartime film The First of the Few. John Bisdee became commander of 601 (County of London) auxiliary Spitfire squadron and embarked (along with 603 (Edinburgh) Squadron) for Malta on board the US carrier Wasp. While off Algiers 47 Spitfires took of for Malta. and almost immedniatly upon arriving took part in combat. John Bisdee shot down JU88. He himself had to bail out. with a damaged parachute dangling by one leg, he had to disentangle himself as he fell, managing just in time and landing in the sea, paddling his way 6 miles in his dinghy to Malta. in June 1942 the squadron went to Egypt. In August John Bisdee became flight training officer at the Middle East Headquarters, Cairo, moving in 1943 as Wing Commander for day fighters in Tunisia. In July 1943, after the capture of the island of Lampedusa, halfway between Malta and Sicily, Bisdee was appointed its governor - the first governor in liberated Europe, as he liked to claim. Returning to North Africa, Bisdee trained Free French pilots at Bone. Later, after a brief spell in Corsica, he commanded No 322 Wing at Bone. In 322 Wing wre three Spitfire squadrons, a Beaufighter Squadron a Wellington Squadon used in anti shipping role and an Air Sea Rescue unit. Group Captain John Bisdee left the Royal Air Force in 1945 with his offcial score of 8 but it is likely there were a few others. Sadly John Bidee died at the age of 84 on the 21st October 2000. Group Captain John Bisdee was awarded the DFC in 1941 and appointed OBE in 1943. | ||||
 Group Captain John Cunningham CBE DSO DFC AE DL FRAeS (deceased) | John Cunningham joined the RAF in 1935 with 604 Squadron. At the outbreak of World War Two he was based at North Weald flying Blenheims on day escort and night fighter operations. In September 1940 he converted onto Beaufighters equipped with radar, the first aircraft that made night fighting really possible. In November he had the Squadron's first successful night combat. He took command of 604 Squadron in August 1941. After a period at HQ81 Group, he was posted on his second tour to command 85 Squadron equipped with Mosquitoes. In March 1944 with 19 night and 1 day victory he was posted to HQ11 Group to look after night operations. The most famous Allied night fighter Ace of WWII - 20 victories. He died 21st July 2002. Born in 1917, Group Captain John Cunningham was the top-scoring night fighter ace of the Royal Air Force. Cunningham joined the RAF in 1935 as a Pilot Officer. He learned to fly in the Avro 504N and was awarded his wings in 1936. While assigned to the Middlesex Squadron Auxiliary based at Hendon, Cunningham received instruction in the Hawker Hart prior to moving on the Hawker Demon. The Demon was a two-seat day and night fighter. Cunningharn's squadron was mobilized in 1938 following the Czechoslovak crisis. His No. 604 unit was moved to North Weald. Later in 1938 his unit returned to Hendon and was reequipped with the more modern Blenheim 1 fighter. In August of 1939 the unit was again mobilized and returned to North Weald. The Squadron was primarily utilized to provide daylight air cover for convoys. Lacking radar the Blenheim was relatively useless as a night fighter. In September of 1940 the unit was moved to Middle Wallop and the first Bristol Beaufighters arrived. The Beatifighter had a modestly effective, although often unreliable radar. It was an excellent aircraft with reliable air-cooled engines and four 20mm cannons. Cunningham attained the units first night victory in the Beaufighter, and his tally rose steadily. He was promoted to Wing Commander of 604 Squadron in August of 1941. Cunningham completed his first combat tour of duty in mid-1942 with a total of 15 victories. He was then posted to H.Q. 81 Group, which was an operational training group under the Fighter Command. In January of 1943 Cunningham was transferred to command of No. 85 Squadron which was equipped with the Mosquito. With the higher speed of the Mosquito, Cunningham was successful at downing Fw-190s, something impossible in the slower Beaufighter. Cunningham completed his second tour in 1944 with a total of nineteen victories at night and one by day. He was promoted to Group Captain at that time, and was assigned to H.Q. 11 Group. Cunningham's radar operator Sqd. Ldr. Jimmy Rawnsley participated in most of Cunningham's victories. The 604 Squadron was disbanded in 1945, but in 1946 Cunningham was given the honor of reforming the Squadron at Hendon - flying the Spitfire. Cunningham left the RAF in 1946 and joined the De Havilland Aircraft Co. at Hatfield as its Chief Test Pilot. Cunningham had a long and distinguished career in the British aviation industry, retiring from British Aerospace in 1980. | ||||
 Group Captain Sir Hugh Dundas CBE DSO DFC DI (deceased) | Hugh Dundas, a pre-war member of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, was called up early in the war, serving with 616 Squadron. After a promising start as a fighter pilot, Dundas was shot down and injured during the Battle of Britain, but quickly returned to his squadron which in early 1941 was at Tangmere and came under the command of Wing Commander Douglas Bader. Dundas became one of the leading members of that Wing and frequently flew with Bader, gradually building his reputation as a fighter pilot and tactician. After receiving the DFC, Dundas became Flight Commander in 610 Squadron. December 1941 brought another promotion as commanding officer of 56 Squadron, the first in the RAF to be converted to Typhoons. Posted to the Mediterranean in 1943, he led 244 Spitfire Wing from Malta and later Italy. In 1944, Dundas was awarded the DSO and became one of the youngest Group Captains in the RAF. For some years after the war, Dundas served once more with the RAuxAF during which time he became CO of 601 Squadron. Cocky Dundas flew Spitfires with 616 Sqn during some of the heaviest air fighting of the Battle of Britain. With several victories to his name he was shot down on August 22nd and wounded. Later this distinguished pilot flew in Douglas Baders famous Tangmere Wing, and subsequently commanded successively Typhoon and Spitfire Wings. Sir Hugh Dundas (22 Jul 1920 - 10 Jul 1995) Served with 616 sqd 1939 - 1941, 56 sqd 1941 to 1942, 324 wing north Africa, Sicily and the first wing to move to Italy 1943 - 1944, 240 wing 1944 - 1945 in Italy. | ||||
| Group Captain W G G Duncan-Smith DSO, DFC, AE | Spent WWII flying Spitfires in the Battle of Britian and over Europe accounting for 19 enemy aircraft destroyed, 7 probables and 15 damaged. Duncan-Smith was born in Madras, India, on 28th May 1914, the son of an officer in the Indian civil service. He was educated in Scotland, where he joined his schools OTC. Returning to India in 1933, he became a coffee and tea planter, but in 1936 returned to the UK to join the RAF. Wartime service - Serving at 7 OTU at the outbreak of war, he was posted to No.611 Squadron RAF later that year. He was awarded a DFC in June 1941, and went to 603 Squadron in August 1941 as a Flight Commander. Taken ill late in the year, he spent some time in hospital, before joining 64 Squadron in March 1942. In August he became Wing Commander- Flying at RAF North Weald after a rest from operations. He was then sent to the Mediterranean as Wing leader, 244 Wing. In September 1943 after engine failure he bailed out into the sea, being rescued after 5 hours adrift. As a Group Captain, he then took charge of 324 Wing , finally leaving in March 1945. Duncan Smith or Smithy,/i> was credited with 17 confirmed kills, two shared kills, six probables, two shared probables and eight damaged in aerial combat. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Bar and the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Bars in recognition of his bravery. He also was a notable recipient of the 5 Years Safe Driving Award. He was the author of Spitfire into Battle, published in 1981, a highly entertaining account of aerial combat in the Spitfire aircraft. Group Captain Duncan Smith flew and fought in front-line operations continuously from the Battle of Britain through the struggle for Malta, the invasion of Italy and the liberation of France. | ||||
 J Collinsworth | RAF fighter ace with 6 victories. Born in Dublin, Texas, he is one of the few Americans to become an ace flying the Supermarine Spitfire. March 1942 saw him in England flying in the 31st. F.G., 307th Squadron. This was the first Yank fighter unit in the country since WWI. On August 19, 1942, he received his baptism of fire above the ill-fated commando raid on the coast of France. Later, Collinsworth helped spearhead Operation Torch landings in Oran, Algeria, still flying Spitfires. He covered the landings at southern Sicily, flying from Maltas sister island Gozo. In 125 combat sorties, he shot down 6 Axis aircraft, 1 probable and 1 damaged. He finished his military career as a Colonel. His Spitfire is seen low left in Defiance at Dieppe. Awards include D.F.C. with 1 O.L.C., Air Medal with 17 O.L.C.s, the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. | ||||
 Jimmy Dell OBE (deceased) | Jimmy Dell joined the RAF in 1942 and after the war flew F-86Es and the first radar equipped F-86D with the USAF. He was the first RAF Lightning Project Test Pilot and later became Chief Test Pilot at English Electric/BAC test flying Lightning, TSR 2 and Jaguar. One of a unique breed of aviators who have achieved great career success as a fast jet test pilot within both military and commercial environments. Probably best known for his work on the English Electric Lightning, Jimmy Dell has used his skill, courage and intimate knowledge of aerodynamics to reach the very top of a highly demanding profession. Joining the RAF in 1942, Jimmy Dell did his initial pilot training in Southern Rhodesia. By 1944 he had already become a Flying Instructor for advanced trainers. After the war Jimmy performed various training and test flying roles on aircraft such as Spitfires, Meteors, Venoms and Hunters. He also led test flight teams to the USA and France to work on aircraft such as the F-100, F-104, F-105, F-106, Mystere 4 and Mirage 3. In 1960 he joined English Electric on the Lightning development programme and was Chief Test Pilot from 1961 to 1970. Jimmy also worked on the TSR2 programme and flew 12 of the aircraft’s 24 test flights, before its untimely cancellation in 1965. He worked on the French / UK Jaguar programme, and finally became Director, Flight Operations with responsibility for all Tornado test flight activities across the three participating countries. Jimmy Dell retired in 1989. Amongst his awards was the OBE for services to test flying. Sadly, Jimmy Dell died on 25th March 2008. | ||||
| Lt Col Bob Curtis | Bob Curtis arrived in North Africa in 1943, moving to Sicily soon after, flying Spitfires with the 52nd Fighter Group. He scored his first air victory over an Me109 flying his Spitfire, and later survived a bail out when his fighter was badly damaged after a building he strafed exploded beneath him. Moving across to the 15th Air Force, the 52nd Fighter Group re-equipped with the P-51 and Bob Curtis became a Squadron Commander. He added 13 more to his score flying the P-51, ending his war with 14 victories. | ||||
 Major General Carroll W McColpin (deceased) | Carroll Warren McColpin was born in Buffalo, New York on November 15th 1914 and was raised and educated in Los Angeles. Carroll McColpin participated in civilian flying activities in Los Angeles, he started to learn to fly in 1928 and in 1936 obtained his pilots certificate. As a young man, he had built his own airplane and taught himself the basics of stick flying and aerial acrobatics by the age of sixteen. Carroll Red McColpin volunteered for the RAF in 1940 despite official US disapproval, going via Canada to England. After serving with No.607 Squadron, he became the second Eagle Ace after shooting down two ME-109s on October 2, 1941 and is the only pilot known to have fought in aerial combat to a draw - with Werner Molders, the high-scoring German Ace. Red McColpin commanded 133 Eagle Squadron up to the transfer to the USAAF in September, 1942, General McColpin was the only American to fly combat in all three RAF American Eagle Squadrons. His total missions in these Squadrons exceeded three hundred counting the ones he flew with the 607. He was a double ace before Pearl Harbor and was the first American to be decorated, in Buckingham Palace by King George during World War II. McColpin joined the 4th Figher Group. He later led the 404th Fighter Group in support of the D-Day invasion and the drive across Europe. In 400 missions, he recorded 11.5 victories and collected 29 awards for gallantry. Following the war, McColpin remained in the Air Force, serving in several command and senior staff positions, ultimately becoming the commander of the 4th Air Force. He retired as a Major General in August, 1968. Sadley Major General Carroll Warren McColpin passed away on November 28, 2003. | ||||
 Major Michael B Gladych | After flying with the Polish Air Force, Michael Gladych eventually escaped to England after the final fall of France, joining 303 Squadron RAF on Spitfires. With 17 victories to his credit, he rammed his eighteenth and final victory in June 1941 and was in hospital for several months afterwards. In 1943 he was posted to 302 Squadron, but then loaned himself to serve with Gabreski and the 56th Fighter Group. | ||||
 Major Michael Miluck | American volunteer Michael Miluck arrived in the UK in September 1941, and was posted to join 71 Eagle Squadron. Flying Spitfire Mk Vbs the squadron was engaged in escort and offensive fighter sweeps over the channel and northern France, taking part in the air cover over Dieppe. Later he flew Hurricanes with 250 Squadron. | ||||
| Miss Lettice Curtis | Joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in July 1940 having been taken on to ferry Tiger Moths. Although we were later allowed to ferry other training types such as Oxfords and Masters, it was not until the autumn of 1941 that women were allowed to fly operational aircraft types. I flew my first Hurricane in August 1941 and my first Spitfire a couple of weeks later. After a brief course on a Blenheim I was cleared to fly without any further training, twin-engine bombers up to the Wellington. In November 1943 I was sent on a Halifax course, which due to unserviceability and bad weather closed, restarting in February 1943 at Pocklington where I was cleared for ferrying Halifaxes. After that without further training, I ferried Lancasters and over 100 Stirlings. In November 1945 I ferried 14 Liberators. | ||||
| Peter Cunningham | Battle of Britain Spitfire Pilot. | ||||
 Pilot Officer Norman Brown | Served on Spitfires with 611 and 41 Squadrons. On 1st November 1940 Norman was part of a flight of Spitfires that overshot Hornchurch due to poor visibility and soon found themselves in the London Balloon Barrage area. These balloons were tethered with metal cables and upon striking one; Browns aircraft was seriously damaged, forcing him to land in the built-up area of Dagenham. He left the squadron in February 1941 and left the RAF that April, working in the timber industry for the rest of the war. | ||||
 Raymond Baxter (deceased) | Spitfire pilot, and the voice of British aviation broadcasting. | ||||
| Sergeant Leopold Heimes (deceased) | Already in the Belgian Air Force, he moved to 235 Sqn Coastal Command as an Air Gunner on Blenheims during the Battle of Britain before becoming a pilot, flying Spitfires and Catalinas with 350 Sqn before converting to 76 Sqn on Dakotas in India. Heimes stayed in the RAF until September 1951 having been gazetted as a Master Pilot. Sadly, Leopold Heimes died in 2009. | ||||
| Sqn Ldr Hugh Parry | Hugh Parry joined the RAF from Northern Rhodesia in December 1939, and after training in England was posted in February 1941 to join 260 Squadron flying Hurricanes. In April he transferred to 266 Squadron flying first Spitfires and then Typhoons. In March 1943 he went to Malta with 601 Squadron on the USS Wasp, flying the Spitfire Vc, where he remained until July. After a spell as a test pilot, he returned to combat with 41 Squadron flying Spitfire MkXIIs. On 24th September 1943 he was shot down near Beauvais and managed to evade capture for the next five months unt | ||||
