Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1

The Spitfire is the most famous aircraft in British aviation history. It won immortal fame in the summer of 1940 by helping to defeat German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. From its beginnings in 1936, pilots recognised it as a thoroughbred, combining a perfection of design with superb handling characteristics. Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire which captured the imagination of British public and enemy alike. Perhaps the greatest compliment paid to this aircraft was made at the height of the Battle by a German ace who, in a moment of frustration, turned to his Commander in Chief and demanded a squadron of Spitfires! On the afternoon of 21 October this aircraft took a half share in shooting down a German Ju 88A-5 bomber.