Spitfire Mk IX RAF (1:24)

The Supermarine Spitfire is probably the most famous and possibly the most beautiful fighter ever built. Designed by Reginald Mitchell, the prototype first flew in March 5, 1936 and entered service with the Royal Air Force in August 1938. When the engines become more powerful and heavier, almost the same airframe with minor changes could accommodate the increased power and size of them. The new Rolls-Royce PV.12 engine, which was later named Merlin, was used in the prototype. Spitfire was the first streched-skin all metal fighter in Britain. With its different versions it was the main fighter of the Fighter Command during the World War 2.

Group Capt. "Johnnie" Johnson, Commanding Officer of the Canadian-manned Kenley Wing, brings his Spitfire Mk IX in for a landing following a fighter sweep over Nazi occupied Europe in May of 1943. Johnson was the top scoring British ace of WWII. He was called up from the Volunteer Reserve in August 1940 and joined 616 Squadron in 1940. During the summer of 1941 he flew as a member of Douglas Bader's section in the Tang mere Wing. By early 1942 he was awarded the DFC and was an ace with five victories. By the time of the Dieppe raid in August of 1942 Johnson was CO of 610 Squadron. 1943 found Johnny in command of Kenley Wing and between April and September he scored 18 victories and was awarded a DSO. In March of 1944 he was given the reigns to 144 Wing which was also comprised of Canadians. He remained with them through the D-Day invasion until the unit was disbanded in August. Johnson remained in combat until the end of hostilities in Europe. By VE-Day his score stood at 34 destroyed, 7 shared destroyed 3 probables and 10 damaged.