Spitfire MK.I - X4330, QJ-G, 616 Sqn, Sept.1940; Spitfire MK.VB - EP254, DW-B, 610 Sqn., Aug.1942; Spitfire MK.IX - EN398, JE-J, OC Kenley Wing 1943 - The Spitfire first flew at 16:30 GMT on March 5, 1936. The Supermarine Spitfire was a single-seat fighter used by the RAF and many Allied countries in World War II. The Spitfire was designed by R. J. Mitchell, who continued to refine it until his death in 1937. The elliptical wing had a thin cross section, allowing a faster top speed than the Hurricane and other contemporary designs; it also resulted in a distinctive appearance. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire saw service during the whole of World War II in all theaters of the war and in many different varients. The most famous and most successful Spitfire ace of WWII was undoubtedly Johnnie Johnson, remarkable also as one of the few to fly all three of the most recognized of Spitfire variants. Air Vice Marshal James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson CB, CBE, DSO and two Bars, DFC and Bar (March 9, 1915 - January 30, 2001) was an RAF pilot who during WWII shot down 38 Luftwaffe aircraft, thus becoming the British flying ace with the most "kills" during the war. Presented here on a plinth to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of his famous mount, it was the MkIX which saw him at his most successful, but both the earlier Mark I and Mark VB were also part of the legend.

Info: Collectors Johnnie Johnson's 3 Piece Set: Spitfire MK.I; Spitfire MK.VB; Spitfire MK.IX