Battle of Britain Album #3: Supermarine Spitfire

Ground staff re-arm a Spitfire at Biggin Hill, September 1940. HU 104499.

 

Scramble! Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilots race toward their aircraft on 25 July 1940, after the ringing of the 'scramble bell' warned of an approaching enemy formation. Fighter Command's success in the Battle of Britain depended on the early warnings provided by coastal radar stations, and on their pilots' ability to reach the optimum altitude to attack the oncoming Luftwaffe (German air force) bombers. Imperial War Museum photo HU 49253.

 

Distant view of Spitfires over Fowlmere, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1399.

 

Flight Lieutenant Richard Jones smiles at the camera while seated in the cockpit of his Spitfire at Fowlmere, 21 September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1462.

 

Wing Commander George Darley, Station Commander at RAF Exeter, standing beside a Spitfire, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1643.

 

Wing Commander George Darley, Station Commander at RAF Exeter, standing beside a Spitfire, 1940. Imperial War Museum photo CH 1644.

 

Rearming the eight .303 Browning Mk IIs of the Spitfire Mk. I.

 

Early Supermarine Spitfire production. Despite combat and operational losses, the RAF was able to produce fighter aircraft in roughly equal numbers. 

 

An airman lays on the wing while re-arming a Spitfire at Biggin Hill, September 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 104501.

 

 

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