Supermarine Spitfire Mk I – 602 Sqn RAF, Alexander Johnstone 1940

Corgi Aviation 1/72 scale AA39210: Supermarine Spitfire Mk I L1004 of 602 Sqn RAF, Alexander Johnstone, Tangmere, Battle of Britain, August 1940. Limited Edition of 1,500 models.

Length 5 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

The now legendary Supermarine Spitfire needs no introduction. It is quite simply one of the most iconic aircraft in the world. L1004 was flown by Squadron Leader Alexander ‘Sandy’ Johnstone, CO of No. 602 Squadron. During the early parts of the War, the Squadron performed defensive duties in Scotland, however, in August 1940 the Squadron moved south to join the Battle of Britain in the skies over Southern England. They went on to have a truly remarkable record during the battle – scoring the second highest toll of enemy aircraft! Their performance is aptly summed up in a message from HQ11 Group. “Group Commander sends warmest congratulations to 602 Squadron on their magnificent combat at midday when they destroyed eight fighters and shot down two others without loss of pilots or aircraft creating a record for months past.”

Designed by R.J.Michell to meet a British Air Ministry specification, the Supermarine Spitfire first flown on March 5th, 1936. With its combination of beautiful fighter design, the excellent performance of its Rolls-Royce Merlin powerplant and firepower provided by twin cannons and four machine guns, the Spitfire became an unrivaled symbol of victory. The Spitfire had 40 major variants and was built in greater numbers than any other British aircraft of the time. It flew operationally on every front between 1939 and 1945 and was engaged in every one of the Royal Air Force’s major actions.