Supermarine Spitfire Mk I – Kiwi, 54 Sqn RAF, Alan Deere, May 1940 & pilots notes

Corgi Aviation 1/72 scale 49005: Supermarine Spitfire Mk I Kiwi of 54 Sqn RAF, Alan Deere, RAF Hornchurch, England, May 1940. Complete with a replica set of pilots notes for the early RAF Spitfire. Limited Edition OF 5,600 models

Length 5.25 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

Pilot Officer Alan Deere used this aircraft to shoot down a Bf109E on the 24th May 1940 and a Bf110 on the 25th May during actions in support of the Dunkirk evacuation, where he was credited with seven victories (plus 1 shared, 1 unconfirmed and 1 damaged) in just five days. On the 9th July, 1940 this aircraft was shot down by elements of II./JG51 over the Channel and its pilot, Pilot Officer A.Evershed was killed. No.54 Squadron lost two other Spitfires in this action, with a second pilot being killed and Al Deere suffering minor burns upon being forced to land P9398 near Manston.

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.