The author was serving with 41 Sqn RAF at the time of the adventure recounted on these pages, and was allocated a Spitfire Mk VB coded EB-V. The squadron’s EB code letters are displayed here on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire IIA, P7350.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

Another study of Spitfire IIA P7350 in 41 Sqn markings.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

Representative of the Spitfire variant featured in this story is the BBMF LF.VB AB910, seen here in an atmospheric 1980s study by RICHARD WINSLADE.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1941

Moment of anticipation. The author enters the cockpit of Spitfire EB-V at Llanbedr in readiness for a flight. He found the Hurricane a “lame duck” by comparison.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1941

The Spitfire’s distinctive elliptical wings had sensitive ailerons at their tips, which, coupled with the crisp elevators, gave the fighter delightful handling qualities. This is R6923/QJ-S, a cannon-armed Mk VB (like the author’s aircraft) of 92 (East India) Sqn.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1941

Nick Grace (left) and Wg Cdr Tom Neil, the author of this feature, in front of two-seat Spitfire ML407 at White Waltham on January 29, 1987.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Trainer - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Tom Neil attempts to squeeze his 6ft 3in frame into what feels like 4ft 6in of space in ML407’s rear cockpit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Spitfire Trainer - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1942

Another distinctive feature of the Master I was the curvaceous radiator housing beneath the cockpit. Two successive Mk Is in which the author attempted to complete his flight developed powerplant problems and had to return to Hawarden.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Kestrel M.9 / Master I M.9A - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

A fine study of Master I N7547, with the mouth-like radiator intake and undercarriage “knuckle” well shown.
The in-line Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine of the Master I gave its nose a far different shape from that of the radial-engined Mks II and III. Not being “overly fond” of this early variant of the breed, the author was somewhat alarmed when one was wheeled out to replace the damaged Mk III.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Kestrel M.9 / Master I M.9A - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

На Master Mk II и Mk III (на фотографии) стояли звездообразные моторы воздушного охлаждения.
Miles Master III two-seat trainers of 5 Flying Training School. Well depicted on the nearest aircraft, W8656, is the manner in which the roof of the rear (instructor’s) cockpit hinged upwards to form a windscreen when the rear seat was raised to enhance the occupant’s forward view. The author was in this elevated position when his Master was involved in a ground collision with a Spitfire.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Master II M.19 / Master III M.27 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939