Another photograph showing a Spitfire taking off from the Castle Bromwich factory flight shed towing strip.

The total strength of the Castle Bromwich test department, excluding the wooden tool box, at the time of the Battle of Britain. The author, in white flying suit, is seated on the wing of the Spitfire.

The author, second from right, strides out to test another production Spitfire at Castle Bromwich. Spitfire V EP707 is seen being readied for flight.

A Castle Bromwich Spitfire takes off from the factory flight shed towing strip with compass base and "pig-farm" in the background near the trees.

Test and Delivery Spitfires lined up on the Castle Bromwich tarmac in 1943. Most of the aircraft are Spitfire IXs and are numbered in the NH serial range.

Castle Bromwich flight test staff take a breather to pose for a group photograph. The author, in white flying suit, is standing beneath the Spitfire's spinner.

The remains of the Spitfire IX after bale-out with torn parachute. The author's boot was picked up later in Cannock Chase.

One of the author's many Spitfire forced landings. This aircraft has slithered through a hedge and shed its port wing before coming to stop.