Spitfire VB EN821 of 243 Squadron. Powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin 45, the Spitfire VB was armed with two 20mm guns and four 0.303in guns and entered RAF service early in 1941.

Amongst this group of 167 Squadron personnel is the author, fourth from the right. The aircraft is a Spitfire Mk VB.

In this group photograph of 167 Squadron personnel the author can be seen standing second from left.

TONY HAROLDS painting depicts the breaking up of the author's Spitfire VB on September 10, 1942.

ERICH GANDET'S colour photograph is of Spitfire Mk IX MT719, I-SPIT, flown by Franco Actis at the 1984 Birrfeld airshow.