Spitfire in Combat

The Supermarine Spitfire is probably the most famous fighter aircraft of all time. Its distinctive shape and sound mark it out from most other aircraft of the Second World War period. From the biplane era of the 1930s to the start of the jet age in 1944 the Spitfire, through continuous modification and development, remained at the forefront of fighter design and proved itself equal or superior to any of its competitors. During the same period, other variants of the Spitfire proved highly effective in the photographic reconnaissance role. Alfred Price employs more than twenty accounts in words and pictures to provide a series of fascinating snapshots of the Spitfire and those who flew it. The author covers aspects of the aircraft's history as diverse as the 'Speed Spitfire', specially modified in 1938 for an attempt on the world landplane speed record; fighter ace 'Johnnie' Johnson's personal aircraft, EN398, the top scoring Spitfire; and the Spitfire reconnaissance missions flown over China early in the cold War.