Supermarine Spitfire MkIX Wing Co. ‘Jack’ Charles – RAF Biggin Hill – 1000th kill REF: AA31932
Scale: 1:72
Dimensions: Wingspan: 156mm
£29.99
The Spitfire Mk.IX was a thoroughbred development of the classic Mitchell design and was a direct result of the need to combat the threat posed by the awesome Focke Wulf 190. The improved design helped to wrestle air superiority back from the Luftwaffe. As the air war moved to the offensive for the RAF, successful fighter pilots became household names and were afforded celebrity status. In May 1943, the Biggin Hill Fighter Wing was close to their landmark 1000th victory and an eager media descended on the Kent station in order to record the event. By this time, however, the Luftwaffe were reluctant to lose pilots unnecessarily and engagements were becoming quite rare, so the 1000th kill proved elusive. On 15th May, Squadron Leader ‘Jack’ Charles of 611 Squadron led a fighter sweep over Caen and on this day, the Luftwaffe did come up and fight. Charles was credited with two Fw190’s and thus claimed the 1000th victory. In a famous photograph of the day, Charles is seen chalking a 1000 score on the propeller blade of his Spitfire Mk.IX, surrounded by his fellow pilots! Estimated release date: July 2008
