How did Spitfire get its name?

It was Robert McLean, head of Vickers Aviation, who preferred the name Spitfire because it was a name he used for his daughter Annie, describing her as “a little spitfire”. The name was confirmed by the Air Ministry in 1936, much to Mitchell’s irritation. “He wanted the term Shrew to be adopted,” Beaver said.

Why do RAF planes have French flag?

At high speeds, the tail insignia looked like the Iron Cross, and many British soldiers were shooting at the planes, especially when they flew low. The insignia was then changed to a reverse French flag so that the soldiers on the ground could recognise it as friendly, whether or not they recognized it as British.”

What did the Russians think of the Spitfire?

In general soviet pilots liked the Spitfire, among positive points they noted: The airplane is easy to handle and very flyable by pilots even with below average skill level. The Merlin engine retained a lot of its power at high altitudes, soviet engines lost power much quicker with altitude.

Did France use Spitfires?

A single Spitfire Mk I was delivered and tested by the French air force in July 1939. After the war, France also operated the Spitfire during several years, notably using it in combat during the Indochinese war, while the French navy operated the naval version of the Supermarine fighter, the Seafire.

How many Spitfires were in No 92?

No. 92 Squadron provided air cover at the Battle of El Alamein and on 18 April 1943, 11 Spitfires from the squadron flew top cover at the Palm Sunday Massacre during which approximately 75 axis aircraft were disabled or destroyed. Following the Allied victory in North Africa, the Squadron moved to Malta in June.

What are the claims of 92 Squadron in World War II?

Claims: 1 Probable and 2 Damaged. F/Sgt. G. Buchanan (N.Z.) of 92 Squadron recorded in his Sortie Report for 24 November 1943: I was flying Yellow 3 in a formation of four A/C led by F/LT J Nicholls DFC.

What colour is the 19 on a Spitfire?

During August and September more Spitfires were delivered to No. 19 Squadron, and at the opening of Cambridge Airport on 8th October several of the Squadron’s aircraft attended the display there wearing the number ’19’ on their fins. The colour of this numeral has been quoted as being White, Red or Yellow, and all are probably correct.

What was the first Spitfire ever delivered to the RAF?

The first Spitfire to be delivered was K9789, and it was painted in the ‘A’ scheme pattern. During August and September more Spitfires were delivered to No. 19 Squadron, and at the opening of Cambridge Airport on 8th October several of the Squadron’s aircraft attended the display there wearing the number ’19’ on their fins.