Supermarine Spitfire
Spitfire Humor joke
An elderly Scotsman who was a World War II Spitfire pilot spoke to a young school group about his experiences during the Battle of Britain.
"It was the late summer of 1940," he began dramatically, "and the situation was truly grim. The Nazis flew upon us with great force. Out of the clouds these Fokkers drop down, their guns blazing."
Several of the children began to giggle.
"I looked up and see two Fokkers coming directly to me. I aimed at the leader's kite and sent ‘im to God. By then, though, the other Fokker moved right smart to me tail."
At this point, the girls were all giggling and the boys broke out laughing.
The teacher finally stands up and says, "I think I should point out that 'Fokker' was the name of a German-Dutch aircraft company, who made many of the airplanes used by the Germans during the war."
"Aye, tis true," said the old pilot. "But these Fokkers were flying Messerschmitts."
Speech excerpt of Winston Churchill
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Model by Ross Kelley-Vincent
The Supermarine Spitfire is regarded by many as the most beautifully designed single-seat fighter to appear during the Second World War. Conceived by the renowned British designer Reginald Mitchell, the prototype first flew on 5 March 1936. It was an advanced, low wing monoplane with a very slim fuselage and smooth flush riveted metal skin.
The Mk I and II versions demonstrated their formidable performance during the Battle of Britain, and by early 1941, the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with this fighter. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and every effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over its opponents. Early improvements resulted in the Mk. V series of Spitfires which became the most widely produced version of all.
Although the famous elliptical shaped wing was retained on most Spitfires, some Mk. Vb's had clipped wing tips for better low altitude maneuverability. The Spitfire went through numerous minor and major changes throughout its production life, and served with distinction on every battle front of the war.
British soldiers look over a Spitfire forced down during the Battle of Britain
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