The Spitfire is the most famous British aircraft of all time. Although less numerous than the Hawker Hurricane, it is remembered as the sleek, thoroughbred fighting machine that turned the tide during the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire was among the fastest and most maneuverable prop-driven fighters of World War II, serving in virtually every combat theater.

Supermarine designer Reginald Mitchell created this small, graceful, elliptical-wing fighter with eight guns in the wings that were able to fire without being hindered by the propeller. The immortal Spitfire thus became not merely one of the best-performing fighters of all time, but also one of the best-looking. Although never employed as a long-range escort, the Spitfire was a champion in an air-to-air duel. Spitfires routinely dived at the speed of sound, faster than any of the German jets.

A carrier-based version, called the Seafire, was a winner in its own right, serving valiantly on convoy routes during World War II. The Seafire 47 was even used in the early stages of the Korean War, before it was replaced by more modern jet aircraft.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Mk. IXc fighter that was piloted by Pierre Henri Clostermann, who was attached to No.602 Squadron during July 1944. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-inches
Length: 6-inches

Release Date: December 2021

Historical Account: "Tempest in a Teapot" - Pierre Clostermann, Grand-Croix of the French Legion d'Honneur, Croix de Guerre France, DFC and bar, Distinguished Service Cross (USA), Silver Star (USA), Air Medal (USA), was a French flying ace, author, engineer, politician and sporting fisherman.

In December 1944, Clostermann returned to the front line, holding the rank of Flight Lieutenant in the RAF. Clostermann joined No.274 Squadron RAF flying the new Hawker Tempest Mk V. In an aircraft which he dubbed Le Grand Charles, Clostermann flew an intensive and highly successful round of fighter sweeps, airfield attacks, "rat scramble" interceptions of Messerschmitt 262 jet fighters, and rail interdiction missions over northern Germany over the next two months.

In March 1945, Clostermann briefly served with No.56 Squadron before a transfer to No.3 Squadron. On March 24th, 1945, he was wounded in the leg by German flak and after belly-landing his badly damaged aircraft, he was hospitalized for one week. From April 8th, he was commander of A Flight, No.3 Squadron RAF. Clostermann was awarded a Bar to his DFC for his successful tour of duty. He had to bail out for the first time on May 12th, 1945, when during a victory fly-past, a Tempest collided with his aircraft. Clostermann continued operations with No.122 Wing RAF until he left the military altogether on July 27th, 1945.

In his 432 sorties, Clostermann was officially credited with 23 victories (19 solo, 14 shared, most of them against fighters) and five "probables", with eight more "damaged". He also claimed 225 motor vehicles destroyed, 72 locomotives, five tanks and two E-Boats (fast torpedo boats). Many references credit him with 29 to 33 victories, although these probably include his "ground" kills. Recent, more detailed analysis of his combat reports and squadron accounts, indicate that his true score was 11 destroyed, with possibly another seven, for a total of 15-18 victories.