The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938 at Duxford, Cambridge. At the beginning
aircraft. By June 1940 the Mk.1 was being replaced by the faster long-range Mk.II but not before
the Mk.I had bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. The Mk.I also flew protective cover over the
evacuation of Dunkirk. The Mk.1A had 8 machine guns instead of 4, a bulged canopy, a 3-blade
propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and
behind the pilot.

Flt. Lt. John Ellis was No. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron top ace while flying R6806/DW-N
c/n 810, a late production Spitfire Mk. 1A. He accumulated 13 confirmed victories, 1 shared, 1
probable and 2 damaged. On July 25 1940 Ellis achieved Ace status as well as becoming Sqn.
Ldr of 610 Sqn because of the death of the current Sqn. Ldr.. Ellis ended the war as a P.O.W..
No. 610 Squadron was transferred north for a rest so some of their aircraft were left behind for
No. 72 Sqn that was replacing them. Aircraft R6806 was one of these aircraft and on September
2, 1940 it was so badly battle damaged it was first considered a write-off. But after 9 months of
labor it was restored to flying condition and issued to No. 132 Sqn in July 1941. On August 24,
1941 the aircraft went to No. 52 OUT (Operational Training Unit) where on April 12, 1942 it
struck R7114 while landing at Aston Down. When repaired the aircraft was issued to No. 58
OTU on July 2, 1943. On March 23, 1945 the aircraft was SOC (Struck Off Charge).

Specifications for Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1A (late production)

Role – Interceptor Fighter

Mk.1A Produced – 1,536

Crew – one

Performance
Engine – 1 x Rolls-Royce Merlin III, liquid-cooled, V12
HP @ Altitudes –
1,030 hp @ 16,250 ft (4,953 m)
880 HP @ take-off
Speed
Maximum @ 20,000 ft (6,100 m) – 353 mph (568 kph)
Cruising – 210 mph (338 kph)
RoC (Rate of Climb)
Initial – 2,530 ft/min (771 m/min)
Time to 20,000 ft (6,096 m) – 9 minutes 25 seconds
Service Ceiling – 31,900 ft (9,723 m)
Normal Range – 395 miles (637 km)
Endurance – 1.78 hrs

Weights
Empty – 5,040 lb (2,286 kg)
Full – 6,150 lb (2,789 kg)

Dimensions
Length – 29 ft 11 ins. (9.12 m)
Height to tip of propeller – 11 ft 5 ins (3.48 m)
Wingspan – 36 ft 10 ins. (11.23 m)

Armament
8 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns, 300 rounds/gun

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