The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938 at Duxford, Cambridge. At the beginning
of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1’s with two others converting to the new
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.

On October 10, 1939 the 92 Squadron was reformed as one of the gift squadrons of East India.
From October 1939 until May 1940 the squadron was assigned the code GR before switching to
QJ. The 92 flew their Spitfire Mk.Is from March 1940 until February 1941 and were stationed at
RAF Pembrey from June 8 – September 1940. Robert Stanford Tuck joined the 92 Squadron
and first saw action in May 1940. He was involved with the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940.
On May 241940 Tuck was made Squadron Leader of 92 after the present SL was shot down. In
September 1940 Tuck was given command of 257 Burma Squadron. By wars end he had
achieved 29 victories with other probables or damaged.

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

This new site is being updated regularly and it will be much improved before too long. Please be patient, give it time, and check back regularly. Opportunities for community collaboration are in the works for a little further down the road.