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
propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind
propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind
the pilot.

In May 1940, for the first sortie of the Dunkirk evacuation Unwin wasn’t allocated an aircraft so
he boisterously complained until he was assured he would fly on day two. George wasn’t one to
back down from an argument nor was he afraid to speak his mind and this issue is what earned
him his nickname “Grumpy”.
In the sky over Dunkirk, George scored 5 victories and 2 probables.
After only one month with No. 266 Squadron, Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H arrived at No. 19
Squadron on September 13, 1940. It was assigned to George “Grumpy” Unwin and over the
next fourteen days he proceeded to shoot down 4 Bf-109Es. On September 27, 1940 Spitfire
Mk1A X4179/QV-H was re-assigned to No. 609 Squadron. The aircraft was written off October
24, 1943 when the engine failed on take off and made a belly landing and flipped over.

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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