Strana 69
P9386, S/Ldr Brian J. Lane, CO of No. 19 Squadron, RAF Fowlmere,
United Kingdom, September 1940
X4253, P/O Wilfrid G. Duncan Smith, No. 611 Squadron, RAF Hornchurch,
United Kingdom, February 1941
Spitfire P9386 arrived from No.7 OTU at
Fowlmere as a replacement aircraft for the
problem plagued, cannon armed Spitfire Mk.Ib
on September 3, 1940. The yellow spinner
appears to be the remnant of the OTU’s markings.
This aircraft is an example of the final Battle
of Britain camouflage and marking practice,
with the small diameter version of the bottom
surface roundels located near the wing tips.
No stenciling is seen on the bottom surfaces.
Note the aerial wire between the antenna mast
and the fin. The IFF device is not yet carried.
No hot air gun heating system under the wing tips
could be seen, so it is possible that an electrical
gun heating system was installed. Although the
aircraft is referred to as being ‘somewhat poorly
maintained’, it is also mentioned as a favorite
of two famous members of No. 19 Squadron,
F/Lt Walter Lawson and S/Ldr Brian Lane,
who claimed a Stab II./ZG 2 Bf 110 on September
7, and another two Bf 110s on September 11,
while Lawson claimed a Bf 110 on September 9,
1940.
This Spitfire Mk.Ia, serialled X4253, illustrates
the camouflage scheme and markings of Fighter
Command aircraft in late 1940 and early 1941.
The black painted (Night) left wing was ordered
by the Air Ministry on November 27, 1940. The left
wing roundel was then appropriately outlined
in yellow. To improve recognition of friendly
aircraft, an 18-inch wide Sky Blue fuselage band
was added ahead of the tail, and the spinner
was painted in the same colour. This paint was
usually a little bit bluer than the standard under
surface Sky. Some sources name this colour “Air
Ministry Blue”. This aircraft was equipped with
the new VHF TR.1133 radio and, as such, there
is no aerial wire between the antenna mast and
the fin tip. The R.3002 IFF device was carried,
indicated by the two associated aerial wires
stretching between the fuselage sides and
the leading edges of the horizontal tail. Note
the external rearview mirror, and the armor
plating behind the pilot´s head was installed.
This aircraft was flown by future ace P/O Wilfrid
G. Duncan Smith, who joined No. 611 Squadron at
RAF Hornchurch in October 1940 with the rank
of Pilot Officer.
KITS 11/2025
INFO Eduard
69
November 2025