Spitfire: The iconic Fighter by Dilip Sarkar - Special Edition

Spitfire: The Iconic Fighter in Unique Photographs by Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS FRAeS (Author) Special Edition. The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic fighters of all time. First flown just before the Second World War, interest in this remarkable aircraft endures. Intended as a close-range interceptor, the Spitfire actually performed in roles that had never been envisaged by its designer, R.J. Mitchell. This included being operated as a long-range bomber escort fighter, fighter-bomber, night-fighter, or photographic reconnaissance aircraft; there was even a naval version, the Seafire, that was flown from aircraft carriers. The Spitfire flew and fought on every front, in every theatre – even on the Eastern Front where examples of the Mk.Vb, supplied to the Russians under Lend-Lease, were operated by the Soviet Air Force. The battle honours that could be applied to the Spitfire cover every major battle and campaign of the Second World War, from the Battle of Britain to the fighting in the Western Desert and jungles of Burma. Furthermore, the Spitfire was operated by many other countries, including the United States. Developed through twenty-four variants, the Spitfire remained in service with many air forces long after 1945. Little wonder, then, that the fascination in R.J. Mitchell’s little fighter is not only durable, but global. Countless photographs have been taken of the Spitfire, including innumerable high-quality press photographs. During the Second World War, however, private photography on service installations was prohibited – but, nevertheless, some personnel, aircrew and groundcrew alike, took furtive snapshots. Forming the basis of this book, these amateur images providing us with an authentic and candid window on the past. Drawing on a unique collection of rare archive images, the renowned aviation historian Dilip Sarkar MBE, RHistS, FRAeS, explores the history of the Spitfire from its inception and first flight in 1936, through its introduction to service and then its service to the Allied nations throughout the Second World War. This Special Edition contains a mounted "Veterans" bookplate which was personally signed by the following distinguished RAF Fighter pilots, including Battle of Britain veterans, who flew operational sorties in the Spitfire during World War Two; Flight Lieutenant Niel Kerr Wing Commander Peter Ayerst DFC Flight Lieutenant Ron Farmborough Flight Lieutenant Stan Colley Warrant Officer David Denchfield Wing Commander Tom Neil DFC & Bar, AFC, AE Wing Commander Bob Doe DSO, DFC & Bar Group Captain Billy Drake DSO, DFC, DFC (US) Hardback, 1st Edition 2025 Edition of 20

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