The Supermarine Spitfire, the only British fighter to be manufactured before, during and after the Second World War, was designed as a short-range fighter capable of defending Britain from bomber attack[1] and achieved legendary status fulfilling this role during the Battle of Britain.[2] According to fighter ace J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson it was the best conventional defensive fighter of the war.[3]
The fighter evolved into a multi-role aircraft capable of operating in different environments.[4] For example, the Spitfire was a pioneer in the role of the unarmed, photo reconnaissance (P.R.) aircraft that relied on high speed and high altitude to avoid detection and attack.[5]
Post-war the Spitfire was to continue to serve as a front line fighter and in secondary roles for several air forces well into the 1950s.[6] The last offensive sorties made by RAF Spitfires were flown by 60 Squadron Mk XVIIIs over Malaya on 1 January 1951.[7]