Originally posted by Squire
There were no Spitfire Vs flying front-line in either ADGB (Fighter Command) or 2nd Tac in 1944.
There were a small # of squadrons equipped with Spit L.F. Vbs which are not the same thing. Merlin 50M engines, clipped wings and +18 lbs boost and they did 338 mph at 2000 ft. and 350mph at 6000 ft. which was max throttle alt.
The following units used them over Normandy in June 1944 with ADGB 11 Group: 234, 345, 350 and 501 Sqns.
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Spitfire Vb from spring 1941
Spitfire Vc from fall 1941
Spitfire L.F. Vb from spring 1943
All with clipped or standard wings. "Spitfire V" is not generic, any more than "Bf 109G" is. Their service in NW Europe, Med, Malta, Australia and SE Asia were at different times with different varients.
Spitfire historian Peter Arnold posted some photos he got from a 501 pilot who was flying Spit Vs on D-Day. Here's one of them. Note the full span wing, multiple ejector exhausts, external windscreen and B wing.
An interesting mix in an LF V
Dan/CorkyJr
