Originally posted by DweebFire
The Spitfire XII was the first variant of Spitfire to enter service with the new Griffon engine of 37.5 cubic litres of displacement as opposed to the Merlin's 27.5 cubic L. The new engine could make as much horsepower on take-off as some production Merlin's maximum power output. If you look carefully, the Mk.XII is the only Griffon-nosed variant with a magneto bulge on the front along with a four blade prop, and some Mk.XII's converted from Mk.V frames have taiwheels. Some Mk.XII's were converted from VIII frames. None have the Mk.XIV fin, though they all have the tall-chord rudder.
I think most Mk. XII's were powered by the Griffon IIB which wasn't all that great. Later Mk.XII's were powered by the Griffon VI which was better.
Jeez, I'm slipping. Someone mentioned the XII and I missed it.
Prototype XII DP845 was powered by a Griffon IIB
Production Spit XIIs were powered by the Griffon III and IV
EN serialed birds were in the main converted from the Spitfire Vc and had the fixed tail wheel. MB serialed birds were in the main converted from Spit VIII and have retractable tail wheels although at least one MB794 has a fixed tail wheel.
They flew with 41 and 91 squadrons starting in February 43 when 41 converted to them. 91 followed shortly afterwards. They were pushed into service to counter the tip and run raiders on the south coast of England. In this role they did quite well, essentially stopping the raids after knocking down 5 190s attempting to bomb Folkstone on May 25, 1943.
They went on the offensive end, escorting RAF and USAAF medium bombers in the summer of 43 as well as flying Fighter Sweeps. Teamed together, 91 and 41 formed the Tangmere Wing in the Fall of 43 and were the high scoring Wing during that time as the XII was more then a match for the 109s and 190s they ran into.
Their best day was October 20, 1943 when the Wing claimed 9 109s and 190s for no loss.
The Spit XII always operated with at least a 30 gallon DT as it did burn more fuel. Early on during a couple of recce runs along the French coast, Spit XIIs were interecepted by 190s and outran them, despite the pilots forgetting to lose the DT. Later in the Summer of 44 they were carrying 90 gallon DTs on escorts.
91 Squadron converted to the XIV in the Spring of 44 while 41 kept going with the XII through the summer of 44 and the V-1 raids where the XII was used on "Anti-Diver" patrols, doing well knocking down V-1s. It's last encounter with the LW was in September 44 when Terry Spencer and Pat Coleman each knocked down 190s over Holland.
I spent much of the 80s and into the 90s corresponding with Spit XII pilots and researching that particular Spit so it's kinda close to my heart
Prize of my aviation collection is the logbook of a Spit XII pilot who flew with both 41 and 91 Squadrons.
I'd love to have one in AH. I'd have to give up the 38G of course for my first love
Dweebfire the Seafire XV was powered by the Griffon VI not the XII
B3YT, 2 Squadron was an SAAF squadron flying Spitfire Vcs. They didn't use the 4 cannon untl later in 44-45 when the air to air threat was minimal.
the 8 303 armament was only the early Spitfire Va. Despite the ability to fit 8 303s to a Universal wing, it was never done in practice.
I wouldn't ever want a 4 cannon Spitfire in AH unless they ever decide to model the Spit 21 which had 4 cannon standard.
It was just never used in any kind of numbers to justify it, and a 4 cannon Spitfire in AH would not be used for ground attack.
And trust me I love Spits, but gotta keep the game over all in mind too.
And just to name drop a little bit
The pilot flying MB882, the last production Spit XII in the photo below is F/L Clive Gosling. I was lucky enough to get to know Clive well during the 80s. I got my first letter from him on the day of my wedding, and I'd be lying if I said it was a toss up as to which was more exciting for me
He flew Spits in the B of B with 266 squadron, flew on the first sweeps over France with 72 Squadron and then was sent to Supermarine as a Service Test Pilot where he did much of the XII test flying. Talk about a gold mine of info. The photo was taken October 14, 1943. Clive later returned to operations in the summer of 44 with 616 squadron flying Spitfire VIIs then Meteors. He also became the first service pilot to fly a captured 262 when he and his CO were sent to Fassberg to bring back a couple of them.
I got to meet Clive in 86 and shared a meal and raised a glass with him at the RAF club.
