I can hardly tell one Spit from another. I researched them all based on Serial Numbers or Squadron Codes. Should have known it was a Mk VIII from the bigger Vertical Stabilizer.
wrongway
VIII and XVI were fitted with the broad chord rudder (bigger vertical stabiliser) from the start, the later LF IXs were also fitted with it.
So it's not a definate pointer to it only being a Mk VIII.
Only the VIII, XII and XIV had retractible tailwheels.
So had to be one of them.
Wasn't a XIV - didn't have 5 blade prop.
Wasn't an XII - Only home units flew the XII.
Had to be a very unusually clipped VIII.