VegasAWACER13
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2025
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- 435
So this build was the second piece of my Battle of Britain 85th anniversary tribute. I thought I might share the history of the two actual aircraft. The 109 is in the markings of III Group/Fighter Wing 26, and was flown by Luftwaffe ace—and then Major—Adolf Galland. He later became Luftwaffe General of Fighters.
The Spitfire Mk Ia, P9323 of 222 Squadron at RAF Duxford, was flown by then Flight Sergeant Arthur W.P. Spears, who was shot down in that aircraft in August 1940. He bailed out successfully and returned to the fight. In April 1941, Spears was shot down again, and in the process became Adolf Galland's 58th victim. Spears survived the encounter and the war, and retired with the rank of Squadron Leader. Galland went on to serve in the post-war German Air Force.
If I'd known the connection between the two pilots before the build, I might've chosen different markings! Having been shot down and survived twice, Spears was either very lucky or very unlucky…
The Spitfire Mk Ia, P9323 of 222 Squadron at RAF Duxford, was flown by then Flight Sergeant Arthur W.P. Spears, who was shot down in that aircraft in August 1940. He bailed out successfully and returned to the fight. In April 1941, Spears was shot down again, and in the process became Adolf Galland's 58th victim. Spears survived the encounter and the war, and retired with the rank of Squadron Leader. Galland went on to serve in the post-war German Air Force.
If I'd known the connection between the two pilots before the build, I might've chosen different markings! Having been shot down and survived twice, Spears was either very lucky or very unlucky…
