The Supermarine Spitfire was a single-seater fighter plane, one of the most important aircraft of the Second World War (1939-45). Employed by the Royal Air Force in such crucial encounters as the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940, the Spitfire gained legendary status thanks to its graceful lines and superlative manoeuvrability.
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Definition
Timeline
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Jan 1935The Supermarine Spitfire prototype is built.
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Mar 1936First test flight of a Supermarine Spitfire.
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May 1938The first operational Supermarine Sptifires are built.
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Jul 1938The first RAF Spitfire squadron is formed: No. 19 Squadron based at Duxford.
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May 1940 - Jun 1940Spitfires are involved in the Dunkirk evacuation.
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10 Jul 1940 - 31 Oct 1940The Battle of Britain (official Air Ministry dates).
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1954The RAF's last operational Supermarine Spitfires are withdrawn from service.
