Spitfire MK.1No. 19 Squadron, Flt. Sgt. G. Unwin. September 1940 HA7811 1:48

Hobby Master Diecast scale models 1/48 Air Power Series Spitfire MK.1No. 19 Squadron,Sqn. Flt. Sgt. G. Unwin. September 1940 Item: HA7811 (Squadron set with HA7810 and HA7812) 1:48 Scale The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938 at Duxford, Cambridge. At the beginning of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1’s with two others converting to the new aircraft. By June 1940 the Mk.1 was being replaced by the faster long-range Mk.II but not before the Mk.I had bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. The Mk.I also flew protective cover over the evacuation of Dunkirk. The Mk.1A had 8 machine guns instead 4, a bulged canopy, a 3-blade propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind the pilot. Brian “Sandy” Lane flew with the No. 19 Squadron during the Dunkirk evacuation and was awarded a DFC. On September 7, 1940 Lane shot down a Bf-110 while flying P9386/QV-K and on the 9th and 11th claimed a Bf-110 and a He-111 while being flown by Flt. Lt. Peter Lawson. Later that month Lane was promoted to Squadron Leader. The aircraft was transferred and eventually was destroyed in an accident in 1944. On December 13, 1942 Lane pursued 2 Fw-190s and was never seen again.