Spitfire Mk I No.19 Sqn, George Unwin, RAF Duxford, Battle of Britain, September 1940

Product description

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 propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind 
propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind the pilot.

In May 1940, for the first sortie of the Dunkirk evacuation Unwin wasn’t allocated an aircraft so he boisterously complained until he was assured he would fly on day two. George wasn’t one to back down from an argument nor was he afraid to speak his mind and this issue is what earned him his nickname “Grumpy”.
In the sky over Dunkirk, George scored 5 victories and 2 probables.
After only one month with No. 266 Squadron, Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H arrived at No. 19 Squadron on September 13, 1940. It was assigned to George “Grumpy” Unwin and over the next fourteen days he proceeded to shoot down 4 Bf-109Es. On September 27, 1940 Spitfire Mk1A X4179/QV-H was re-assigned to No. 609 Squadron. The aircraft was written off October 24, 1943 when the engine failed on take off and made a belly landing and flipped over.