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James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson was the top RAF Ace to survive WWII with 38 kills. In early July 1944 Gp. Capt. Johnson was placed in charge of the Canadian Spitfire Wing No. 127, 2nd TAF (Tactical Air Force) comprised of 404, 441 and 442 Squadrons of the RCAF. Being a Wing Leader he was able to use his own initials instead of the unit code. Johnson also held the record of never being shot down and only having one German shell hit his plane throughout the entire war.
The Mk XIV was the most notable of the Spitfire family. Originally it was based on a strengthened Mk VIII airframe so a 2,035 hp Griffon 65 engine could be used. The Griffon came with a two-stage supercharger and a 5 bladed propeller. The fin area and rudder were enlarged and the overall fuselage length was increased. The new Griffon engine surprised some test pilots because it rotated in the opposite direction of the Merlin engine. The E winged variant allowed for improved armament. |