This year commemorates the 70^thAnniversary of the Battle of Britain. To recognise this significant anniversary, a Mark IV Supermarine Spitfire, owned by the Imperial War Museum, has been converted into a Mark 1 aircraft with the assistance of British sportscar manufacturer Lotus Cars Ltd, Norfolk and repainted in 41 (F) Squadron colours by Vintage Fabrics Ltd, Essex.

The Battle of Britain began on 10^thJuly 1940 and ended on 31^stOctober the same year. Over 2,900 British, Commonwealth and Allied aircrew took part in the Battle, one in three of these men was either killed or wounded. The aircrew effort was assisted significantly by the work Bomber Command and the availability of radar as well as the skill and efforts of the ground crew, observers, plotters and commanders in Operations Headquarters. The bravery and sacrifice of these individuals has secured us our freedom today.

Source and photo: RAF