AA38705 -- Spitfire F.MkXIVe (clipped wing) RN135, YB-A, Sqn. Ldr. James 'Ginger' Lacey, OC No. 17 Sqn RAF, Seletar, Singapore, late 1945

Squadron leader James Harry Lacey was one of the RAF’s leading fighter pilots of the Second World War with 28 aircraft destroyed, 4 probables and 9 damaged. 'Ginger' Lacey experienced his first aerial combat with 501 Sqn in France during May 1940 and was awarded the 'Croix de Guerre' for his 5 victories.

In June 1940, 501 Sqn were in the thick of the Battle of Britain with Lacey becoming one of the highest scoring RAF pilots with 18 victories. He was awarded the DFM on August 23rd 1940 and on November 26th, 1940, Lacey received a Bar to the DFM for his continuous and outstanding courage and bravery.

Following various postings within the RAF during 1941-42, Lacey was posted to 20 Sqn based at Kaylan, India in March 1943 before joining 1572 Gunnery Flight in July. Lacey remained in India, taking command of 155 Sqn in November 1944, and 17 Sqn later that month. RN135/TB-A, is the 'clipped wing' version of the Spitfire XIV flown by Squadron Leader Lacey while Commanding Officer of 17 Sqn, based at Seletar, Singapore in late 1945.

Scale 1:72

Limited Edition