AA99189 - Spitfire Mk.I - X4330, QJ-G, 616 Sqn, Sept.1940/Spitfire Mk.Vb - EP254, DW-B, 610 Sqn (Consign) (SH)

The most famous and most successful Spitfire ace of WWII was undoubtedly Johnnie Johnson, remarkable also as one of the few to fly all three of the most recognized of Spitfire variants. Air Vice Marshal James Edgar Johnnie Johnson CB, CBE, DSO and two Bars, DFC and Bar (March 9, 1915January 30, 2001) was an RAF pilot who during WWII shot down 38 Luftwaffe aircraft, thus becoming the British flying ace with the most kills during the war. Presented here on a plinth to celebrate the 70th anniversary of his famous mount, it was the MkIX which saw him at his most successful, but both the earlier Mark I and Mark VB were also part of the legend.