The two finalists are London's Spitfires and the Philadelphia Fusion.
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In the skies overhead, Hardy is leading a three-plane sortie of Spitfires.
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You might see only Dunkirk boats and lines in the air carved by ghostly Spitfires.
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The Windsor Spitfires ended up taking the day at 4-3, with Timpano making 18 saves.
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She alone ferried 23 Spitfires and 22 other kinds of aircraft to airfields during the war.
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At the Military Aviation Museum, you can view Super Hornet fighter jets, Spitfires and other wartime aircraft.
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His journey as a coach truly began when he purchased the Windsor Spitfires of the Junior Hockey League.
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In 11 years as owner, the Spitfires won three championships, two of which featured Boughner behind the bench.
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Spitfires and talk of Britain's finest hour made a rhetorical comeback in the UKIP campaign to leave Europe.
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Tim Walker's fashion photography, with flaming Spitfires to prowling leopards, is going on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
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He flew Spitfires into the black heart of cumulonimbus clouds to discover why aircraft often emerged from them in bits.
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The decision to allow women to fly Spitfires and bombers during the war was met with widespread resistance in Britain.
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High tech in this instance doesn't mean CGI and green screens, but actual RAF Spitfires made available to Nolan and his crew.
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GKN supplies parts to carmakers such as Volkswagen, components to aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon and produced Spitfires during the Second World War.
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He stayed overseas for a year before coming to North America to play out his last year of junior eligibility with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.
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Near Swindon in the south-west of England, on a site where Spitfires were made in wartime, Honda operates two cavernous warehouses that Brexit could overwhelm.
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Though the pint-sized protagonists of our childhood could have definitely presented more in the way of diversity, we're grateful to have grown up with these brainiacs, spitfires, and provocateurs.
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He has represented Canada in four top-level tournaments, and he and Henrique helped the Windsor Spitfires win the 2009 and 2010 Memorial Cup, earned by the Canadian junior champion.
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"She wasn't one of those girls who seemed to be everywhere, hands on hips, those girls who were described in certain movies and books as being 'spitfires,' or, later on, 'kickass,' " Wolitzer writes.
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But while planes flit by the screen like speedy insects in 1940s-era films, in Dunkirk, a solid third of the story is devoted to observing the movement and interior experience of fighters, namely RAF Spitfires.
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One filled with day trips to Dunstable, Spitfires roaring in the sky, Lyons Corner Houses and no bloody immigrants coming over here from Poland, mending our bathrooms and picking the fruit in our fertile British fields.
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LONDON (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth and senior royals watched almost 100 aircraft, from World War Two Spitfires to the newest stealth fighter jet fly over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday in a celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of Britain's Royal Air Force.
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On a gluepot of a pitch at their 271,251-capacity Ten Acres ground, the part-timers who are nicknamed the Spitfires after the World War II plane that first flew from the local airfield, led through Dorian Dervite's own goal.
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As an anchor ended an evening news program by saying, "Theresa May says she intends to go back to Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal," the screen showed grainy images of World War II planes that appeared to be Spitfires.
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As a BBC anchor ended an evening news program by saying, "Theresa May says she intends to go back to Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal," the screen showed grainy images of World War II planes that appeared to be Spitfires.
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LONDON — Mary Ellis, a pioneering aviator and one of Britain's last surviving World War II female pilots, who overcame public disapproval to fly hundreds of Spitfires and heavy bombers to the front lines, died on Wednesday at her home on the Isle of Wight.
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"Peep's philosophies are no more profound than a great Instagram caption, and he can come off as a bit of an indignant kid, but it's easy to see why a new class of spitfires are using him as a talisman for their anxieties," Sheldon Pearce wrote for Pitchfork.
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The Spitfires play their home games at the WFCU Centre, an arena located on the east end of Windsor. The WFCU Centre played host to its first Spitfires game on December 11, 2008 against the Belleville Bulls. The Spitfires lost the game 4-0, which also broke a string of 12 home wins the Spitfires had amassed so far that season. The Spitfires previously played at Windsor Arena, built in 1924 in downtown Windsor, Ontario.
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The Windsor Compuware Spitfires were sold by Peter Karmanos to local construction magnate Steve Riolo during the off-season, and reverted back to their original team name, the Windsor Spitfires. The Spitfires introduced a new logo and colour scheme.
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No. 12 Group RAF could field 85 Spitfires and 109 Hurricanes. Should No. 10 Group RAF come into the battle, a further 48 Spitfires and 78 Hurricanes could be committed. Compared with 17 August, there were just 22 fewer Spitfires and Hurricanes.Price 1990, p. 14.
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These Spitfires were used a few times in April and May 1943 but were withdrawn from service by August. They were the first pressurised PR Spitfires.
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In the sky over Luqa, they clashed with seven Spitfires. Niclot and his wingman shot down the Spitfire of Flt. Sgt. D. Ferraby from Squadron 249 (AB500). Niclot's last air victory was a double "kill": two Spitfires downed on 13 July 1942. On 27 July 1942, Doglio was leading three others Macchi, on the coast of Gozo. Six Spitfires of 126 Sq. attacked them head-on, while eight other Spitfires of the 249 Sq. attacked from left ("10 hour direction"). Niclot was preparing to counter-attack the Spitfires or 126 Sq. when his wingman, Sergente Ennio Tarantola, tried to warn his commander, waggling his wings, as Italian radios worked badly, of the Spitfires diving on them from the left, but Niclot understood that Tarantola was warning him of the Spitfires he had already spotted.
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On 2 September 1940, he increased his total to 13 aerial victories, claiming two Spitfires, on a mission against the Hornchurch airfield. No Spitfires were lost in the battle over Hornchrch though two Spitfires belonging to No. 222 Squadron were damaged. Three day later, Detling airfield was the target, and Ihlefeld again claimed two Spitfires shot down. On 6 September, I.(J)/LG 2 escorted Erprobungsgruppe 210 to various airfields in the greater London area.
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The Windsor Spitfires were bought by Peter Karmanos, the founder and CEO of Compuware in 1984 and were renamed as the Windsor Compuware Spitfires beginning in the 1984-85 season.
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However, on 16 April 13 Spitfires ran into a large formation of Axis aircraft. The Spitfires shot down seven SM.82s and a Bf 109 for the loss of two. German fighters claimed three Spitfires. One of the two confirmed victims was Wing Commander Ian "Widge" Gleed of No. 244 Wing RAF.
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No. 43 Squadron suffered one damaged Hurricane; 152 Squadron two damaged Spitfires; No. 601 Squadron lost two Hurricanes; No. 602 Squadron lost three Spitfires and one damaged.Mason 1969, pp. 280–282.
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The Spitfires were granted entry into the OMJHL (later known as the OHL) as an expansion franchise for the 1975–76 OMJHL season in February 1975. The league's board of governors unanimously accepted the Spitfires despite their arena's surface being smaller than Major Junior A standards. The Spitfires' had pumped $200,000 into the arena over the past two years, so the league overlooked the surface size despite taking issue with it in their 1974 rejection of the Spitfires' expansion bid.
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In the post-season, the Spitfires defeated the Erie Otters in seven games in the Western Conference quarter-finals. In the Western Conference semi-finals, the Spitfires upset the Saginaw Spirit, as the club reached the Western Conference finals for the third consecutive season. In the conference finals against the Owen Sound Attack, the Spitfires lost in five games. Bob Boughner returned to the Spitfires in 2011-12 as head coach, as Smith remained with the club as an assistant.
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Spitfires last saw air- to air combat during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when, in a strange twist, Israeli Air Force (IAF) Spitfires flown by former RAF pilots such as Ezer Weizman engaged Egyptian Spitfires and Royal Air Force Spitfires, the only recorded "Spitfire vs Spitfire" combats.Delve 2007, p. 161. A total of 59 Spitfire Mk IXs had been purchased by Israel in a controversial overseas transaction from Czechoslovakia, while 37 Mk IXs had been purchased by Egypt from retired RAF stocks.McKinstry 2007, p. 377.
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During the 1992–93 season, Swindon Spitfires had been in protracted negotiations with Swindon Town over a merger with the men's English Football League club. The Spitfires' first team manager Kerri Garwood unexpectedly made a unilateral agreement with Swindon Town to form their new women's team, taking most of the Spitfires' squad with her. This left Swindon Spitfires with only five players. Although they managed to attract new players and survive, a degree of enmity remained and developed into a longstanding rivalry between the clubs.
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In the resulting air battle No. 457 Squadron shot down one fighter and claimed another two "probables", but lost two Spitfires. Overall, the RAAF suffered 14 Spitfires destroyed or damaged while claiming only six "kills", and the operation was not considered a success. Seven days later No. 457 Squadron deployed a detachment of six Spitfires to Milingimbi Island after the island's airfield was attacked. This detachment intercepted Japanese raids on 10 and 28 May, shooting down two Zeros and two Bettys for the loss of three Spitfires.
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Few, if any, Spitfires "C" Spitfires were built with the eight .303 Browning "A" armament configuration, which was viewed as obsolete by the time the Mk V went into combat. The "C" type wing was the first which could accommodate an all-cannon armament of four 20mm Hispanos; thus the "C" designation is popularly reserved for four-cannon Spitfires (i.e. F.Mk Vc).
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CKLW is the current flagship radio station of the Spitfires. It had been a longtime broadcaster of the Spitfires, but dropped the team in the 2002-03 season. After two seasons without a radio broadcaster at all, CKUE-FM picked up the Spitfires for the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons, before the team returned to CKLW beginning in the 2006-07 season. Games on CKLW are commentated by Mike Miller and Frank Dayus IV. On television, Spitfires games are broadcast by YourTV Windsor, a community channel carried on Cogeco's cable system in Windsor.
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Whilst in the United Kingdom, she loaded some Supermarine Spitfire fighters and returned to Gibraltar on 24 February. There, the ship transferred the Spitfires to Eagle and embarked nine Fairey Fulmar fighters of 807 Squadron. The plan for Operation Spotter I was for Argus to provide fighter cover for Eagle as she flew off the Spitfires for Malta, but the operation had to be cancelled when the long-range fuel tanks of the Spitfires proved defective. The problems were not rectified until 7March, when the 15 Spitfires were successfully flown off.
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Only two 54 Squadron Spitfires were lost in the late-morning early afternoon battle. Galland's claim matches the loss of a Spitfire piloted by Sergeant N. A Lawrence who was rescued with severe shock. In the afternoon of that same day, Galland claimed two more Spitfires from 64 Squadron. JG 26 claimed eight of the unit's Spitfires which were all officially "confirmed" by the Germans.
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The 1968 Mark IV Spitfire was the last year of the 'Mark' Spitfires made. Amal's Concentric carburetors were combined with twin- leading-shoe front brakes and independently adjustable Lucas ignition points for easier starting and tuning. Engine power output was increased to . A total of 1291 true 1968 model year Spitfires were produced, not counting the 478 'hybrid' 1968 Spitfires that have 1967 style numbers.
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In May, the Spitfires traveled to Brandon, Manitoba for the 2010 Memorial Cup. The Spitfires trampled the host Brandon Wheat Kings 9-3 in their first game of the tournament and, in their second game, scored a convincing 6-2 win over the Western Hockey League champion Calgary Hitmen. With their victory over the Hitmen, the Spitfires clinched a berth in the Memorial Cup final.
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Although Spitfires continued to be used on night patrols, the Luftwaffe bombers learned to fly well above the altitudes at which they could be effectively picked up by searchlights and the Spitfires were never to achieve the same success.
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One made it back to base where the crippled fighter crash-landed. One JG 3 and one JG 26 Bf 109 fell to Spitfires of 266 Squadron. Three fell to Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron.Mason 1969, pp. 283–284.
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Near Ambleteuse five Bf 109Fs were sighted one thousand feet above and in front travelling past the Spitfires. The German fighters shadowed the flight before three detached and dived to attack, curving in from behind. The Spitfires turned into them.
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In the months that followed, some 275 Mk Vb and Vc Spitfires were delivered to the beleaguered island, with the Americans providing help by allowing the USS Wasp to be used to fly two lots of Spitfires to the islands. Wooden wedges were used to allow the Spitfires to leave the carrier with partial "takeoff" flap settings. (Once the aircraft had gained altitude, the pilot would open the flaps fully, the wedges would fall out and the flaps could then be closed.) In "Operation Calendar" on 20 April 1942, 47 Spitfires and pilots of 601 and 603 Squadrons flew from Wasp to Malta.Cull 2005, pp. 56–58. In "Operation Bowery" on 9 May 1942, another 50 Spitfires flew from Wasp and 14 from Eagle.
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Windsor Spitfires News Releases On June 29, 2010, he died from a heart attack.
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Domenic Papa previously hosted and provided colour commentary for Spitfires games, alongside Bill Kelso on play-by-play and Brian Trenholm with analysis. However, in August 2012, TVCogeco announced that the long-time crew would be replaced for the 2012-13 season. The move to fire the Spitfires' long-time broadcast team was met with backlash and protests from Spitfires fans and other members of Windsor's sports community. The current team consists of host Angelo Aversa, CKSY-FM morning show and former London Knights studio host Chris McLeod on play-by-play, and former Spitfires player Todd Warriner on colour.
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10 Group dispatched one Squadron each from Middle Wallop, Exeter and Warmwell, and one each from Tangmere and RAF Westhampnett. The RAF order of battle included; nine Hurricanes of 43 Squadron RAF, led by Carey patrolling Thorney Island; 602 protected Westhampnett with 12 Spitfires; 152 and 11 Spitfires patrolled Portsmouth air space; 234 Squadron with 11 Spitfires over the Isles of Wight to engage the attackers; 213 with 12 Hurricanes which were to move 80 miles eastward from Exeter and patrol St. Catherine's Point. Finally, 609 Squadron and 12 Spitfires remained in reserve around Middle Wallop to meet any unexpected German moves.
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In the 2016–17 season, on October 19, 2016, Day was acquired by Memorial Cup hosts, the Windsor Spitfires from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for draft picks. Gearing towards the playoffs with the Spitfires, on March 8, 2017, Day agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. He would win the Memorial Cup with the Spitfires later that season. In the 2017–18 season, on January 1, 2018, Day along with Gabriel Vilardi were traded by the Spitfires to the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for Cody Morgan and six draft picks.
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Again, Wasp proceeded unmolested. This time, the British carrier accompanied Wasp, and she, too, carried a contingent of Spitfires bound for Malta. The Spitfires for Eagle had been loaded at Greenock, James Watt Dock, from lighters. This was the start of Operation Bowery.
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Staffel intercepted the Spitfires and claimed three Spitfires shot down, including two by Bühligen, without loss. On 2 February, Bühligen became an "ace-in-a-day", claiming three P-40s, a Spitfire and a Bell P-39 Airacobra in combat near Kairouan.
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It is possible a further three were shot down by Spitfires, or perhaps ground fire. Two Spitfires were shot down and destroyed, with two more damaged. One pilot of each squadron (308 and 317) was killed. The total Spitfire losses were perhaps 32.
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On 20 April, with Wasps Grumman F4F Wildcats providing air cover, 48 Spitfires flew off.
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Hubbard, Ben. Gladiators: From Spartacus to Spitfires. Canary Press (August 15, 2011). Chapter: Pas D'armes.
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The Spitfires would go on to win their first of back-to-back Memorial Cups.
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Glancey 2006, p. 210. Some air forces retained Spitfires in service well into the 1960s.
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With the advent of the Mk IX, few Mk Vc Spitfires saw combat over Europe.
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From May 1941 metal ailerons were fitted to all Spitfires coming off the production lines.
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By that time she had flown 80 types of aircraft and had delivered 260 Spitfires.
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A well-known Australian actor, Charles "Bud" Tingwell, piloted Spitfires and Mosquitoes with the squadron.
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Brown, p. 268 The escorts reached Gibraltar on 17 June and did not make the next delivery of aircraft until 14 July when 32 Spitfires were flown off to Malta (Operation Pinpoint). During this time, the carrier's aircraft complement consisted solely of six Sea Hurricanes of 801 Squadron. Another 29 Spitfires as well as four Swordfish of 824 Squadron were loaded on 20 July and the Spitfires were flown off the following day.
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Mark Smith scored the eventual game winner for the Spitfires. Game seven saw the two teams return for a final showdown at the Windsor Arena. The Spitfires would take the game 6-3 in front of a capacity crowd of 5,189 fans. The victory, winning in seven games, was the Spitfires' first ever playoff series victory. Waiting for them, rested for the semi- final, was the first place Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters (39-13-8).
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In 1973–74 Swindon Spitfires reached the semi-final of the national FA Women's Cup (then known as the Mitre Challenge Trophy). In the quarter-final the Spitfires beat Brighton GPO 1–0. They lost the semi-final 2–0 to eventual Cup winners Foden's. In the third place play- off, staged as a curtain raiser to the final at Bedford Town, Swindon Spitfires faced a Westthorn United team containing Rose Reilly and Edna Neillis.
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Aloni, 2001, p. 22. Israeli soldiers on the ground, alerted by the sound of the approaching Spitfires and fearing another Egyptian air attack, opened fire with machine guns. One Spitfire was shot down by a tank- mounted machine gun, while the other was lightly damaged and rapidly pulled up. The remaining three Spitfires were then attacked by patrolling IAF Spitfires flown by Chalmers Goodlin and John McElroy, volunteers from the United States and Canada respectively.
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Including playoffs, Engelage won 64 games that season, while helping the Spitfires win the Memorial Cup.
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During the Battle of Britain he flew Spitfires with 234 Squadron out of RAF Middle Wallop.
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One of the RAF pilots was Geoff Cooper who was, in turn, later in the year shot down by the American pilot Chalmers Goodlin, flying an Israeli Mk IX.Glancey 2006, p. 131. On 21 October, IAF Spitfires shot down one Egyptian Spitfire and damaged two others. During this combat Jack Doyle, a Canadian pilot on the IAF's 101 Squadron, claimed the first ever aerial victory by the IAF. In the last aerial combat of the war, on 7 January 1949, two IAF Spitfires attacked four RAF Mk XVIII Spitfires of 208 Squadron after an earlier flight of RAF Spitfires had allegedly infringed Israel's southern border.
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Smith was drafted by the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League in the second round, 20th overall, in the 1994 OHL Draft Priority. Smith appeared in 61 games with the Spitfires during his rookie season in 1994-95, scoring four goals and 17 points, while accumulating 201 penalty minutes, the second most on the club. In 10 playoff games, Smith scored a goal and four points, as the Spitfires defeated the Sarnia Sting in the first round of the playoffs, before falling to the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL quarter-finals. Smith saw a big increase in his offensive production during his second season with the Spitfires in 1995-96.
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A total of 60–61 Allied aircraft were destroyed at Evere. A large number of transports were located there and attracted the attention of German pilots, which left many more Spitfires undamaged. Given the number of Spitfires on the field, the Canadian wing suffered "low" losses.
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The Germans lost 173 aircraft in the operations. The Allies moved to increase the number of Spitfires on the island. On 9 May, Wasp and Eagle delivered 64 more Spitfires (Operation Bowery). Malta now had five full Spitfire squadrons; No. 126, 185, 249, 601 and 603 Squadrons.
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Spitfires from No. 412 Squadron were attacking a bridge at Veen in the Netherlands when they came under attack by Fw 190s from II. Gruppe. In this encounter, Mayer claimed two Spitfires shot down north of Kirchhellen. Mayer was killed in action on 4 January 1945.
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After two straight Memorial Cups, the Summer of 2010 saw leading scorer Taylor Hall go first overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft to the Edmonton Oilers and Coach Bob Boughner accepted an assistant coaching job with the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets. The Spitfires have engaged in a massive overhaul involving many trades. During the exhibition season, the Spitfires hosted the Czech Under-20 National Team. The Spitfires came back to win the game 5-4.
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While the Spitfires of Fighter Command continued to be based in Britain, at the insistence of Air Vice Marshal Hugh Dowding, from late 1939 there were early photo-reconnaissance Spitfires of "No 2 Camouflage Unit" operating from Seclin in France, gathering photo-intelligence of German defences and cities.Price 2002, p. 95. Throughout the Second World War, photo- reconnaissance Spitfires kept up a constant flow of photographic intelligence, in a role far removed from that of short-range interceptor fighter.
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The Spitfires would surrender the next four games straight to the Maroons to end their season. The 1972-73 season, the Spitfires second season, finished with their first winning record - 30 wins, 21 losses, and 9 ties. Finishing third in a league of seven teams, the Spitfires drew the fourth place Niagara Falls Flyers (28-25-7) in the league quarter-final. The Spits dropped game one 6-4 in Niagara Falls, while in game two the Spits tied the series with a 6-4 win of their own at home. Back in Niagara, the Flyers shellacked the Spitfires 7-2 to take the series lead again. The fourth game was a disaster for the Spitfires, at home they blew a third period deadlock to lose 7-5 and fall behind in the series 3-games-to-1.
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Hall was instrumental in the Spitfires' 2010 J. Ross Robertson Cup championship, recording a playoff-leading 35 points in 19 playoff games. His teammate, Adam Henrique, won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award, scoring 20 goals. In May 2010, Hall helped lead the Spitfires to their second- straight Memorial Cup.
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The Gruppe flew three missions that day and claimed ten aerial victories, all of which over Spitfires, two of which were credited to Ihlefeld. Ihlefeld's first victory was claimed at 12:30 and the second at 17:00. Fighter Command lost five Spitfires and one damaged on 24 August.
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Over the next two days, he claimed four more Spitfires. By the end of September 1941, Oesau had claimed two more Spitfires. JG 2 participated in the Luftwaffe air cover of the Channel Dash. Two Boeing B-17C Flying Fortresses of No. 90 Squadron attacked the German battleships and .
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The wing leader was responsible for tactical command of the formation in the air.Cooper, Darwin Spitfires, p. 21 Minimal offensive air activity by the Japanese meant that No. 79 Squadron's Spitfires saw relatively little action; the wing's Kittyhawks, with their ground-attack capability, were heavily engaged. On 15 December, the day of the Allied landings at Arawe, No. 76 Squadron Kittyhawks patrolled above the beaches while the Spitfires remained at Kiriwina in case of strikes by Japanese raiders, though none came.
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Brad Hyatt led the Spitfires defense in scoring, as he had 24 goals and 88 points in 56 games. Darryl Shannon, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, scored 16 goals and 86 points in 60 games, and was awarded the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman. Peter Ing handled the Spitfires goaltending duties, as in 43 games, he posted a 3.10 GAA. The 1988 Memorial Cup was the first time in franchise history that the Spitfires qualified for the tournament.
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Smith joined the Windsor Spitfires as an assistant coach, working under newly hired head coach Moe Mantha. In 2005-06, the Spitfires finished the season with a 32-26-7 record, earning 71 points and seventh place in the Western Conference. In the post-season, Windsor lost in the Western Conference quarter-finals to the Plymouth Whalers. In 2006-07, the Spitfires replaced Mantha with Bob Boughner as the new head coach, as Smith remained with the club as an assistant.
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Fighter Command lost seven Hurricanes and two Spitfires destroyed. 43 Squadron suffered no casualties.Mason 1969, p. 230–236.
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In the resulting combat, three Bf 109s were shot down. II./JG 27 were positioned too far away to help their charges, Ju 87s from StG 77\. III./JG 27 claimed four Spitfires from 602 Squadron destroyed. Spitfires from No. 234 and Hurricanes from 213 Squadron each destroyed one Bf 109\.
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Various squadrons equipped with Spitfires, Hurricanes, Blenheims and Beaufighters flew from the station. The airfield was closed in 1947.
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The modern Windsor Spitfires started as a Tier II Junior A team which played in the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League from 1971–1975. The Spitfires first game as a franchise was in Guelph, Ontario against the Guelph CMC's on October 1, 1971. The Spitfires lost the game 11-3, with Laurie Gregan scoring the first two goals in team history in the first period. Fifteen-year-old goaltender Larry Verlinde played the entire first game in team history, making 37 saves in the loss.
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After one season with the Columbus Blue Jackets as assistant coach, Bob Boughner returned to the Spitfires as head coach, with Bob Jones remaining on the staff as his assistant. On August 10, 2012, the Spitfires were fined an unprecedented $400,000 CAD by the Ontario Hockey League and forfeited five first round OHL Priority Draft picks in 2013, 2014, and 2016 and second round picks in 2015 and 2017 for unspecified recruitment violations. The Spitfires claimed innocence to the recruitment violations and plan to appeal the decision.
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The Spitfires lost to the Sharks in a close game who eventually went on to beat Bedford Tigers in the final. The Spitfires then applied to join the new South East Division of the Rugby League Conference and were accepted for 2009. At the start of 2009 the Spitfires entered the Cheltenham 9s finishing a respectable 6th out of 12 with one win over Lymm Wolves and two defeats. Their final pre-season friendly saw them go down 32-12 away to Guildford Giants.
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By August 1942, 163 Spitfires were on hand to defend Malta; 120 were serviceable. On 11 and 17 August and 24 October 1942, under the respective actions, Operation Bellows, Operation Baritone and Operation Train, HMS Furious brought another 85 Spitfires to Malta. Often, the Spitfires were asked to undertake flights of five and a half hours; this was achieved using 170-gallon ferry tanks. The ferry tanks, combined with a 29-gallon tank in the rear fuselage, brought the total tank capacity up to 284 gallons.
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Spitfires starred in the 2006 seven-minute short film/commercial Pilots produced by the Swiss-German watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen to promote its Big Pilot's Watch Collection. John Malkovich featured in the film. The more recent novel Band of Eagles (2007) by Frank Barnard featured Spitfires engaged in the defence of Malta in 1941. Two vintage Spitfires were used in the filming of the 2010 BBC television docu-drama First Light, based on the memoir of the same name by Second World War RAF pilot Geoffrey Wellum.
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The Biltmores had upset the second place Welland Sabres in the league quarter- final in five games and the third place Chatham Maroons 8-points-to-6 (3 wins, 2 losses, 2 ties) and were looking to shock the Spitfires too. The Biltmores had caused trouble for the Spitfires all season as their head-to-head record was 5 wins each and 2 ties in 12 matches. After a week layoff, the Spitfires were up against a hot opponent and were missing scoring champion John Tavella to a three-games suspension for butt-ending against Detroit. The Spits dropped the first game, at home, 6-5 after giving up a late 2-on-1 odd-man rush late in the third period. The next night, in Guelph, the Spitfires led 6-1 in the first and 8-4 in the second to blow the lead in the third and finish with a 9-9 overtime tie. The Spitfires tied up the series in game three with a 4-2 win in Windsor. In Guelph for game four, the Spitfires blew a first period 3-0 lead to lose 6-4.
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Deliveries were interrupted by the start of World War II and the Spitfires later served in the Royal Air Force.
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The former claimed five Spitfires and the latter two; Seifert being one of those pilots. Fighter Command reported two losses.
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The Spitfires retired his number 18 on September 25, 2008. Renaud was the son of former NHL defenceman, Mark Renaud.
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On 5 June he claimed three Spitfires downed over the Somme. On 31 July 1942 Pflanz was killed while engaging Spitfires of No. 121 Squadron over Berck-sur-Mer, France. Prior to being shot down and killed, he had destroyed one Spitfire. Pflanz is buried in the war cemetery at Bourdon, on the Somme.
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Even when fitted with drop tanks the Spitfires could not afford to fly too far from base without the danger of running out of fuel over water. As a result, when an incoming raid was detected, the Spitfires were forced to climb as fast as possible in an attempt to get into a favourable position.
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On February 18, Flames' prospect Mickey Renaud, a fifth round pick in the 2007 draft, collapsed and died at the age of 19 at his home in Tecumseh, Ontario. Renaud had been playing for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, and was the team's captain.Windsor Spitfires captain Renaud dies , tsn.ca, February 18, 2008.
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Fearing an imminent attack, Israeli ground troops opened fire on the British Spitfires, and shot down one with a tank-mounted machine gun. The remaining three Spitfires were subsequently shot down by Israeli planes, and two pilots were killed. Two of the surviving pilots were taken to Tel Aviv and interrogated, and were later released.
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They were attacked by a pair of Israeli Air Force Spitfires, resulting in three of the British planes being shot down. The Israeli Spitfires were flown by Mahal volunteers "Slick" Goodlin (USA) and John McElroy (Canada). Both were former US Army Air Forces and Royal Canadian Air Force pilots, veterans of World War II.
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Unice began his career playing two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (2005–07), before playing three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League playing with both the Kitchener Rangers and Windsor Spitfires (2007–09). While with the Spitfires, the team won the Ontario Hockey League Championship after the 2008-09 season.
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The Italians started to close in to the aircraft of Nos. 1, 92, 417, and 601 SAAF Squadrons, which were flying at low level, but were surprised by six Polish pilots of 145 Squadron flying high cover. These were joined by other Spitfires, and the 33 Macchis found themselves in combat with up to 60 Spitfires (mainly Mk VCs, and possibly Mk VIIIs and IXs). The Italian pilots claimed 15 victories (one by Maresciallo Baschirotto, who fired 500 rounds), with 14 Spitfires downed in the sea and another over African soil.
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The Original Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey Association played hockey from 1945 to 1953. The name Spitfires was chosen to honour the 417 Combat Support Squadron, a Royal Canadian Air Force squadron nicknamed "City of Windsor" established during World War II in England (today based at CFB Cold Lake in Alberta), and which used the Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft. During this period the Spitfires reached the league finals twice, and featured four future Hockey Hall of Fame players. Prior to 1945 local junior hockey was divided up into the 6-team Windsor Junior Hockey League.
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The Windsor Spitfires represented the Ontario Hockey League at the 1988 Memorial Cup. The Spitfires were the top team in the OHL during the 1987-88 season, as they had a record of 50-14-2, earning 102, and winning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for their achievement. The Spitfires scored a league high 396 goals, while the club allowed 215 goals, which ranked them second in the 15 team league. Windsor opened the playoffs with a four game sweep against the Kitchener Rangers during the Emms Division quarter-finals.
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The car was further developed and refined and eventually launched as the Triumph GT6 (dropping the "Spitfire" prefix) to emphasise its GT styling and its 6-cylinder engine. Contemporary Triumph marketing advertised the GT6 as being developed from the "race winning Le Mans Spitfires" to capitalize on their aesthetic similarities, whereas the Le Mans Spitfires and the GT6 were actually two entirely separate development programmes (the GT programme pre-dating the racing programme). However, the marketing spin was so successful that many people erroneously believed the Le Mans Spitfires to actually be GT6s.
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160–61 Another attempt to deliver the Albacores and more Spitfires was made during Operation LB. As usual, Argus provided the air cover with a dozen Fulmars from 807 Squadron and Eagle ferried the Albacores and 17 Spitfires to their take- off point for Malta on 19 May.Nailer, p. 162 The Spitfires were flown off successfully, but the engines of the Albacores all began to overheat and they were forced to return to the carrier. Examination of the aircraft revealed that their air coolers had been set to "Winter" rather than "Summer".
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All three Spitfires were shot down, and one pilot was killed. Two pilots were captured by Israeli soldiers and taken to Tel Aviv for interrogation, and were later released. Another was rescued by Bedouins and handed over to the Egyptian Army, which turned him over to the RAF. Later that day, four RAF Spitfires from the same squadron escorted by seven Hawker Tempests from No. 213 Squadron RAF and eight from No. 6 Squadron RAF went searching for the lost planes, and were attacked by four IAF Spitfires.
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Operation Lorry delivered parts and crew that were to service the Spitfires used for photo-reconnaissance in preparation for Operation Source.
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Later that month No. 79 Squadron joined the wing at Morotai.Odgers (1968), p. 396 This squadron had previously operated Spitfires in New Guinea and nearby islands before withdrawing to Darwin in January 1945 to receive Mark VIII Spitfires. The final ship carrying No. 80 Wing personnel and equipment from Darwin arrived at Morotai in early March.
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The long-range Spitfires and Mosquitoes could reach deep into German airspace, and photograph the Baltic Sea ports and monitor German surface ships. Flights of eight hours were not uncommon. One Spitfire reached Gdynia, searching for the German battleship Tirpitz. Tactics needed to vary to avoid Spitfires being intercepted by German patrols at heights of 30,000 ft.
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On 24 July 1940, almost 40 Bf 109s of III./JG 26 took off for operations over the English Channel—a phase of the battle known as the Kanalkampf. They were met by 12 54 Squadron Spitfires. The Spitfires forced the larger number of Bf 109s into a turning battle that ran down the Germans' fuel.
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At 15:45 on 13 March 1941, I.(J)/LG 2 combated Spitfires north of Cap Gris Nez and Ihlefeld again claimed one of his opponents shot down. His next two claims were submitted following combat over Hastings on 19 March. Two Spitfires shot down at 19:08 and 19:10 took his tally to 34 aerial victories.
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Utilising Supermarine Spitfires, the unit found that their camouflage and operating altitude allowed them remain virtually invisible to enemy defences and avoid interception. Additional fuel tanks on the Spitfires allowed missions to take place deep into enemy territory. Analysis of imagery was undertaken by the intelligence unit at nearby Ewelme Manor, a short distance from the station.
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On 30 June 1942, 72 Squadron and 133 Squadron moved in, equipped with Spitfires. Both squadrons departed on 12 July, but 133 Squadron returned on 17 August for five days. On 14 August, Spitfire-equipped 401 (RCAF) Squadron moved in, both in preparation for the Dieppe Raid. On 2 October, 65 Squadron moved in, equipped with Spitfires.
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118 Two Spitfires taking off from Darwin on 24 March 1943 The wing's next battle on 2 May 1943 led to controversy. On that day, 33 Spitfires intercepted a force of 27 Japanese fighters and 25 bombers after they attacked Darwin.Alexander (2006), pp. 120–121 No. 54 Squadron engaged the fighters while the other squadrons attacked the bombers.
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Supermarine Spitfires from 602 Squadron engaged Bf 109s from Jagdgeschwader 2. The British fighters could not stop the Ju 87s inflicting heavy damage on the airfield's buildings and facilities. The FUI lost three Bristol Blenheim night fighters and several damaged. Seven Hurricanes and several Spitfires were written off. 14 serviceman, six civilians were killed and 41 injured.
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Team White was coached by George Burnett of the Guelph Storm. His assistant coach was Trevor Letowski, who is the head coach of the Windsor Spitfires. Seven players from the OHL were named to the team. The players included were Brandon Coe of the North Bay Battalion; Will Cuylle, Windsor Spitfires; Tyson Foerster, Barrie Colts; Ryan O'Rourke, Sault Ste.
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To achieve commonality, the production made some modifications to "standardise" the Spitfires, including adding elliptical wingtips, period canopies and other changes. To classic aircraft fans, they became known as "Mark Haddies" (a play on Grp. Capt. Mahaddie's name). A pair of two-seat trainer Spitfires were camera platforms to achieve realistic aerial footage inside the battle scenes.
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The RAF had also been involved in the day's operations. No. 152 Squadron RAF sent 34 Spitfires to intercept 12 Ju 52s escorted by a handful of Bf 109s. Three Ju 52s were shot down for the loss of two Spitfires, both claimed by Wolfgang Tonne of I./JG 53. The German units reported no losses.Murawski 2009, p. 32.
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The Spitfires of No. 237 Squadron, meanwhile, took part in assaults on German transport in the Po Valley around Parma and Modena.
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The Aylmer Spitfires are a Canadian junior hockey team based in Aylmer, Ontario, Canada. They play in the Provincial Junior Hockey League.
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In the prevailing hot, humid climate this meant that the Merlin engines were often overheating even before combat was joined. The Spitfires were fitted with the Vokes tropical filters which reduced performance: in an attempt to increase performance the filters on several Spitfires were removed and replaced by the standard non-tropicalised air intake and lower engine cowlings which had been manufactured by the base workshops. The experiment proved to be a failure and the Spitfires were quickly refitted with the tropical filters. Two No. 79 Squadron RAAF Spitfire VCs and ground crew in April 1944 Many of the Australian and British airmen who flew in 1 Wing were experienced combat veterans, some of whom who had flown P-40s with the Desert Air Force in North Africa, while others had flown Spitfires over Europe.
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Curtiss P-40s, Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, Grumman Martlets and Supermarine Spitfires served in the Mediterranean to hinder Sparviero operations during the day.
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The Spitfires went 4–0 in the tournament, defeating Brandon 9–1 in the championship to claim their second straight Memorial Cup title.
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William Kimber, London 1988 at North Weald where he flew IX Spitfires. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 22 June 1948.
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However, the Otters would ultimately fall in the championship game to the Memorial Cup Tournament host Windsor Spitfires in the 2017 Memorial Cup.
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The Spitfires got the best of the Spirit in a 3-2 overtime win, with a hat trick performance by defenceman Sean Day.
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Southampton Spitfires are a rugby league team based in Netley Abbey. They play in the South East Division of the Rugby League Conference.
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A number of enthusiasts build "replica" Spitfires that will actually fly using a variety of engines relative to the size of the aircraft.
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McFarland joined the Windsor Spitfires to finish the 2004–05, following a mid-season trade from the Kitchener Rangers. On January 13, 2005, McFarland played in his first game with Windsor, as he scored a goal against Ryan Nie of the Plymouth Whalers in a 5–2 victory. In 26 games with the Spitfires, McFarland scored three goals and 11 points. On March 31, McFarland played in his first playoff game with the Spitfires, and earned his first career playoff point, as he assisted on the overtime winning goal scored by Steve Downie, in a 4–3 win over the Sault Ste.
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In early 1948, Cooper was stationed at Ramat David in Palestine with 208 Squadron when his base came under attack from a Spitfire of the Egyptian Air Force, destroying two British Spitfires on the ground. Just hours later an Egyptian patrol of three more Spitfires attacked again. In the subsequent fight, Cooper shot down one Spitfire, damaged another which a colleague then shot down, and a third was destroyed from the ground. In January 1949, while on patrol, Cooper was involved in a fight with Spitfires of the Israeli Air Force and forced to bail out inside Egyptian territory.
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On May 31, 2018, the Canucks signed DiPietro to a three-year entry-level contract. DiPietro began the 2018–19 season in the OHL after attending Canucks training camp. On October 28, after a 4–1 win over the Owen Sound Attack, DiPietro set a Spitfires franchise record for most wins in Spitfires history with his 79th. DiPietro started the 2018–19 season with the Spitfires, posting a .920 save percentage in 21 starts. On December 4, he was traded to the Ottawa 67's in exchange for Egor Afanaseyev and drafts picks ranging from 2019 to 2023.
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The Biltmores, defending National Champions, made short work of the Spitfires sweeping them in four games. Slater Koekkoek (December 2013) The 1973-74 season would prove to be the defining moment of the Spitfires stint in Tier II Junior A. Headed by new head coach and general manager Wayne Maxner, the Spitfires won the Southern Ontario Junior A regular season title with a record of 39 wins, 15 losses, and 8 ties. Their record would put them four points ahead of the second place Welland Sabres and automatically give them a berth into the league playoff semi-finals.
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They were at the Detroit Olympia for game two, another romp for Windsor as they won 8-0. Back in Windsor, the Spitfires won game three 9-2. At the Olympia for game four, the Red Wings attempted to stage some resistance, but the Spitfires were too much, winning 7-5. The four game sweep of the Red Wings allowed Windsor to rest up for the winner of the Chatham Maroons and Welland Sabres, a series just starting. On March 16, 1974, the Spitfires engaged long time foe Chatham Maroons at the Windsor Arena in the first game of the SOJHL Final.
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Sergachev began his junior career in Russia, where he played for Irbis Kazan of the MHL. Sergachev was drafted sixth overall in the CHL Import Draft, selected by the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He committed to the Spitfires on 8 July 2015, stating that playing in the OHL offered him the best of chance of achieving his dream of playing in the NHL. With the Spitfires in 2016 In his rookie OHL season, Sergachev emerged as a top defenceman, finishing third in scoring amongst defenceman and winning the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL's most outstanding defenceman.
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The island's Governor, Lieutenant General Sir William Dobbie, reported that the local condition was critical. He was soon replaced; the view was that he should have ensured adequate protection for the Spitfires and for an earlier convoy which had been sunk in harbour. Lord Gort was his replacement. The loss of the Spitfires made the subsequent Operation Bowery even more essential.
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Galland replied that he feared Douglas would attempt to escape and they would have to give chase and shoot at each other again, and declined the request. Throughout the summer, Galland claimed another 14 Spitfires in battles against Fighter Command over France. On 23 July 1941, he accounted for three Spitfires (Nos. 71–73)—one in the afternoon and two in the evening.
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The 16 Spitfires from the two squadrons based in Singapore flew some 1,800 missions against Communist positions. On 1 January 1951 the last offensive sortie made by RAF Spitfires was flown by a flight of four 60 Squadron Mk XVIIIs, led by Grp Capt Wilfrid Duncan Smith, in a strike against a target near Kota Tinggi.Thomas 2008, pp. 84–85.
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Two Spitfire Vs of 20° Gruppo flew the Regia Aeronautica's last wartime mission on 5 May 1945, a visual reconnaissance of Zagabria.Gueli 1998, pp. 4–14. By 8 May, 13 Spitfires (eight of them operational) were at Canne airport with 356a and 360a Squadriglia of 20° Gruppo. Two more Spitfires were located at Frosinone airport, at Scuola Addestramento Bombardamento e Caccia.
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He first served with 32 Squadron, before being re-trained to fly Spitfires and joining 234 Squadron at Tangmere. During 1941 and 1942 a group of Danish businessmen living in England collected £38,000 among themselves. This sum was used to purchase three Spitfires. The money was handed over to Winston Churchill by a group of Danish pilots, including Thalbitzer, on 9 April 1942.
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At 8,500 meters the Squadriglia clashed with escorting Spitfires with 85a claiming three Spitfires destroyed and five damaged during this combat. Gorrini shot down one Spitfire (his 15th air victory) and damaged a P-38, but his aircraft was badly hit by machine gun fire and he made a forced landing away from his airfield at 12.50. Gorrini was seriously wounded and hospitalised.
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This was probably the third group which was next to attack, but more immediately, at about and south of the airfield, were another three Ju 88s – Storp's group, trying to escape. Yellow Section's Spitfires engaged the enemy individually. The port engine of Storp's aircraft was rendered useless by bullets from the Spitfires, and one of the gunners, Obergefreiter Kramer, was killed.
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Both Spitfires were tested by NACA; one series of tests included the fitting of special NACA "jet- propulsion" exhaust stacks. Retrieved: 29 January 2009.
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The torpedoing of Arethusa killed 156 men and more were seriously injured, many by burns. The RAF lost five aircraft, three of them Spitfires.
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In the 1987-88 season, the culmination of a well-executed four-year plan saw the Compuware Spitfires win 35 of their last 36 games, become the first team to go undefeated in the OHL playoffs, and sweep the Peterborough Petes in the OHL Championship finals to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup. During the season, the Compuware Spitfires were dominant, with a record of 54-0 when leading after two periods. Having earned the right to represent the OHL in the 1988 Memorial Cup hosted in Chicoutimi, Quebec, the Compuware Spitfires advanced to the Championship game, where their string of success ended, losing to the Medicine Hat Tigers. Karmanos sold the team to local construction magnate Steve Riolo after the 1988–89 season, and the team reverted the Windsor Spitfires name and adopted their modern logo.
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He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Hauptmann. Pflanz was credited with 52 victories, all recorded over the Western Front, which included 45 Spitfires.
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No Spitfires are currently based in Greece, but Spitfire MJ755 (under restoration in the UK) will be based in Greece once the restoration is completed.
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It became his regular mount. Being a wing commander now meant his initials could be painted on the machine. His Spitfires now carried JE-J.
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Several Spitfires were captured by the Germans and flown by units that tested, evaluated, and sometimes clandestinely operated enemy aircraft.Gilman and Clive (1978), p. 314.
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His victory total included eleven Spitfires and six Il-2 Sturmoviks. He was a recipient of the Spanish Cross and the German Cross in Gold.
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RAF Perranporth became operational on 28 April 1941. The airfield was used by 21 different squadrons flying Spitfires. The airfield was decommissioned in April 1946.
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During the 2016–17 season, Stanley injured his knee in January and did not return to the lineup until April. On May 28, 2017, Stanley won the Memorial Cup Championship with the Windsor Spitfires. On August 8, 2017, Stanley was traded to the Kitchener Rangers. Despite his trade, Stanley was awarded the Scott Miller Extra Mile Award by the Spitfires at the end of the season.
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Yofe and Nyveen (2007), p. 40 In the early evening of 18 July Alon scored his third victory, when a formation of three Avias returning from a ground attack mission encountered a pair of REAF Spitfire Mk. VCs. Alon maneuvered behind one of the Spitfires to down Wing Commander Said Afifi al-Janzuri. In late September 1948 Alon participated in Operation Velvetta, ferrying Czechoslovak Spitfires to Israel.
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At approximately 15:30 in the afternoon of Sunday, March 15, the bombardment started with an attack by four Spitfires on the small German boats. The planes flew low over Enkhuizen from the west. Though the bombs covered much of the area the boats in the dry dock were missed. The four Spitfires turned around above the IJsselmeer and returned for another attack, which was also unsuccessful.
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The Spitfires played their first game at the WFCU Centre on December 11 against the Belleville Bulls, losing the game 4–0. The playoffs began on March 18, 2009, and ended on May 8, 2009 with the Windsor Spitfires winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup, and a berth in the 2009 Memorial Cup which was held in Rimouski, Quebec. Windsor went on to win the Memorial Cup.
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Scott Miller would win the SOJHL scoring title with 73 goals and 125 points over the course of the season. The Spitfires semi-final opponent was their cross-river rival Detroit Jr. Red Wings. The Red Wings had finished the season in fifth out of eight teams (31-25-6). The semi-final opened up at the Windsor Arena with a 7-1 win for the Spitfires.
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The Maroons fell in that first game 6-1, but rebounded the next night in Chatham with a 5-2 victory of their own. On March 18, goalie Dennis Thorpe's 40 save performance and third period game winner by Gary Armstrong gave the Spitfires a 2-1 home victory and a lead in the series. The Spitfires took game four in Chatham with a 6-4 win.
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Spitfires finished the exhibition schedule with 4 wins 1 loss and 1 tie. After another successful season the Spits finished 4th in the Western Conference to advance to the playoffs. The Spitfires reached the Conference Final for the third consecutive year. Following two hard fought battles the Spits were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in three years by the Owen Sound Attack.
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On December 29, 2013, the Spitfires and the Saginaw Spirit played the first ever outdoor game in Ontario Hockey League history. The game was played at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Spitfires won the game 6-5 in front of a short-lived Canadian Hockey League record of 25,749 spectators, surpassed later that night by the London Knights and Plymouth Whalers at the same venue.
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Lynn Garrison Spitfire AR614 now in Paul Allen Collection There are 54 Spitfires and a few Seafires in airworthy condition worldwide, although many air museums have examples on static display, for example, Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has paired a static Spitfire with a static Ju 87 R-2/Trop. Stuka dive bomber."List of Airworthy Spitfires." military-airshows.co.. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
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In mid-June the squadron supported the Free French-led Invasion of Elba. On 12 June eight personnel were killed and all but two of No. 451 Squadron's Spitfires were damaged when 25 German Ju 88 bombers raided the unit's base at Poretta airfield. The squadron's ground crew were able to return ten Spitfires to service by the afternoon of 13 June, however. May 1944, Poretta, Corsica.
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He engaged hostile aircraft on six occasions and flew only Hurricanes. On one occasion his flight was attacked by Supermarine Spitfires. Drake volunteered for No. 421 (Reconnaissance) Flight RAF with Spitfires, flying specialised low-level reconnaissance patrols over the English Channel and the French Channel coast. On 13 November on patrol with Jim Crow and Pilot Officer James Eric "Jas" Storrar they were surprised by Bf 109s.
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In 64 games, Smith scored 14 goals and 59 points, tying him for fourth in team scoring. Smith led the team with 260 penalty minutes. In seven playoff games, Smith scored one goal and eight points, as the Spitfires lost to the Detroit Whalers in the first round of the post-season. The Spitfires named Smith the captain of the team for the 1996-97.
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When the threat never appeared production was limited. For much of the war their factories were used to build Supermarine Spitfires, after the Supermarine factory in Southampton was bombed out of action during the Battle of Britain; indeed Westlands built more Spitfires than any other manufacturer. Westland would then go on to be the major designers of the Supermarine Seafire, a navalised conversion of the Spitfire.
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As the two aircraft rapidly closed both began firing, but Jabs' twin 30 mm cannon took effect first, ripping open the Spitfire's drop tank and putting hits on the engine and wing. Flying past, the undamaged Spitfires regrouped and turned to attack again. Jabs attempted to reach the cover of his airfield. As the Spitfires approached from behind, Jabs surprised them by turning into them again.
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During 1957, MAAF saw the introduction of a more modern training aircraft, namely the de Havilland Chipmunk, which was to replace the Tiger Moths and Harvards. In between the years, three Mk.24s Spitfires were received from the RAF. In 1952, due to age and structural limitations the Spitfires were withdrawn before any of the locally trained pilots could have a chance to fly them.
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No. 322 Wing moved to Lentini, on Sicily, towards the end of July. On 25 July 1943, he led 33 Spitfires of No. 322 Wing on a sweep to try and intercept Luftwaffe attempts to land supplies to the German ground forces near Milazzo. They encountered a large group of Junkers Ju 52 transports. Catching the escorting Bf 109s unawares, the Spitfires dived on the Ju 52s.
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JG 27 lost five Bf 109s and four pilots were missing in action. 253 lost three Hurricanes and two pilots killed and 616 lost two Spitfires—Flying Officer J. S. Bell was killed and Sergeant J. Hopewell survived a force-landing. The losses were reported over Redhill, the area recorded in Rödel's claim. On 1 September Rödel claimed two Spitfires over Ashford and Folkestone.
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They were too big to fit below deck and remained on the flight deck, where they impeded the operations of Eagles aircraft, except for those few also carried on the flight deck, until the ferried aircraft were flown off.Shores, Cull and Malizia 1991, pp. 108–109 On 27 February 1942, she sailed to deliver the Spitfires to Malta, escorted by the battleship , Argus, the cruiser , and nine destroyers, but the operation had to be cancelled when the long-range fuel tanks of the Spitfires proved defective. The problems were not rectified until 7 March, when the 15 Spitfires were successfully flown off to Malta.
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After the Second World War, eight flyable Italian Air Force Mk Vs were supplemented by 145 Mk IXs (obtained in two batches of 60 and 85 aircraft). The Spitfire went into service with 51° and 5° Stormo (wing) flying reconnaissance missions over the Balkans as well as acting in cooperation with the Italian Army and providing a defensive force. Well liked by pilots, the Spitfires were involved in several postwar air races and trophy competitions including the Zerbinati Trophy. Italian P-51s and Spitfires were entered in the handicap race with P-51s penalized by a minute for speed, and Spitfires penalised a similar amount in climb rate.
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The Raiders had other things in mind, winning at home in game three 6-2 and then taking it to Windsor in their own arena 4-1 to tie the series. Back in Rexdale, the Raiders crushed the Spitfires with an 8-2 victory. With their back against the wall, the Spits had to win at home to force game seven. A 7-5 victory for the Spitfires turned this into a series for the ages. On April 6, 1974, the Spitfires season came to an end, as the Wexford Raiders took a 6-3 victory at home to advance to the next round of national playdowns.
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The Spitfires also played host to the CHL Top Prospects Game. The Spitfires sent six players to the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Defenceman Ryan Ellis and forwards Taylor Hall, Adam Henrique, and Greg Nemisz played for silver medalist Canada, defenceman Cam Fowler played for gold medalist United States, and forward Richard Panik played for Slovakia. At the end of the tournament, the Spitfires acquired defenceman Marc Cantin, forward Stephen Johnston and German goaltender Philipp Grubauer from the Belleville Bulls in exchange for forwards Panik and Austen Brassard, defenceman Paul Bezzo, goaltender Steve Gleeson and a seventh-round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.
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The new logo features an aggressive, stylized World War II Spitfire fighter plane set against clouds on a red, white and blue shield with the word "Spitfires" emblazoned prominently in the forefront. The logo preserves the team's primary colours of red and blue, but uses richer, more vibrant hues and adds silver and yellow as secondary colours. The Spitfires worked with the Ontario Hockey League and Reebok - official supplier of uniforms to the OHL - in finalizing the new uniform. The new jerseys sport shoulder patches featuring the vintage Spitfire plane encircled by a gold laurel wreath and containing the number 18 to commemorate former Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud.
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Both the primary logo and shoulder patch designs were collaborations by Marcello Fontana and Shane Potvin, both senior art directors at Hargreaves Stewart. The Windsor Spitfires use white jerseys on the road until Christmas and at home in the new year and the red jerseys at home until Christmas and on the road in the new year. The Spitfires briefly used a third jersey featuring a white, red and green colour scheme and an alternate logo featuring an airplane flying in front of the Ambassador Bridge. When the team was also known as the Compuware Spitfires the team's colours were brown and orange, with a logo featuring a Spitfire airplane.
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Khokhlachev played in the 2006 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Moscow Selects youth team. He was selected 23rd overall in the 2010 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft by the Windsor Spitfires. After finishing the 2009–10 season with MHK Spartak in the MHL in Russia, Khokhlachev signed with the Spitfires for the 2010–11 OHL season. On July 1, 2012 the Boston Bruins announced they had signed Khokhlachev to an entry level deal. Khokhlachev signed with Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) to start the 2012–13 season, but returned to Windsor to play for the Spitfires after just 26 games in the KHL.
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The Red Wings placed Pronovost with the Windsor Spitfires, one of their junior teams in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), beginning in 1947–48. The Spitfires were a dominant team that season; Windsor finished with the best record in the OHA but lost the championship series to the Barrie Flyers after Detroit was forced to recall Windsor's goaltender, Terry Sawchuk, to one of their minor league teams. Pronovost believed that the Spitfires would have won the league title and gone on to play for the Memorial Cup if they hadn't lost Sawchuk. At the same time, Pronovost also played for the Detroit Auto Club team in the International Hockey League (IHL).
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Page 262.Hertzog. Page 103. Ezer Weizman shot down one of the Spitfires. In the final Armistice Agreement al-Auja was made a de-militarized zone.
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He liked to claim that he was the only U.S. Navy aviator who flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain, but they were unarmed.Gallery, page 105.
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The squadron again provided a detachment at Drysdale River Mission from 1 June 1944 and began to be reequipped with Mark VIII Spitfires on 2 July.
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Beginning in the 2012-13 season, Warriner became a colour commentator for TVCogeco's coverage of the Windsor Spitfires. As of 2015, Warriner is a commentator for Sportsnet.
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By 1945, Winthorpe was home to Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires for escort training. After the war ended, on 10th September 1945 1661 HCU group was disbanded.
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On 29 September 1944 eight further aircraft were lost, in return for six Spitfires and a P-47 claimed, Ltn. Böer claiming two. Ltn. Fick, of 2.
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In fact, just two No. 266 Squadron RAF Spitfires were destroyed with another six Hurricanes damaged but repairable. A single Hurricane was also destroyed.Weal 2004, p. 30.
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The pilot returned unhurt. Massart formed part of a Ramrod patrol to Rouen. On 4 April, he claimed two further Spitfires destroyed in combat north of Caen.
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At St. Denijs Westrem 18 Spitfires were destroyed on the ground. In total JG 1 lost 25 pilots and 29 aircraft. This return for around 60 enemy aircraft (54 on the ground) cannot be considered a complete success, although the damage at St. Denijs Westrem and Maldegem had been significant. Just nine of the fighters lost by JG 1 are confirmed to have been shot down in combat with Spitfires.
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The folding of the Spitfires occurred in 1953 as hockey interests in Windsor chose to focus their attention on the OHA Senior A Hockey League, which resulted in the founding of the Windsor Bulldogs. Eventually five former Spitfires laced up with the Bulldogs and one, Bobby Brown, won an Allan Cup with the team (1963). The Bulldogs folded in 1964 after one season in the International Hockey League.
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The home game and first victory in team history occurred on October 7, 1971 at the Windsor Arena against the Chatham Maroons. The Spitfires would win 4-2 on the back of future NHLer Eddie Mio who made 49 saves for the victory. Dean Sheremeta scored what would be the winning goal. The Spitfires would finish their first season with a record of 21 wins, 32 losses, and 3 ties.
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Spitfire Testing . Retrieved 9 September 2008. Alex Henshaw, chief test pilot at Castle Bromwich from 1940, was placed in charge of testing all Spitfires built at that factory. He co-ordinated a team of 25 pilots and assessed all Spitfire developments. Between 1940 and 1946, Henshaw flew a total of 2,360 Spitfires and Seafires, more than 10% of total production.Price 1991, p. 68."Henshaw." angelfire.com. Retrieved 9 February 2008.
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The German questioned him about British defences and Supermarine Spitfires, as he was about to resume operations on Ju 88s. Jokingly, Braham advised him to steer clear of Spitfires. While at Oberursel the pilot who had shot him down—Leutnant Robert Spreckels of Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1—1st Fighter Wing)— arrived to meet him. Braham was one of his 12 air victories; a figure of 45 is often misquoted.
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He operated escort missions from Ursel base (Belgium) engaging in several dogfights with British Supermarine Spitfires. On 11 November 1940 he crashlanded in the vicinity of Cassel (France).
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Andy Weidenbach was named the team's first coach. Following Karmanos to Detroit from the Windsor Compuware Spitfires would be team president Jim Rutherford and general manager Tony McDonald.
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Moore then put up impressive numbers in the playoffs, earning 16 points in 20 games as the Rangers lost to the Windsor Spitfires in the Western Conference Finals.
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252, 256 During WWII the island was also home to 1435 Squadron of the RAF flying Mark IX Spitfires in ground support of allied troops fighting in Italy.
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In September 1938 he was promoted to flying officer and in May 1940, he was posted to 92 Squadron, based at Croydon, as a flight commander flying Spitfires.
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Rolly Hedges scored the first Major Junior goal in team history at 18:48 of the second period. On October 2, 1975, the Spitfires would tally their first ever Major Junior win. At home, the Spits were hosting the Sudbury Wolves. Despite being outshot 60-34, the Spitfires overcame a six- goal deficit to defeat the Wolves 11-10. After trailing 7-1 only 2:49 into the second period, the Spitfires were able to chip the lead down to 9-7 by the second intermission. Charlie Skjodt scored to make it 9-9 to complete the comeback, just to have the Wolves score with 6:33 to go in the game to make it 10-9. Charles Bosnyak, a member of the 1974-75 Tier II Spitfires, scored 32 seconds later to make it 10-10 and captain Mark Perras scored with 43 seconds remaining to win the Spits' first ever Major Junior game.
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152 could field five of the 10 Supermarine Spitfires available, 604 had five from 11 Bristol Blenheims serviceable while 609 listed six of its 10 Spitfires combat ready. On 8 August a series of naval and air actions occurred around convoy Peewit. In the late morning StG 2, StG 3 and StG 77 from Angers, Caen and St. Malo set out with their V./LG 1 escort, to attack the convoy south of the Isle of Wight, with approximately 30 Bf 109s from II. and III./JG 27 for high cover. From 12:20, Spitfires of 609 Squadron and Hurricanes from 257 and 145 squadrons attacked the German formations, joined later by 238 Squadron.
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69 A shipment of 43 Spitfires left England on 4 August and arrived in Australia in late October, and further deliveries continued to be made until June 1945. The deployment of Spitfires to Australia was kept secret so that the Japanese were not alerted to their presence, and the Australian Government directed that the aircraft be referred to as Capstans (after the brand of cigarettes) and their Merlin engines as Marvels.Alexander (2006), pp. 102–103 General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of Allied forces in the South West Pacific Area, agreed that the Australian Government could choose when to announce the presence of the Spitfires, but warned against exaggerating the impact they were likely to have.
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To this end, the British government requisitioned the likes of Vincent's Garage in Station Square, Reading, which later specialised in manufacturing Spitfire fuselages, and Anna Valley Motors, Salisbury, which was to become the sole producer of the wing leading-edge fuel tanks for photo- reconnaissance Spitfires, as well as producing other components. A purpose- built works, specialising in manufacturing fuselages and installing engines, was built at Star Road, Caversham in Reading. The drawing office in which all Spitfire designs were drafted was relocated to Hursley Park, near Southampton. This site also had an aircraft assembly hangar where many prototype and experimental Spitfires were assembled, but since it had no associated aerodrome, no Spitfires ever flew from Hursley.
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In his total are at least seventeen Spitfires. Geißhardt was mortally wounded in combat with US bombers on 5 April 1943 and succumbed to his injuries the next day.
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It received Hawker Hectors in November, but was re-equipped with Gloster Gauntlets on conversion to a fighter role. These were short-lived, as Spitfires arrived in May 1939.
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One of the Spitfires was severely damaged and force-landed in a field. On 20 November 1940, Drake claimed a Do 17 damaged at 09:00 near Calais, France.
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On 4 January 1945, Mayer was shot down by Supermarine Spitfires near Emsland, Germany. He was posthumously awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross on 12 March 1945.
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Metro- Cammell built armoured vehicles and airframe sections for Supermarine Spitfires, Weymann assembled modules for the Handley-Page Halifax heavy bomber and Leyland's workforce spent the war building tanks.
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161 After her return, her steering gear required extensive repairs that lasted until the end of April.Smith, p. 146 Eagle listing to port and sinking, 11 August 1942 As part of Operation Bowery, Eagle rendezvoused on the night of 7/8 May with the American carrier , carrying 47 Spitfires, while Eagle had landed her entire aircraft complement to make room for 17 Spitfires of her own. Sixty of them arrived safely at Malta.
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Andrew Engelage (born October 26, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently an unrestricted free agent who most recently played for the Graz 99ers in the Austrian Hockey League (EBEL). Prior to turning professional, Engelage played for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He helped the Spitfires capture the Memorial Cup, and set the OHL's single season record for wins by a goaltender, with 46.
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The next night, March 21, the Spitfires defeated the Maroons in Windsor 4-3 to clinch the SOJHL playoff championship. Gary Armstrong would score yet another winning goal in the series. Before a crowd of 5,117 fans, team captain Hugh Mitchell hoisted the Jack Oakes Memorial Trophy to celebrate their playoff victory. The Spitfires were now in the hunt for the 1974 Centennial Cup, the National Championship of Tier II Junior A hockey.
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The first team in their way, in the Dudley Hewitt Cup Eastern Canada playdowns was the Wexford Raiders of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League. Also on the line was the Ontario Hockey Association Junior A championship, the Buckland Cup. The Spitfires took game one in Rexdale with a 4-2 victory. Back in Windsor the next night, the Spitfires seemed to have the series in control with a 5-2 win.
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George Allen Ford (born June 8, 1930) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for the Syracuse Warriors, Baltimore Clippers and Springfield Indians in the American Hockey League. Born in Toronto, Ford played junior hockey for the Barrie Flyers in 1947–48. The following season, he had a three-game tryout with the Windsor Hettche Spitfires of the International League. He ended up playing in the playoffs for the Spitfires.
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In June 1970 Swindon Spitfires were one of the 44 clubs to be represented at the Women's Football Association's (WFA) inaugural annual general meeting at Caxton Hall. They affiliated to the Home Counties League, which also contained Southampton WFC, the dominant team of the era.There was no national women's football league in England until 1991. Nuneaton Wanderers beat the Spitfires 5–2 in the Heart of England Open Cup final in May 1971 at Cheltenham.
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The Summer of 1973 brought more expansion. The Royals, disgruntled former affiliates of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires were having a battle over which team deserved ascension to Major Junior A level. The Spitfires opted to not renew their agreement with the Royals and financially supported the new Belle River Bulldogs. They were joined by the soon-to-be powerhouse Essex 73's and Michigan Yankees of Utica, Michigan.
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The franchise began in Tillsonburg as a Junior B team in 1974, first known as the Mavericks, then as the Titans from 1985 to 1991. In 1991, the franchise was moved to Aylmer and was named the Aylmer Aces. In 2003, the team dropped to Junior C as the Aylmer Spitfires. In 2013, the Niagara & District Junior C Hockey League and the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League realigned, sending the Spitfires into the SOJHL.
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Windsor began to rebuild during this season, as the club struggled to a 29-32-7 record, earning 65 points, and eighth place in the Western Conference. In the post-season, the Spitfires were swept by the London Knights in four games in the Western Conference quarter- finals. Following the 2011-12 season, Smith resigned from his position with the Spitfires, as he was hired to become the head coach of the Oshawa Generals.
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Fowler denied the accusations, stating he was "completely honest" with both Notre Dame and the Kitchener Rangers. Fowler joined the Spitfires in 2009 and emerged as one of the top offensive- defensemen in the league, scoring 55 points in 55 games. He added 14 points in the playoffs to help lead Windsor to its second consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cup championship. The Spitfires then won the 2010 Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League (CHL) champions.
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Kent Spitfires lose by 57 runs to Essex Eagles in Royal London One-Day Cup, Kent Online, 17 May 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2017. before making his Twenty20 debut in July in the 2017 NatWest t20 Blast against Gloucestershire at the College Ground, Cheltenham, taking a wicket on debutHoad A (2017) Kent Spitfires lose by six wickets to Gloucestershire in NatWest T20 Blast, Kent Online, 13 July 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
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On 24 July, he flew on with seven others on a bombing mission on rail infrastructure. Unusually the Spitfires had been modified to carry 500 lb bombs for these missions. Later the same day he flew on a shipping patrol mission west of Ushant. A similar mission was flown by Lyon with seven Spitfires on the afternoon of 25 July attacking locomotives and vehicle movements in Landivisiau and in the area North of Quimper, Finistère.
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The Detroit Hettche were a minor league professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan, and played at the Detroit Olympia. The team was originally known as the Windsor Spitfires and were one of the four founding members of the International Hockey League in 1945. The team was renamed Windsor Hettche Spitfires in 1947, then moved across the river from Windsor, Ontario in 1949. The team played seven seasons total, folding in 1952.
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On December 12, 1947, the Wolverines defeated the Windsor Spitfires by a 4–3 score in front of a third consecutive capacity crowd of 1,300 at the Coliseum in Ann Arbor. The Spitfires were a farm club of the Detroit Red Wings. On a pass from Connie Hill, Gordon McMillan broke a 3–3 tie and scored the winning goal with 26 second remaining in the game. McMillan also had three assists in the game.
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However, the American fighter was adopted because of its long-range escort capability. Over 300 kills were claimed by the two fighter groups while flying Spitfires."31st FG History." 31stfightergroup.com.
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Price 1991, p. 10. The last offensive sorties made by RAF Spitfires were flown by 60 Squadron Mk XVIIIs over Malaya on 1 January 1951.Glancey 2006, pp. 140–141.
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"Remember the guy who thought he found 140 lost Spitfires, buried underground? His story came to a really depressing end" . Business Insider UK, 15 September 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
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Sergeant A Nasswetter, a Czech pilot of the latter squadron, died of his wounds. On 7 July Priller claimed two Spitfires. Fighter Command reported three aircraft destroyed, and their pilots wounded.
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His score totalled 99 victories in some 500 combat missions, with 49 on the Eastern Front. His score included nine Spitfires, nine P-47s, eleven P-51s, and fourteen P-38s.
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At this point, four Spitfires IX of 111 Squadron, flown by Flying Officer I. F. Kennedy, Sergeant R. Throwbridge, Sergeant R. Gray and Sergeant Eccleston, disengaged from the Macchis and dived on the last three Re.2002s, flown by Sergente Walter Banfi of the 208a Squadriglia, Tenente Renato Moglia of the 209a Squadriglia, and commander Cenni. Banfi was hit first, but he parachuted safely. Then the Spitfires chased Moglia and Cenni through the gorges of the Aspromonte but after a fierce chase Moglia was shot down and killed. Cenni, remained alone, and pursued by the Spitfires, tried to distance them flying at low altitude and engaging in a series of acrobatic maneuvers, but in the end his plane was hit and caught fire.
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Boughner headed a new ownership group in purchasing the then-struggling Windsor Spitfires in February 2006. He has been head coach of the team, as well as President & C.E.O., except during the 2010–11 season when Boughner served as an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 2007–2008, he coached the Spitfires to the second best regular season finish in their history with 94 points, and was honored as OHL and CHL Coach of the Year. On April 15, 2009, Boughner was named the OHL's coach of the year for the second year in a row. On May 8, 2009, he coached the Windsor Spitfires to their first OHL championship in 21 years after finishing the regular season with a league best 115 points.
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Game five saw the Spitfires tie the series at five points a piece with an 8-4 win at home. Guelph again gained the advantage in game six with a 6-4 win at home. In a last gasp for air, the Spitfires fought to win a 6-4 decision in Windsor to tie the series at 7 points each and force a final eighth game - winner take all. The eighth game proved to be the Spitfires' last game of Tier II Junior A, as they traveled to Guelph and blew a 3-0 lead to lose the game (6-5) and the series (9-points-to-7) to end their four-year trek in the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League.
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However, the Spitfires went on to become the third team in Ontario Hockey League history to come back from a three-game deficit to win a playoff series, beating Rangers in each of the next four games to win the conference championship and the Wayne Gretzky Trophy. Notably, the Spitfires had recovered from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series once before, in a 2004–05 Conference Quarterfinal series against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. In the league final, the Spitfires made quick work of a highly touted Barrie Colts squad, sweeping them in four games to win their second straight J. Ross Robertson Cup. Adam Henrique won the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the playoffs' most valuable player.
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Thomas and Shores 1988, pp. 202–211.Price 1991, pp. 112–115. Just 21 of the 152 Spitfires that were destroyed or damaged from all causes from 1–30 June 1944 were shot down by German fighters.Franks 1998, pp. 40–62. Flight Lieutenant Raymond Baxter, who had flown Spitfires almost continually since 1941, flew Mk XVIs on fighter-bomber operations while commanding 'A' Flight of 602 Squadron attacking V-2 rocket launching sites in the Netherlands: > The usual force to attack these small targets was four to six Spitfires, > each with either one 500 and two 250 pound bombs or two 250 pounders and a > long range tanks... As we crossed into enemy territory we were liable to be > engaged with predicted fire from heavy 88mm guns.
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The rebuilding Spitfires struggled to a record of 18-43-7, earning 43 points and ninth place in the Western Conference, as the club failed to reach the post-season. The Spitfires rebounded in 2007-08 season, as the club finished with a 41-15-12 record, earning 94 points, which represented a 51 point improvement from the previous season, as the club finished in third place in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, Windsor was upset by the Sarnia Sting in the Western Conference quarter-finals. Windsor continued to improve during the 2008-09 season, as the Spitfires finished with a 57-10-1 record, earning 115 points and winning the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as the top regular season team in the OHL.
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Six mock-up Spitfires were built as static or ground-running props. Most were destroyed during the air-raid sequences later in filming. Original plans called for six Spitfires to be used in the UK filming of the series (a Mk.1a, a Mk.VIIIc, three Mk.IXs and a PR.Mk.XI), but the owner of the Mk.VIIIc could not participate after a family member was severely injured in an unrelated air accident and filming commenced with five Spitfires painted in a generic period-correct scheme. A sixth Spitfire was flown in the USA for the bomber shoot-down scenes with a Heinkel 111. Veteran display pilot Ray Hanna (1928-2005) performed the scene where a Spitfire flies under a bridge in France.
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The situation in French Indo-China and the Netherlands East Indies was particularly tricky because of the hostility of the locals to the returning colonial powers. French Indo-China was handed back to French control a great deal more quickly than had the Netherlands East Indies to Dutch control, meaning that RAF aircraft did not have to get involved in suppressing any revolts in the area, apart from one occasion when Spitfires attacked enemy forces with cannon fire to support French ground troops. The RAF provided some spare Spitfires in the command to French Air Force pilots who were being sent to the colony, and more Spitfires were sent from Europe. The main RAF presence was withdrawn in mid February 1946, when the Air Headquarters was disbanded.
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Stanley played as a youth with the Waterloo Wolves in the AHMMPL, before he was selected in the first round, 12th overall in the 2014 OHL Priority draft by the Windsor Spitfires. On May 9, 2014, Stanley committed to the Spitfires of the OHL to play under Bob Boughner. Stanley has also been involved with IIHF tournaments and development camps. On December 7, 2016, Stanley was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
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On this day he claimed three Spitfires. This put him to within three victories of Mölders, who had claimed the highest number of enemy aircraft destroyed and who was wounded and grounded with a damaged knee. One of Galland's claims was against 54 Squadron RAF that had surprised him with their aggressive attacks three weeks before. JG 26 claimed nine Spitfires in the air battle—Galland himself filing a claim for a Spitfire at 12:55 off Folkestone.
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The program was so successful that its owners endeavored to expand the Compuware Ambassador program to play at a higher level. Karmanos had previous experience in the OHL, owning the Windsor Spitfires team during the 1980s that won the J. Ross Robertson Cup in 1988. Karmanos sold the Spitfires in 1989 after a failed attempt to relocate the team across the river. Karmanos also failed in his bid to buy out and relocate the Sault Ste.
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In May 1943, Spitfires from the squadron intercepted a Junkers Ju 88 off the Scottish coast. The aircraft was being flown by crew who intended to defect to the allied side. The Ju 88 waggled its wings and dropped flares, signaling the intent to surrender, and the Spitfires escorted it to a landing at RAF Dyce. The RAF pilots were Mentioned in Dispatches for taking the risk not to open fire on the Ju 88 upon interception.
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The following day, German Luftwaffe General Albert Kesselring ordered a contingent of 20 Stukas and 10 Junkers Ju 88s with a small escort of fighter aircraft to bomb Grand Harbour, Malta. A formation of 50 Royal Air Force aircraft—37 Spitfires and 13 Hawker Hurricanes—were dispatched to intercept the group; Brennan was piloting one of the Spitfires. Attacking one of the Stukas, Brennan later recorded that the aircraft "disintegrated, with huge chunks flying off in every direction".
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RAF Spitfires based in the Far East saw action during the Malayan Emergency. When Malayan Communist Party (MCP) soldiers killed three British rubber-planters on 16 June 1948 at Sungai Siput, Perak, Great Britain declared a state of emergency. On 6 July, 81 Squadron Spitfire Mk XVIIIs attacked an MCP camp with rockets. The most intense attacks on enemy targets were made in late 1949; on 21 October, RAF Spitfires and Seafires from 800 RNAS flew 62 sorties.
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Israeli fighter pilots flying a mix of Avia S-199s and Spitfires tangled with Egyptian Spitfires, with the first air-to-air combat ending with Gideon Lichtman bringing down an Egyptian Spitfire, albeit in his "Messer-shitt". As the volunteer-driven program becomes more organized, with leaders such as Modi Alon, "Smoky" Simon, Ezer Weizman, and Dani Shapira taking charge, a strong defensive Israeli Air Force is created. Unfortunately, two of the pilots who volunteered died.
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They were then swept in the second round by the London Knights. On December 29, 2013, the Spirit and the Windsor Spitfires played the first ever outdoor game in Ontario Hockey League history. The game was played at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Spitfires won the game 6-5 in front of a shortly lived Canadian Hockey League record of 25,749 spectators, surpassed later that night by the London Knights and Plymouth Whalers at the same venue.
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Ellis was selected in the second round, 22nd overall, by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2007 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Draft. Establishing himself as a top defenceman in the League during his rookie campaign, he scored 15 goals and 63 points over 63 games. His points total and +30 plus-minus rating led all OHL rookie defencemen. In the 2008 playoffs, Ellis added five points in five games as the Spitfires were eliminated by the Sarnia Sting.
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During Operation Picket I, nine more Spitfires were flown off by Eagle on 21 March whilst a dozen Sea Hurricane IIBs from 804 Squadron provided air cover from Argus. The two carriers repeated the delivery on 29 March when Eagle flew off seven more Spitfires whilst 807 Squadron provided air cover from Argus. The latter ship also carried six Albacores bound for Malta as well, but the weather deteriorated over Malta and their fly-off was cancelled.Nailer, pp.
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In two months, he flew over 150 sorties against England, seven in a single day. He became an ace. He destroyed two or three Spitfires on the ground at RAF Manston on 19 August, but it was not until 19 September that he got his first aerial victory, another Spitfire. According to one source, his other four aerial victims were two Spitfires on 24 September, another on 30 September, and a Bristol Blenheim on 4 October.
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She left the convoy for her final destination of Cardiff, where she arrived on 17 June. Empire Darwin departed from Cardiff on 29 June for Milford Haven, arriving the next day and sailing the day after to Belfast Lough, where she embarked her aircraft and joined Convoy OG86, which had departed from Liverpool on 2 July and arrived at Gibraltar on 14 July. She was carrying 22 cased Supermarine Spitfires and twelve passengers. The Spitfires were bound for Malta.
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The British correctly estimated the German strength as 250 aircraft. To meet the threat the Fighter Controllers at 11 Group's Uxbridge centre scrambled 13 Squadrons; No. 12 Group at Watnall passed on orders to four more. Soon, a combined total of 47 Spitfires and 97 Hurricanes were in the air. Ten of the RAF fighters in the air (nine Spitfires from No. 19 Squadron and one Hurricane from No. 151 Squadron) were armed with 20 mm cannon.
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He later attended St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Windsor, Ontario, in 2004. He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2003 OHL Priority Selection.
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I. Gruppe faced RAF fighters over Hengelo-Twente on 14 January 1945. JG 1 lost 12 pilots with 7 being killed, 3 wounded and 2 missing. Spitfires shot down the entire 1.
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Helson, The Forgotten Air Force, p. 178 Spence was promoted to temporary squadron leader on 1 July. No. 452 Squadron completed conversion from Mk V Spitfires to Mk VIIIs the same month.
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The Steelhawks defeated the London Knights four games to two in round two. In the third round, LaForge's team was swept out of the playoffs again in four games by Windsor Spitfires.
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In this capacity, the squadron operated Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes. Its current emblem contains the head of an American Indian chief, which dates back to the original emblem of 121 Squadron RAF.
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Triumph raced Spitfires, and some early GT6 prototypes at Le Mans, with some good success, and later at Sebring but due to rule changes and the takeover by Leyland, this was not continued.
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Stockholm: Freddy Stenboms förlag, 2002. . The Norwegian Air Force also used Spitfires for photo-reconnaissance in the late 1940s. but it also received 71 Mark IXs as well.Price and Spick 2003, p. 68.
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Soon after, two Spitfires appeared out of the clouds and opened fire on both Beaufighters. Jackson's damaged aircraft made it back to Coltishall, but Downing's aircraft crashed into the sea, killing all aboard.
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The investigation into Johnston's conduct came months after the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires were fined for improper player benefits and recruitment violations. Johnston's suspension was lifted at the end of the season.
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Three Spitfires were also lost and two damaged.Franks 2000, p. 134. At least one RAF Transport Command Douglas Dakota was destroyed. After the war, Melsbroek replaced Haren Airfield as the Belgian national airport.
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The dispatches arrived in the morning three days later and Weazle sailed immediately. Spitfires orders, however, did not come.Naval Chronicle, Vol. 7, p.175. Spitfire had to wait for orders until 6 February.
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He scrambled six more squadrons but kept four reserve squadrons at Hornchurch and RAF Tangmere. As the forces closed, around 120 Bf 109s and 25 Do 17s were facing 245 Spitfires and Hurricanes.
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No. 1564 (Meteorological) Flight was first formed at RAF Mellaha, near Tripoli, Libya, on 1 February 1943, flying Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires, and was disbanded at Istres, France on 15 June 1946.
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Mary Wilkins was born on 2 February 1917, in Leafield, Oxfordshire, to a farming family.Ceylan, Yeginsu. "Mary Ellis, Who Flew British Spitfires in World War II, Dies at 101". The New York Times.
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McCollum put up a 13-8 record with a 2.90 GAA and a .898 save percentage in the playoffs, as Brampton lost to the Windsor Spitfires in the J. Ross Robertson Cup finals.
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Spitfires claimed two Bf 109s for two losses. Two sweeps by P-38 groups found nothing further.Levine 1999, pp. 178–179. The NASAF claimed 201 Axis aircraft destroyed including 40 in the air.
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The creation of the Windsor Bulldogs in 1953 coincided with the folding of the Ontario Hockey Association's Junior "A" Windsor Spitfires. Although no Spitfires made the direct jump to the Bulldogs, eventually five members of the team did eventually play for the Bulldogs. In 1955, the Windsor Bulldogs made it to the OHA Senior league's final, but were put down by the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen 4-games-to-1. The Bulldogs were showing their worth by only their second season.
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From this point on, the Gruppe defended against the RAF Fighter Command "non-stop offensive" over France. In July and August 1941, while flying with 4. Staffel, Bühligen claimed seven Spitfires shot down, one on 7 July, two on 10 July, one on 11 July, two on 23 July and another on 7 August respectively. He then served with the Stab (headquarters unit) of JG 2 and claimed six further aerial victories in August and September 1941, one Hurricane and five Spitfires.
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After six months as an instructor, in April 1944 Checketts was given command of No. 1 Squadron. It was equipped with the Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber but was to convert to Spitfires. After six weeks, he was promoted to wing commander and appointed to lead Horne Wing, which included three squadrons of Spitfires and was based at Horne in Surrey. From Horne, he led his command as it provided cover for the invasion of Normandy and subsequent operations into Caen.
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Gill was selected in the second round, 18th overall selection, by the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL in the 1982 OHL Priority Selection draft. In his rookie season with the club in the 1982–83 season, Gill scored 12 goals and 36 points in 70 games. In three playoff games, Gill was held off the scoresheet. He returned to the Spitfires for the 1983–84 season, and scored nine goals and 57 points in 68 games to lead all Windsor defensemen.
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Again in Windsor, the Spits took game three 10-1. The Spits had the chance to clinch in game four, but the Red Wings refused to let their season end in front of their Detroit faithful winning 5-3. Game five, in Windsor, Ian Campbell would score a late third period tally to break a 2-2 deadlock and send the Spitfires to the league finals. The fourth place Guelph Bilmores (23-31-6) stood in the way of the Spitfires.
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This aircraft was then grounded for three weeks while awaiting replacements for its badly worn tyres. PR Spitfires continued to operate off Malta in ones and twos, usually being re-allocated while en route to North Africa. Other overseas deployments of Spitfires had seen three Mk IVs being sent to Vaenga (renamed Severomorsk in 1951), in North Russia, to keep on eye on German warships during the operation to get Convoy PQ 18 through to Russia. While there, they carried Soviet markings.
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Still able to fly combat missions, his aircraft sported a pencil under his Adjutant's chevron – bemoaning the combat pilot's universal loathing of paperwork! During the French campaign, on 23 May 1940, Spitfires were encountered by Bf 110s and Bf 109s for the first time. The engagement resulted in the loss of two Bf 110s and two Bf 109s. However, Specht would claim three RAF Supermarine Spitfire fighters shot down. The British No. 92 Squadron RAF involved lost three Spitfires in the entire engagement.
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The squadron was formed at RAF Gibraltar on 20 September 1943 from 1403 Flight. Equipped with Lockheed Hudsons, it was tasked with collecting meteorological data from both the Mediterranean and Atlantic. In February 1944 it was re-equipped with Handley Page Halifaxes and these were supplemented by Supermarine Spitfires, although the Spitfires were replaced with Hawker Hurricanes a few months later. In September 1944 the squadron absorbed 1500 (BAT) Flight and its Miles Martinets, which were used for target towing.
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In the post-season, the Spitfires swept the Owen Sound Attack in the Western Conference quarter-finals. In the Western Conference semi-finals, Windsor defeated the Plymouth Whalers in six games. In the Western Conference finals against the second place London Knights, Windsor easily defeated them in five games, advancing to the OHL finals. In the final round, the Spitfires defeated the Brampton Battalion in five games, winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup and advancing to the 2009 Memorial Cup.
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On the early morning of 2 June, the RAF flew a "Roadstead"—a low-level attack on coastal shipping—over the Somme Estuary, supported by two "Rodeos" heading for Saint-Omer. II. Gruppe was scrambled and encountered Spitfires from No. 64 and No. 222 Squadron over the Somme Estuary. In the resulting aerial battle, Galland claimed two Spitfires shot down at 07:10 and 07:18 respectively. On 20 June, II. Gruppe was called to action against "Circus" No. 193 targeting Le Havre.
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According to one property dealer the appearance "did for Spitfires what the James Bond films did for the Aston Martin." Producers secured 35 Spitfires for use in the film. A Spitfire Mk. IXc (MH434/G-ASJV) depicted an aerial reconnaissance variant in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far. A Spitfire was the main character's aircraft in Iron Maiden's song "Aces High". A Spitfire (MH434/G-ASJV again) appears in a low-flying sequence in John Boorman's 1987 film Hope and Glory.
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Windsor was selected as the host city for the 99th Memorial Cup championship, who won the right to host the tournament over undisclosed competition. In defeating the Seattle Thunderbirds by 7–1 in a round-robin game on May 21, 2017, the Windsor Spitfires tied a Memorial Cup record for the fastest 3 goals scored by a team in a single period (38 game seconds), matching the record set by the WHL's New Westminster Bruins in the 1978 tournament. The tournament ended with the Windsor Spitfires winning their third Memorial Cup, defeating the Erie Otters 4–3 in the championship final. On December 4, 2016, the Saginaw Spirit hosted the Spitfires in front of a crowd of over 3,100 people in the closing of Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
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Southampton Spitfires Rugby League Club was formed during the summer of 2007 by Yorkshireman Glenn Tyreman and a group of Rugby League enthusiasts based in Tyreman's adopted home of Southampton. He previously coached New Earswick All Blacks, Heworth, Basingstoke Beasts, St. Albans Centurions, Kent Ravens, South West of England Wildcats, London & South East, London UK, South of England, England Lionhearts and Harlequins RL. In 2007 the Spitfires played their first ever match against Kent Ravens in a London League game and won 56-16. The following season in 2008 the Spitfires moved into the London League again played a total of 8 games, winning four and losing four. This was enough to secure 3rd place in the table and a play-off semi-final against West London Sharks.
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The Hurricanes were replaced with Spitfires in December 1943. The squadron operated various reconnaissance and ground attack duties in Italy until the end of the war. The squadron was disbanded on 14 August 1945.
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Upon her return, the ship's engines required repairs that lasted until 13 March.Smith, pp. 144–146 Nine more Spitfires were delivered to Malta on 21 March and an additional seven on 29 March.Nailer, p.
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In 39 games with the Rangers, McFarland scored eight goals and 14 points. On January 9, 2005, the Rangers traded McFarland and a sixth round draft pick to the Windsor Spitfires for Ryan Donally.
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Although the Spitfires entered the Cup final having won 39 of the previous 40 games they had played, Medicine Hat won their second Memorial Cup in a row, defeating Windsor in the final game.
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On 3 September 1944, he learned that Belgium had been liberated, and next day he led a celebratory formation of 12 Spitfires over Brussels. On 29 September 1944, the squadron moved to RAF Lympne.
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On 26 September S/L Drobinski replaced S/L Koc, and No. 303 continued using its Spitfires on various ground attack missions on V-1 and V-2 launch sites located in the Netherlands.
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In fact, only two Spitfires were shot down and one badly damaged. Only one further fighter, a Hawker Typhoon, was shot down. Stab./JG 6 lost the Kommodore, Kogler, as a prisoner of war.
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The impact of the Spitfires was apparent. On 9 May, the Italians announced 37 Axis losses. On 10 May, the Axis lost 65 aircraft destroyed or damaged in large air battles over the island.
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Brown was selected by the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL in the first round (sixth overall) in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection. However, he was traded to the Windsor Spitfires for six draft picks.
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On 5 June 1941 Vašátko was appointed to command the whole of 312 Squadron. In October the squadron converted from Hurricanes to Supermarine Spitfires. Vašátko was promoted to Squadron Leader on 5 June 1941.
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The fighter squadrons initially flew Hurricanes, then Supermarine Spitfires, and eventually some were equipped with North American Mustangs. Night fighters used by 307 were the Boulton-Paul Defiant, Bristol Beaufighter and the de Havilland Mosquito.
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Kent Spitfires v Gloucestershire, Match Guide, 2017-07-18. Canterbury: Kent County Cricket Club.Hoad A (2017) Record-breaking Kent batsman Sean Dickson wants another shot at history in the future, 'Kent Online', 2017-07-05.
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The RAF now had 276 Spitfires and Hurricanes in the air. The Germans outnumbered the British in this raid by two to one. More seriously, for every two RAF fighters, there were three Bf 109s.
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At least 20 of the transports, many loaded with petrol, were destroyed, with Gray accounting for two of them, his last successes of the war. Four Bf 109s had also been destroyed by the Spitfires.
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His early attempts at flying the nimble British-made Spitfires and American-made Mustangs didn't always go smoothly. The Spitfires weighed less than four tons; the C-46 cargo planes Levett flew weighed more than 25 tons. Eventually Levett grew accustomed to the smaller aircraft, but it was a steep learning curve. The morning of Levett's first combat sortie on 28 December 1948, for instance, found Levett and pilot Syd Cohen dining on boiled eggs and black coffee in the predawn hours; both pilots were nervous.
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He shot down some 112 enemy aircraft in over 700 operations, becoming the fourth highest Luftwaffe scorer against the Western Allies. All his victories were claimed over the Western Front and North Africa and included 47 Spitfires and 46 United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) victims; 13 P-38, 9 P-47, 7 US operated Spitfires and 14 four-engine bombers. He was never shot down but had to make emergency landings on 3 occasions. His final command was Geschwaderkommodore of the JG 2 fighter wing.
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Sieloff was drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the sixth round of the 2010 OHL draft. On November 2, 2011, while playing for the US National Team Development Program, Sieloff's OHL rights were traded to the Windsor Spitfires, along with Mackenzie Braid, and six draft picks, in exchange for goaltender Jack Campbell. Despite being offered a hockey scholarship to play for the Miami RedHawks at Miami University, Sieloff chose to play for the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League on May 27, 2012.
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DiPietro was drafted in the second round, 23rd overall, by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2015 OHL Draft. During his rookie season, DiPietro had a 16–8–1 record while posting a save percentage of .912. He was awarded the F. W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy at the conclusion of his rookie year for being the rookie goaltender with the best goals against average, becoming the first Spitfires player to ever win the award. He was also named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team.
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In the 25-minute engagement, the wing shot down between six and ten Japanese aircraft for the loss of five Spitfires. Five more Spitfires also made forced landings due to fuel shortages and three broke off after suffering engine failures; all but two of these aircraft were later repaired. Following the raid, General MacArthur's General Headquarters stated in its regular communique that the Allied losses at Darwin had been "heavy", a term it had not previously applied to fighting in the North Western Area.
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The work on the runways continued into 1940, and was much hampered by severe frosts that delayed the reopening for flying until the end of March 1940. It was expected that the airfield would once again become the home for No.607 squadron. However, on 11 May 1940 new residents moved in from RAF Church Fenton. At 15:35 fifteen Spitfires from No.64 squadron arrived at Usworth, and were dispersed around the airfield, becoming the first wartime residents one month after receiving its new Spitfires.
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Replica Mk Vb on display in 2009 British company Historic Flying Limited has either restored or built from scratch a significant proportion of the Spitfires that are now airworthy. Several other manufacturers have produced replica Spitfires, either as complete aircraft or as kits for self-building. These range in scale from 60% scale to full-size, and most use wooden construction rather than the original all-metal monocoque design. These include the Jurca Spit from France, and those manufactured by Tally Ho Enterprises in Canada.
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It landed at Desford, but overshot the runway and crashed into a hangar, injuring two of the crew. The aircraft was later dismantled on site. From January 1940 Desford also housed units of the Civilian Repair Organisation, engaged in aircraft repairs and modifications, originally the Boulton Paul Defiant, and later the B-25 Mitchell. Vickers- Armstrongs also had a factory at Desford to manufacture undercarriages for Supermarine Spitfires, and also carried out the assembly of aircraft there, with about 1,000 Spitfires rolling out of the Desford factory.
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1948–49 was the third season of the Western International Hockey League. The league champion Spokane Flyers went on to face the Windsor Spitfires in a best-of-seven series for the national amateur hockey title.
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Officially a member of 5. Staffel, Mayer led a flight from 8. Staffel on mission from the airfield at Nordhorn. Shortly after takeoff, the flight came under attack by Spitfires from the RCAF No. 442 Squadron.
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British radar reported them as six intruders. There were actually more than 20 He 111s without fighter escort.James and Cox 2000, p. 226. They were intercepted by six Spitfires from No. 152 Squadron from RAF Warmwell.
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Spitfires of 92 Squadron tried to charge through the fighter screen to get at the Dorniers but were blocked.Price 1990, p. 41.Hough and Richards 2007, p. 278. Soon afterwards, No. 603 Squadron joined the fight.
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QVHL Senior teams have won Saskatchewan Provincial titles five times. Milestone Flyers were 'C' winners in 1985 and 2003. Grenfell Spitfires were Provincial 'B' champions in 1982. Balgonie Bisons won the Provincial 'A' championship in 2011.
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In December 1941, RAF Fighter Command replaced the Bomber Command training unit with No. 12 Group, flying Supermarine Spitfires from No. 616 Squadron at RAF Kirton in Lindsey. Fighter Command operated the base until May 1942.
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The ship was ordered as part of the Second Emergency Flotilla on 2 October 1939, at a contract price of £404,046 (excluding government provided equipment such as armament), and was laid down at Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company's Govan shipyard on 3 June 1940, was launched on 5 August 1941 and completed on 22 February 1942 with the Pennant number G30. After commissioning and workup, Partridge was deployed to Gibraltar in April 1942, and was attached to Force H. She was part of the escort for the American aircraft carrier in Operation Calendar, during which 47 Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft were flown off Wasp on 20 April 1942 to reinforce the fighter defences of Malta. 46 of the Spitfires reached Malta. The requirement for reinforcement of Malta's defences continued, and 8–9 May Partridge was an escort in Operation Bowery, when Wasp and the British carrier flew off 64 Spitfires. On 17–20 May 1942, Force H, including Partridge escorted Eagle as she flew off a further 17 Spitfires to Malta, and on 7–9 June, when Eagle flew off a further 32 Spitfires.
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In that unlikely dogfight, Israeli pilots flying Nazi-designed Avias downed several English-made Spitfires flown by the Egyptians.Photo of Gordon Levett, Mahal C-46 crew during a refueling stop in Corsica, May 1948, mahal- idf-volunteers.
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Originally the RAF Historic Aircraft Flight, with a small group of Spitfires and Hurricanes operating from RAF Coltishall from 1963, the group became the "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight" in 1973, with the acquisition of the Lancaster.
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During this engagement, Walmsley scored the third of his 12 kills.Thomas 2008, p. 32. Spitfires were sometimes mistakenly attacked by USAAF P-51s. One such incident occurred on 31 December 1944, when 610 Squadron RAF was attacked.
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Meanwhile, No. 10 Group RAF were ordered into action. A request was made for No. 609 Squadron and 13 Spitfires to climb to over Kenley. This squadron left Middle Wallop at 14:28.Price 1990, p. 80.
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This college helped develop the highly successful Harrier Jump Jet and has serviced the Hurricanes and Spitfires of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The UK's sole remaining airworthy Avro Lancaster was based at Cranfield until 1964.
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In January 1941 the squadron was reformed from No. 421 (Reconnaissance) Flight and based at RAF Hawkinge, Kent equipped with Spitfires, carrying out weather reconnaissance and Air Sea Rescue operations. In April 1943 they were upgraded to Spitfire XIIs,the first Griffon engined Spitfires, which proved very successful in intercepting the low-flying Focke-Wulf 190s. They also flew reconnaissance missions over northern France and later concentrated on bomber escort duties. In March 1944 the squadron was assigned to the Second Tactical Air Force and flew tactical sweeps over the Normandy landing zones.
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The operation was substantially a repeat of the earlier Operation Calendar, in which the American aircraft carrier had flown off 48 British Spitfire fighter reinforcements to Malta. Aircraft, support personnel and airfields had inadequately prepared to receive the Spitfires and the Axis air forces were forewarned of the arrival of the new fighters. Many of the Spitfires had been destroyed on the ground by air attacks after their arrival on Malta. A repeat delivery (Operation Bowery) had been planned and its success had become even more important to the Allies.
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This fault had been notified to the British authorities as it had affected Calendar and its recurrence was a serious embarrassment. Wasp and her escorting force (Force W) sailed from Scapa Flow on 3 May. A further 17 Spitfires, delayed from previous "Club Runs", were transported by , which joined Force W on 7/8 May from Gibraltar.The combined force consisted of (from Scapa) USS Wasp, battlecruiser , cruiser and destroyers and , and ; and (from Gibraltar) HMS Eagle and destroyers , , , , , , , and On 9 May 1942, 64 Spitfires were flown off USS Wasp and HMS Eagle (61 arrived).
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One by one, they roared down the deck and over the forward rounddown, until each Spitfire was aloft and winging toward Malta. accompanies Wasp on her second voyage to Malta When the launch was complete, Wasp retired toward Gibraltar, having safely delivered her charges. However, those Spitfires, which flew in to augment the dwindling numbers of Gladiator and Hurricane fighters, were tracked by efficient Axis intelligence and their arrival pinpointed. Most of the Spitfires were destroyed by heavy German air raids which caught many planes on the ground.
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Squadron Spitfires and pilots Castletown In May 1941 the squadron was formed again at RAF Turnhouse in Scotland with Supermarine Spitfires, assigned to provide escorts and shipping patrols along the Scottish east coast and the Forth estuary. The squadron was also assigned operational training duty; it took on new pilots and exposed them to operational flying before sending them to squadrons in England. In April 1942 the squadron personnel, without their aircraft, were shipped to Egypt. They arrived in June, but did not acquire any aircraft until October when Gloster Gladiators were used for training.
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In May, Wasp again sailed with Force W and made a second delivery, this time of 47 Spitfires as part of Operation Bowery. She was accompanied by HMS Eagle, which transported an additional 17 Spitfires and provided air cover for the fleet. Careful coordination for the arrival at Malta enabled British aircraft to repulse a combined Italian/German air assault that resulted in the loss of 47 German aircraft at a cost to the British of only three. More aircraft deliveries were made to Malta in May and June.
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They were used to being able to outmanoeuvre opposing fighters and were shocked to discover that the Zeros they were now flying against were able to outmanoeuvre the Spitfire. Several Spitfires were lost before the pilots learned not to attempt to get into a turning dogfight with the agile Japanese fighters. In spite of these problems the Spitfires were reasonably successful and at times were able to catch the Mitsubishi Ki-46 reconnaissance aircraft which had flown fast enough and high enough to evade interception."Spitfire V in Combat." historyofwar.org. Retrieved: 5 February 2008.
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The squadron reformed in 1941 at RAF Ouston as a fighter unit equipped with Spitfires and then provided air defence for convoys from RAF Atcham and Llanbedr in Wales. It moved to India in October 1944. The squadron re-assembled at Amarda Road on 5 February 1945 but its Spitfires were re- allocated to the Royal Indian Air Force and the squadron was disbanded on 10 June 1945. Sixteen days later, 134 Squadron was renumbered to 131 and was equipped with Thunderbolts to begin training to support the invasion of Malaya.
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On June 28, 2015, Spitfires owner and head coach Bob Boughner accepted another assistant coaching job with the NHL's San Jose Sharks. A couple of days later, former Oilers assistant coach Rocky Thompson was hired as the Spitfires new head coach, with Trevor Letowski accepting the assistant coaching job after former assistant coach Bob Jones was hired by the Oshawa Generals as head coach. Boughner's new job seemed to be very successful, as he and former Spitfire Peter DeBoer lead the team to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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As a youth, Jovanovski played in the 1990 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Windsor. After playing bantam and Junior B in his hometown of Windsor, Jovanovski joined the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Windsor Spitfires. In his rookie season with the Spitfires, Jovanovski led all team defencemen in scoring, with 50 points in 62 games. In addition to being voted as the Emms Division's top bodychecker by League coaches, he was named to the OHL's All-Rookie and Second All-Star Teams.
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Maynard was first a member of a world champion team when Copthorne defeated the London Passenger Transport Board in 1941. In subsequent world championships, Maynard was filmed regularly and appeared on British Pathé News. When the Copthorne Spitfires won the world championship in 1948, Maynard was team captain, and he was seen on national television. In 1949 the Copthorne Spitfires lost in the semi-finals, when the commentator noted: > Marbles skill is handed down from father to sons, as from Pop Maynard, 73, > to sons Arthur, Perce and George.
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' 23 Unfortunately the first consignment of forty-two Spitfires was diverted to the Middle East following the fall of Tobruk on 21 June. Almost four months were to pass before the second consignment of seventy-one Spitfires arrived in Australia. The large-scale daylight raids recommenced on 13 June and continued for four successive days. It was during the last of these raids, on 16 June, that the 49th Fighter Group suffered its first major set-back, losing five of its Kittyhawks while destroying only two enemy aircraft.
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Smith's playing career ended in the fall of 1987 following a hit by Clark during an intrasquad training camp game. Having just signed a three-year contract, Smith eventually retired as a result of the back injury, running a charter-fishing business before returning home to Windsor in 1989 to coach the Spitfires for two-and- half years. After returning the Spitfires to respectability, Smith joined the Edmonton Oilers' scouting staff in 1991, serving under Glen Sather. At the start of the 1995–96 season, Smith became a scout for the Colorado Avalanche.
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Rychel was the general manager of the Windsor Spitfires teams that won the 2009 Memorial Cup, 2010 Memorial Cup, and the 2017 Memorial Cup championships. As of 2017, Rychel became one of only three general managers to assemble three Memorial Cup winning teams; the others are Matt Leyden of the Oshawa Generals, and Bob Brown of the Kamloops Blazers. After spending 13 years with the Spitfires, Rychel announced in July 2019 that he is selling his minority interest in the Ontario Hockey League team and stepping down as general manager.
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While the Spitfires were a match for the Axis aircraft, many of those delivered in March and April were destroyed on the ground and in the air, where they were outnumbered; for five days in April there was just one Spitfire available to defend the island, for two days there was none. The Germans had watched their delivery and pressed home heavy attacks. By 21 April 1942 just 27 Spitfires were still airworthy, and by evening that had fallen to 17. The overwhelming Axis bombardments had also substantially eroded Malta's offensive naval and air capabilities.
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Personnel arrived in Egypt in April but no aircraft were available. Some pilots flew operations with Hawker Hurricanes of No. 80 Squadron. Spitfires finally arrived in August and the squadron commenced operations from RAF Heliopolis over the El Alamein sector, and then with their Spitfire Vs at Landing Ground 173 in the Western Desert. No. 92 Squadron provided air cover at the Battle of El Alamein and on 18 April 1943, 11 Spitfires from the squadron flew top cover at the Palm Sunday Massacre during which approximately 75 axis aircraft were disabled or destroyed.
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Where multiple squadrons reached a raid the procedure was for the slower Hurricanes to tackle the bombers while the more agile Spitfires held up the fighter escort. This ideal was not always achieved, resulting in occasions when Spitfires and Hurricanes reversed roles. Park also issued instructions to his units to engage in frontal attacks against the bombers, which were more vulnerable to such attacks. Again, in the environment of fast moving, three- dimensional air battles, few RAF fighter units were able to attack the bombers from head-on.
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Personal Effects of Guy Gibson on show . Retrieved 24 April 2011 A few weeks after the raid, Thiele received a message that Gibson wanted to see him at RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire. Thiele, with 50 operations behind him, told Gibson that he had had his fill of bombers and was desperate to fulfil his ambition to fly Spitfires. He informed Gibson that he did not want to appear ungrateful but disclosed he already had the wheels rolling to go to a unit flying experimental Spitfires as a step out of Bomber Command.
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Within a short time the fighters assigned to engage were all airborne. Five Squadrons; No. 17, No. 54, No. 56, No. 65, and 501 with 17 Supermarine Spitfires and 36 Hurricanes were moving to patrol the Canterbury- Margate line to block any attack on the Thames Estuary ports or the airfields to the north of it. Four Squadrons; No. 32, No. 64, No. 601, and No. 615, with 23 Spitfires and 27 Hurricanes went into position above Kenley and Biggin Hill. A total of 97 RAF fighters were to meet the attack.
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Real-life World War II RAF ace Douglas Bader was portrayed as a night-flying Spitfire pilot during The Blitz in the animated Disney series Gargoyles second-season episode "M.I.A", and was saved from losing his life in air combat by Goliath and by Griff, a British gargoyle of the London Clan. The 2001 Czech film Dark Blue World, a World War II drama about Czech pilots who flew with the Royal Air Force directed by Jan Svěrák, featured Spitfires. The vintage Spitfires cost the film-makers US$7,500 an hour to use.
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As before, the squadron was equipped with Spitfires. It operated daily bomber escort sorties and, being close to the English Channel, also took on a role in air-sea rescue, both searching for survivors and escorting rescue aircraft.
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In game five, the Spitfires needed to make a change. Future IHLer Tony Piroski and partner Jean Pominville had uninspired starts in games three and four and were replaced by third-string goalie, and future NHLer, Rick Heinz.
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Aloni, 2001, p. 18.Norton 2004, p. 122 The IAF and RAF clashed again on January 7, 1949, during Operation Horev, when four RAF Spitfires were shot down, followed by a Hawker Tempest later that day.Aloni, 2001, p. 22.
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Though Spitfires General Manager Warren Rychel believed that De la Rose would immediately make the transition to North American major junior hockey, he ended up remaining in Sweden to fulfill the last year of his contract with Leksands IF.
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February 11, 1975, Page 4. An unrelated OHA Jr. A Spitfires team, founded in 1946, moved to become the Hamilton Tiger Cubs in 1953 and went through other iterations/moves to become the present OHL Erie Otters in 1996.
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Price 2002, p. 73. On 6 September 1939, in a "friendly-fire" incident known as the Battle of Barking Creek, two 56 Squadron Hawker Hurricanes were shot down by Spitfires of 74 Squadron over the river Medway, in Kent.
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146 The attack on 6 July was the last major raid on the Darwin area, and the Spitfires saw little action during the remainder of the month and early August with flying operations limited to exercises and false alerts.
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No. 140 Squadron RAF lost four Mosquitoes, the losses being made good the same day. At least five Spitfires from No. 16 Squadron RAF were destroyed. No. 271 Squadron RAF lost at least seven Harrow transports "out of action".
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On 15 March 1799, the prize agent, J. Hawker esq., paid Spitfires foremast men nearly £40 each. One man not only spent it in two days but ended up owing his landlady 15 guineas.Naval Chronicle, Vol. 1, p.344.
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At the time, mass estimates ranged up to 180 tons,McGowan, C. (1991). Dinosaurs, Spitfires and Sea Dragons. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA which placed it in the same category as the blue whale and the equally problematic Bruhathkayosaurus.
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From 10 November 1942 during the Second World War it was home to No. 57 Operational Training Unit RAF. Training on Supermarine Spitfires was carried out there until the unit was transferred north to RAF Boulmer in August 1944.
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One Bf 110 was damaged while their gunners shot down and wounded Flight Lieutenant 'Humph' Russell. Seconds later, No. 64 Squadron's eight Spitfires turned up, led by Squadron Leader Donald MacDonell. They dived on the Dorniers from high- altitude.
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No. 10 Group RAF and No. 11 Group alerted their units from their operations rooms at Uxbridge and Box in Wiltshire. No. 10 and 11 Groups dispatched more Squadrons to support the already airborne 11 Hurricanes from No. 601 Squadron. 10 Group dispatched one Squadron each from RAF Middle Wallop, RAF Exeter and RAF Warmwell, and one each from No. 11's RAF Tangmere and RAF Westhampnett. The RAF order of battle included; nine Hurricanes of No. 43 Squadron RAF, led by Squadron Leader Frank Reginald Carey patrolling Thorney Island; No. 602 Squadron RAF protected Westhampnett with 12 Spitfires; No. 152 Squadron RAF and 11 Spitfires patrolled Portsmouth air space; No. 234 Squadron RAF with 11 Spitfires over the Isle of Wight to engage the attackers; No. 213 Squadron RAF with 12 Hurricanes which were to move 80 miles eastward from Exeter and patrol St. Catherine's Point.
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The lack of aerial opposition meant that No. 80 Wing's aircraft were increasingly used to strafe Japanese positions near Morotai.Alexander (2006), p. 175 During January 1945 the wing flew 84 ground attack sorties, losing three Spitfires in the process.Odgers (1968), p.
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Due to security concerns, the level of security protection stepped up during the war, including the Station's own fighter force of several Spitfires. Later in the war, various satellite airfields were used to spread out the increased number of aircraft.
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The team advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2012-13 with a 4-1 series win vs. the Windsor Spitfires before falling in four straight games to the London Knights in Round 2.
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The Free French and the Vichy French air force units in North Africa were merged in January 1943 and three former Vichy Squadrons re- equipped with Spitfires. In the end seven French Spitfire squadrons fought in western Europe and the Mediterranean.
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Mosquito NF XII, with the "thimble" nose. At Usworth Burbridge met Flying Officer Bill Skelton, a radar operator instructor. Skelton and Burbridge disliked their positions. Burbridge wished to be assigned to Supermarine Spitfires to carry out high altitude photo-reconnaissance work.
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II./JG 53 claimed two Spitfires and a Hurricane for no loss. II./JG 53 commanded by Günther Freiherr von Maltzahn flew from Guernsey. On 11 August the final round of convoy attacks began on Convoys Booty, Agent and Arena.
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"Johnny" Allen who shot down one.Sims 1972, pp. 108–111.Deere 1974, pp. 48–53. During this period 67 Spitfires were lost over France, most of them in the attempt to prevent the Luftwaffe from bombing the evacuation beaches at Dunkirk.
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At the end of WW II, the IAF had nine squadrons. Squadrons 1,2,3,4,6,7,9 and 10 had Hurricanes and No.8 had Spitfires. Five of the Hurricane-equipped squadrons played a major role in the Arakan offensive which began in December 1944.
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Weal 2003, p. 117. Another source states that 13 Wellingtons were destroyed, as were five Mosquitoes, four Auster and five Avro Ansons from the Tactical Air Forces 2nd Communications Squadron. Three Spitfires were also lost and two damaged.Franks 2000, p. 134.
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He was promoted to head coach on June 14, 2013. On July 9, 2015, Trevor Letowski was hired by the Windsor Spitfires and was designated as their assistant coach, and previous assistant coach, Bob Jones, was hired by the Oshawa Generals.
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A further two claims were made on 30 April 1940.Shores, Foreman and Ehrengardt 1992, p. 299. During the Battle of Britain Woltersdorf claimed two Supermarine Spitfires on 15 August 1940 Claimed near Blyth, Northumberland, England. The claim cannot be verified.
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A further run by Eagle delivered nine Spitfires. The Club Run (delivery of aircraft to Malta by carrier) became more frequent through 1942. Then, despatched 47 more aircraft (Operation Calendar) on 13 April 1942. All but one reached the island.
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4, p.492. On 22 February Spitfires boats narrowly missed capturing Crawford, though they were able to seize his trade goods and free Kittys crew. In April,Spitfire engaged in an unsuccessful chase of an American privateer sailing under British colours.
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The force could put up 20 Spitfires. They were directed to Hornchurch at . At 12:10, Northolt No. 1 (Canadian) and 229 Squadrons sent 21 Hurricanes to Northolt. North Weald sent nine Hurricanes of No. 46 Squadrons to the London Docks.
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RAF Coastal Command flew 95 sorties for anti-invasion, anti-submarine, mine laying and reconnaissance missions. Spitfires photographed every port from Antwerp to Cherbourg. They returned with evidence of a gradually increasing buildup of amphibious forces. All the Command's aircraft returned.
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However, further to the east, Nos. 1, 17, 54, 56 and 266 Squadrons totalling 23 Spitfires and 36 Hurricanes were moving in to meet the main formations during their withdrawal.Price 2010, pp. 104–105. RAF controllers faced difficulties of their own.
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Panting M (2017) Jimmy Neesham shows what he can do with three wickets on Kent Spitfires debut, Kent Online, 10 July 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2017. In June 2018, Neesham was awarded a contract with Wellington for the 2018–19 season.
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The Bf 110s were led by Hauptmann Walter Rubensdörffer, commanding 'Erprobungsgruppe 210. 18 Do 17s from Kampfgeschwader 2 supported them. Not many of the Spitfires got airborne. Alongside Jeffrey Quill, Finucane took off downwind as the first bombs started to fall.
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They played seven home matches in total, five at the St Lawrence Ground and one each at the Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells and the County Cricket Ground, Beckenham.Hoad A (2017) Kent Spitfires 2017 fixtures, Kent Online, 2016-11-24.
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20 its strength declined considerably due to losses from combat and mechanical problems. At the end of June the commander of the North Western Area, Air Commodore Frank Bladin, requested 22 Spitfires from Vice Air Marshal Jones to bring the wing up to strength. In response, RAAF Headquarters stated that it would dispatch 17 Spitfires to Darwin during the next week and was preparing an additional 33 aircraft which had recently arrived in Australia.Odgers (1968), p. 63 No. 1 Wing saw further action in July 1943. On 3 and 4 July, Dinahs flew over the Darwin area without being intercepted. These preceded a major raid against Fenton on 6 July by 26 bombers and 21 fighters. The wing scrambled 33 aircraft to meet this force, and shot down nine of the raiders, losing seven Spitfires due to air combat or mechanical problems; a B-24 was also destroyed on the ground.Odgers (1968), pp. 63–65 The wing's high losses in this engagement were partially attributed to the worn state of the Spitfires' engines, and Bladin again signalled RAAF Headquarters to seek the immediate delivery of new aircraft. These began to arrive at No. 1 Wing's bases on 10 July.Alexander (2006), p.
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Cundari played four seasons of major junior hockey with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) between 2006 and 2010. He appeared in 248 games in that time and scored 30 goals, 133 points and had 553 penalty minutes. A defenceman, Cundari was eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft but went unselected due to his small stature. The St. Louis Blues invited him to their development camp over the summer and after he participated in their training camp prior to the 2008–09 season, signed Cundari to a contract before returning him to the Spitfires.
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Wasp and her consorts passed through the Straits of Gibraltar under cover of the pre-dawn darkness on 19 April, avoiding the possibility of being discovered by Spanish or Axis agents. At 04:00 on 20 April, Wasp spotted 11 Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters on her deck and quickly launched them to form a combat air patrol (CAP) over Force "W". Meanwhile, the Spitfires were warming up their engines in the hangar deck spaces below. With the Wildcats patrolling overhead, the Spitfires were brought up singly on the after elevator, spotted for launch, and then given the go-ahead to take off.
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The advanced command post of the Twelfth Air Force ordered two squadrons of the 31st Fighter Group to fly into Tafaraoui Airfield near Oran, newly captured by the U.S. 1st Infantry Division. 24 Spitfires of the 308th and 309th FS, including Major Thyng, took off from Gibraltar at 15:40. They arrived in Algeria at 17:00 and observed four aircraft circling overhead, mistakenly identified as RAF Hawker Hurricanes. The 12 Spitfires of the 308th FS landed without incident but as the 309th began landing, it was attacked by the four aircraft, now seen to be Vichy French Dewoitine D.520 fighters.
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Sent to England to serve with the Royal Air Force in 1941, he flew Spitfires over the Channel Front with No. 485 (New Zealand) Squadron. In April 1942, he was attached to No. 603 Squadron, which was tasked with flying Spitfires from the American aircraft carrier USS Wasp to the island of Malta. He then spent a period of time on Malta as part of No. 249 Squadron before returning to England to resume service with No. 485 Squadron. Forced down over France in August 1943, he spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war.
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In August 1943, it joined 2 Tactical Air Force in support of the planned invasion of Europe, changing to the pure reconnaissance mission in January, and replacing its Mustangs with Mosquito PR.XVI and Spitfire PR.XIs. It discarded its Mosquitoes in June, moved to France in August, and briefly supplemented its Spitfires with a few Hawker Typhoons for low-level reconnaissance. It retained its Spitfires at VE Day, moving to Celle in Germany to carry out survey operations in support of the British Army of Occupation until it was disbanded on 31 August 1945.Yoxall 1950, pp. 261–262.
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After service in Britain, flying sorties over France, in 1942 the RAF asked for desperately-needed volunteers (and their even more needed aircraft) to fight against Axis forces during the Siege of Malta. After damaging two Spitfires in an accident, MacLennan had fallen out of favor with his commanding officer and was asked to volunteer to go. On 9 June 1942, 32 pilots, MacLennan among them, headed towards Malta on board the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle. Roughly 1000 km (621 miles) from the island, the Spitfires were launched, attempting to fly through a hotbed of Axis aircraft and warships.
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Finishing sixth place out of eight teams, the Spitfires would draw local rival Chatham Maroons in a best-of-seven league quarter-final. The Maroons, who finished third with 33 wins, 17 losses, and 6 ties, were favoured to win. The Spitfires' first ever playoff game, in Chatham, Ontario, took place on February 23, 1972, a 3-2 win over the Maroons to take an early one-game lead in the series. Goaltender Bryan Rose made 35 saves in the winning effort, while the Spits' first ever playoff goal and later winning goals were scored by Wolf Hiesl, both in the second period.
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On September 25, 1975, Major Junior hockey returned to the Windsor Arena for the first time in twenty-two years. In front of 4,335 fans, the Windsor Spitfires hosted the Oshawa Generals. The game would be an eye-opener for the Spitfires, as they were defeated 10-1 by the Generals. Wayne Mills started in net for the Spits, but would be later relieved by back-up Bob Parent when the Generals made it 7-0 at 11:29 of the second period. The two goaltenders combined for 30 saves, as the Spits were outshot 40-23.
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They did not need to defeat the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Moncton Wildcats in their third and final round-robin game, but did so anyway, winning 4-3 in overtime. The tournament final saw the Spitfires play the host Wheat Kings for a second time. The Spitfires posted a convincing win once again, defeating the Wheat Kings 9-1 to clinch their second straight Memorial Cup. Their victory marked their twelfth straight win since going down 0-3 to Kitchener in the OHL's Western Conference Final, and they finished the playoffs with 20 wins against just 3 losses.
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Although this propeller was a great deal heavier than the earlier types (500 lb (227 kg) compared with 350 lb (183 kg)) it provided another substantial improvement in take-off distance and climb rate. Starting on 24 June de Havilland engineers began fitting all Spitfires with these units and by 16 August every Spitfire and Hurricane had been modified.Morgan and Shacklady 2000, pp. 53–55. "Two step" rudder pedals were fitted to all frontline Spitfires; these allowed the pilot to lift his feet and legs higher during combat, improving his "blackout" threshold and allowing him to pull tighter sustained turns.
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These had first been fitted to Spitfires of 54 and 66 Squadrons in May 1940, but ensuing production delays meant the bulk of Spitfires and Hurricanes were not fitted for another five months. The pilots enjoyed a much clearer reception which was a big advantage with the adoption of Wing formations throughout the RAF in 1941. The new installation meant that the wire running between the aerial mast and rudder could be removed, as could the triangular "prong" on the mast.Price 1996 Weight increases and aerodynamic changes led to later Spitfire Is having a lower maximum speed than the early production versions.
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From August the Japanese bomber units mainly conducted attacks on the Darwin area at night so that their aircraft were not intercepted by Spitfires. No. 1 Wing fought its last major engagements during September and November 1943. On 7 September, the Japanese dispatched a twin- engined reconnaissance aircraft escorted by 20 fighters to the Darwin area. The 48 Spitfires scrambled in response to this force were led by Flight Lieutenant Bob Foster. This was Foster's first experience in leading the wing, and he misdeployed No. 54 and 452 squadrons' aircraft, leading to them being 'bounced' by Japanese fighters.
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The Kittyhawk pilots had therefore developed the diving-pass technique and avoided close quarter combat whenever this was possible. The Spitfires persisted with the dogfighting technique until 2 May when five aircraft had to carry out forced landings through lack of fuel. A further three Spitfires made forced landings because of engine failure and all but two of these eight aircraft were later recovered. At the time, however, it looked as if the wing had lost thirteen aircraft and the fact that all the bombers had reached their target without loss only made the situation look much worse.
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Leighton grew up playing minor hockey in his hometown of Petrolia, Ontario, for the Petrolia Oilers of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association's Bluewater League. He played in the 1995 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Lambton County. At age 16, he played for the Petrolia Jets Jr.B. team of the Ontario Hockey Association's Western Ontario Hockey League before being drafted by the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Windsor Spitfires in the third round, 56th overall, of the 1998 OHL Priority Selection. Leighton began impressing scouts while playing for the Spitfires.
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Fighter Command claimed to have inflicted many losses on the for an RAF loss of 106 aircraft, 88 fighters (including 44 Spitfires), 10 reconnaissance aircraft and eight bombers; 14 other RAF aircraft were struck off charge from other causes such as accidents.Atkin 1980, p. 208. Other sources suggest that up to 28 bombers were lost and that the figure for destroyed and damaged Spitfires was 70. The suffered 48 aircraft losses, 28 bombers, half of them Dornier Do 217s from KG 2; JG 2 lost 14 Fw 190s and eight pilots killed, JG 26 lost six Fw 190s with their pilots.
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Although captain Stefan Della Rovere, missed the last few games while attending the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, still managed to score 18 points during the streak. In net, Peter Di Salvo managed 17 wins, while back-up Dalton McGrath won five. Following their incredible run, the Barrie Colts managed to move into second place in the OHL standings, behind the Windsor Spitfires, and third in the BMO CHL MasterCard Rankings behind the first place Saint John Sea Dogs and Windsor Spitfires. Their recent string of success places the franchise amongst the best in OHL history.
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In 2001, Janssen was selected in the third round of the Ontario Hockey League draft by the Windsor Spitfires. Instead of completing his senior year at Eureka High School, Janssen moved to Windsor, Ontario to begin his first season with the Spitfires. After one season in Ontario, Janssen was drafted by the New Jersey Devils as the 117th overall pick during the fourth round 2002 NHL Entry Draft. During the 2003–04 OHL season, Janssen joined the Guelph Storm, where he participated in the Memorial Cup tournament. Jansen made his NHL debut against the Rangers on November 5, 2005.
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The German crews knew Spitfires were based in the Firth of Forth, even if officially, Intelligence said there were none. After being detected by RDF, at 09:45, Royal Observer Corps reports placed one unidentified aircraft at high altitude on a southwesterly course over Dunfermline heading for Rosyth, with another flying across the Borders near Galashiels. Three minutes later, at 09:48, Blue Section of 602 Squadron (three Spitfires led by Flight Lieutenant George Pinkerton ) was scrambled to patrol the Island of May at . At 10:08, one He 111 was spotted by lookouts aboard the cruiser , at anchor in the estuary.
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They continued flying west but eventually turned south towards the market town of Haddington. At the same time, six Spitfires of 603 Squadron's 'B' Flight were scrambled with orders to head east and patrol over North Berwick. Three of 602 Squadron's Spitfires had landed at RAF Leuchars to refuel. As they waited, several aircraft were spotted but were assumed to be Bristol Blenheims, which resembled the Ju 88. The mistake was quickly corrected and it seems these were the three Ju 88s of the fourth wave which had crossed the coast considerably further north than their planned landfall at Berwick.
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Pollock served as general manager of the Windsor Hettche Spitfires in the IHL, which acted as a farm team for the Detroit Red Wings. Pollock's goal of a Junior A-level team in Windsor was realized in 1946, when he established the original Windsor Spitfires for the 1946–47 OHA season. He and business partner Jack Dent obtained franchise rights from the OHA for C$500, and purchased uniform for another $100. The team lost its first game 15-0 to the Toronto St. Michael's Majors, but attracted a crowd of 4,062 spectators at the Windsor Arena.
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Hurricanes were harder to come by.Rudhall, Robert Finding The Stars Flypast Magazine, September 1989 It would take Mahaddie two and a half years to assemble his RAF and Luftwaffe from all corners of the globe. He managed to persuade the RAF to lend many of its non-flight worthy aircraft as static airfield dressing. In addition to this he obtained 9 airworthy Spitfires and 3 airworthy Hurricanes, but all but one of the airworthy Spitfires obtained were later models, with bubble canopies and other physical differences from the Supermarine Spitfire Mk I that was used to fight the battle.
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That day, on a mission to London, Schöpfel claimed a No. 603 Squadron shot down at 18:45. During an attack on the London Docks on 9 September, Schöpfel claimed three No. 92 Squadron Spitfires shot down over the Thames Estuary, taking his total to 20 aerial victories claimed. According to British loss lists, 92 Squadron lost only two Spitfires this day; Pilot Officer C. H Saunders was wounded in L1077, and Pilot Officer W. C Watling in P9372. On 11 September, Schöpfel may have shot down a No. 235 Squadron Blenheim bomber on a mission to bomb Calais harbour.
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Soon afterwards, it was moved to RAF Predannack, on the Lizard Peninsula, where they flew further missions over northern and western France. In the days leading up to 27 July, Lyon was involved in a number of missions. On 22 July, eight RAF 234 Squadron Spitfires, one piloted by Lyon, escorted three Mosquitoes of RAF 151 Squadron on a bombing mission of a German Naval HQ at Nostang, east of Lorient, the Spitfires attacking afterwards with cannon and machine gun. On 23 July, he flew with three others on a shipping reconnaissance mission between Morlaix and the Île de Sein.
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In the playoffs, Brown earned four assists in seven games as the Spitfires lost to the London Knights in the first round of the playoffs. The Spitfires hosted the 2017 Memorial Cup, and Brown made his debut on May 19, being held off the score sheet in a 3–2 win over the Saint John Sea Dogs. In his second game, Brown scored his first Memorial Cup goal against Carl Stankowski of the Seattle Thunderbirds, and added two assists, in a 7–1 victory. In the Memorial Cup final, Brown earned two assists in a 4–3 victory over the Erie Otters.
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The Hispano cannon was then made under license in Britain and was first used in 1940. Early trials in Hurricanes and Spitfires found that the gun could jam during combat but after modifications it became standard armament in later fighters. The Hispano proved to be a good 'tank buster' and allowed Spitfires and Hurricanes to make effective attacks on ground targets and enemy shipping becoming one of the most used aircraft guns of the 20th Century. Keith also played a part in the introduction of the Frazer-Nash power-driven gun turret securing the first order of 64 turrets for the RAF.
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At the outbreak of the war on 15 May, the SA became the Israeli Air Force. With its fleet of light planes it was no match for Arab forces during the first few weeks of the war with their T-6s, Spitfires, C-47s, and Avro Ansons. On 15 May, with the beginning of the war, four Royal Egyptian Air Force (REAF) Spitfires attacked Tel Aviv, bombing Sde Dov Airfield, where the bulk of Sherut Avir's aircraft were concentrated, as well as the Reading Power Station. Several aircraft were destroyed, some others were damaged, and five Israelis were killed.
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Ferrulli made his two last kills on the very day of his demise, 5 July 1943, in the sky of Sicily. At 14:20, few hours after the death of his friend (and fellow "ace") Franco Lucchini, Ferrulli, Tenente Giorgio Bertolaso and Sergente Giulio Fornalé, also from 91a Squadriglia, took off from Sigonella to intercept a squadron of B-17s escorted by P-38s and Spitfires. He was seen shooting down a four-engined American bomber from which three men bailed out, and then a twin-engined P-38 fighter. However, immediately thereafter, Ferrulli was attacked by Spitfires.
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In July 1944, all volunteers were given the right to be identified by a "Falkland Islands" shoulder-flash. In addition to these contributions to the British war-effort, the Falkland Islands also donated five Supermarine Spitfires to the British Royal Air Force.
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Manrho & Pütz 2004, p. 217.Weal 2003, p. 117. Another source states that 13 Wellingtons were destroyed, as were five Mosquitoes, four Austers and five Avro Ansons from the Tactical Air Forces 2nd Communications Squadron. Three Spitfires were also lost and two damaged.
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In the event all six Swordfish were shot down. The Spitfires destroyed three Fw 190s in return. Several Swordfish managed to fire off their torpedoes but none found their mark. Lieutenant Commander Esmonde was shot down and killed by an Fw 190.
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The Wingham Spitfires won the WOAA Sr. "A" title three years in a row, from 2001-2003. A previous Wingham team with the same nickname won the 1951 WOAA Grand Championship, while in 1984, the Wingham Royals were crowned the Intermediate "A" title.
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One of the most active squadrons at this time operated Spitfires. No. 540 Squadron RAF was particularly busy in 1943, over Norway.Ashworth 1992, p. 164. In June 1943, decreased demand from the Admiralty meant the PRU supported RAF Bomber Command more frequently.
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The 1987–88 OHL season was the eighth season of the Ontario Hockey League. The OHL inaugurates the OHL Goaltender of the Year award. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Windsor Spitfires won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Peterborough Petes.
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He was named to the ODMHA Midget AAA All-Star team. After the season, Hall was the second overall choice in the 2007 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection by the Windsor Spitfires. Ryan O'Reilly was selected first overall by the Erie Otters.
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Hardus Viljoen: Kent Spitfires re-sign South African paceman for T20 Blast, BBC Sport, 5 June 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019. In December 2018, he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab in the player auction for the 2019 Indian Premier League.
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The Windsor Spitfires are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The team is based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1971, the franchise was promoted to the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League for the 1975–76 season.Simcoe Reformer.
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Matusiak 2007, pp. 12–13. Spitfires engaged in low-altitude "dicing" missions were often painted in either overall white or in a very pale "Camoutint Pink", which was an ideal colour against cloud cover.Matusiak 2007, p. 12.Price 2002, pp. 96–103.
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During the battle of Kuban River, VVS relied on P-39s much more than Spitfires and P-40s. Aleksandr Pokryshkin, from 16.Gv.IAP (16th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment), claimed 20 victories in that campaign in a P-39.Morgan 1999, p. 20.
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The Yishuv obtained from Czechoslovakia a supply of Avia S-199 fighter planes tooWalid Khalidi, Before Their Diaspora, Institute for Palestine Studies, Washington DC, 1991, p. 316 rapporté par Issa Fahel by Gary D. Keenan and, later on in the conflict, Supermarine Spitfires.
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II./ZG 2 fared better, and three of their Bf 110s were damaged. Bf 109s from JG 53 appeared to save the Bf 110s; 17 Squadron lost one Hurricane each to ZG 2 and JG 53\. No. 609 Suffered damage to two Spitfires.
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Eastleigh F.C. are the town's sole senior football team playing, from 2014–15, in the Conference Premier (after promotion from the Conference South in 2013–14) as well as entering the FA Cup and the FA Trophy. They are known as The Spitfires.
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It lost another two Ju 88s which were covering a convoy on 19 April 15 miles northwest of Pantellaria. No. 229 Squadron RAF Spitfires with long-range tanks were likely their attackers. 12 Ju 88s were lost by the group over Africa.
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These were the first outdoor regular season games for the OHL. The Spitfires won the first game 6–5, while a shootout was required for the second game, with the Whalers getting the 2–1 win.Spits, Whalers win outdoors at Comerica ontariohockeyleague.
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By that time, the RAF had sufficient quantities of Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires and did not require a new single-seat fighter. With a calculated top speed of about at the P.94 was almost as fast as a contemporary Spitfire although less manoeuvrable.
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Sqn Ldr Shivdev Singh handed over command to Sqn Ldr OP Mehra on 28 December 1945. In the last week of January 1946, No. 3 flew its Spitfires to Yelahanka to complete its conversion. Following the conversion, the unit was moved to RAF Kolar.
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After participating in the allied invasion of Tunisia "Operation Torch", the squadron began converting to Supermarine Spitfires in January 1943. In September 1944 the squadron returned to Italy after the invasion of Southern France (Operation Dragoon), where it remained until disbanding on 7 January 1947.
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Morning Avalanche, February 17, 1951. Actual film of dogfighting between Spitfires and Messerschmitts and Heinkels and a London air raid were shot by Warners' Teddington studios technicians and shipped to the United States for inclusion in the film."Notes: 'International Squadron' (1941)." Turner Classic Movies.
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Shores et al. 1991 This meant a flight time of more than five hours.Glancey 2006, p. 103. All of these Spitfires were involved in combating and finally blunting the constant air attacks being made on the island by the Luftwaffe and the Regia Aeronautica.
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Pilot Officer G Keighley, 610 Squadron was shot down by JG 51 at the same time. Off Dover on 29 July, Priller claimed a Spitfire. Two Spitfires from No. 41 Squadron force-landed with battle damage and one pilot, Flying Officer D. R. Gamblen.
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The citation read: He then joined No. 229 Squadron flying Spitfires on Malta in October 1942. He was shot down on 12 October and picked up by an air-sea rescue motor launch. In November we became wing commander (flying) at Hal Far airfield.
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Another well-known Wing Commander, "Bob" Tuck, was shot down by a multi-barrel, 20 mm Flakvierling 38 position and captured by German troops on 28 January 1942 while flying a "Rhubarb". Many other Spitfires were shot down by German fighters.Price 1991, p. 57.
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Shores and Thomas 2005, pp. 352, 366–367, 379–380. Spitfires took part in the Defence of the Reich campaign, providing Avro Lancaster bombers with fighter escort. Targets were attacked over an area ranging from German occupied Dutch territory into the heart of Germany.
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Spitfires Over China. spyflight.co.uk During a meteorological test flight on 5 February 1952, Powles reached 51,550 feet (15,697m) in PS852, the highest altitude ever recorded for a non-purpose built piston-engined aircraft.Spitfire PS915 (Mk PRXIX). Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
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In the subsequent combat three Spitfires were shot down while the wing claimed one fighter destroyed and two 'probables'. No. 457 Squadron was able to gain a height advantage on the Japanese and shot down four fighters without loss.Odgers (1968), pp. 110–111Alexander (2006), pp.
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Kühnhackl was selected by the Windsor Spitfires 24th overall in the 2009 CHL Import Draft and moved to North America for the 2010–11 season. After several seasons with the Penguins' minor league affiliates, Kühnhackl made his NHL debut with the team in 2016.
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The squadron was formed at RAF Acklington on 22 February 1941Halley 1988, p. 366. and reached operational readiness on 24 April 1941. It was equipped with Hurricane Mk.Is until July when it received Mk.IIs. The squadron moved south in June and received Spitfires in October.
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Furious spent the next three months after her return working up. In August, she was detailed to accompany the convoy bound for Malta in Operation Pedestal, but she was only to sail far enough with them to allow her 38 Supermarine Spitfires to reach Malta.
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W. Simpson, Spitfires Over Scotland, G C Books Ltd., 2010 , p. 84 The target of the attack was shipping from the Rosyth naval base in the Forth, close to the bridge. The Germans were hoping to find , the largest capital ship in the Royal Navy.
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The body of the gunner was never found.W. Simpson, Spitfires Over Scotland, pp. 100, 109 A wartime propaganda film, Squadron 992, made by the GPO Film Unit after the raid, recreated it and conveyed the false impression that the main target was the bridge.
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Marie Greyhounds; Cole Perfetti, Saginaw Spirit; Jaromir Pytlik, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds; and Jack Thompson, Windsor Spitfires. During the game, Foerster scored two goals for Team White, leading the club to a 5–3 victory. Foerster was named the Team White Player of the Game.
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All eighteen counties retained the nicknames from the previous season. Kent Spitfires won the League for the fifth time. Gloucestershire Gladiators, Surrey Lions and Northamptonshire Steelbacks were relegated from Division One, while Glamorgan Dragons, Durham Dynamos and Worcestershire Royals were promoted from Division Two.
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Lemke was to lead this squadron until the end of the war. Lemke flew a total of 325 combat missions and ultimately reached 70 victories, including 25 Spitfires, eight P-47 Thunderbolts, six P-51 Mustangs and at least five four-engine bombers (B-17s).
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Hawker Hurricane, MK I, from the Battle of Britain. At 14:00, No. 11 Group released 68 fighters. Hornchurch's No. 603 and No. 222 Squadron RAF committed 20 Spitfires to Sheerness at . The squadrons would fail to find each other and went into action singly.
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Around 19 pilots were wounded, 11 so seriously that they did not take part in the rest of the battle.Price 2010, p. 228. Losses on the ground amounted to eight fighters (two Spitfires). Around 28 aircraft of other types were destroyed on the ground.
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RAF Fighter Command lost 18 Spitfires destroyed or damaged to all causes in the days air battles. Balthasar claimed his last aerial victories with JG 3 on 29 October. On the second mission of the day targeting Kent, Balthasar claimed two Spritfires shot down.
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The Japanese tried to supply Sakurai Force with a convoy of pack mules and Arakanese porters, following the route of Sakurai's original infiltration but this was ambushed and the supplies were captured.Slim, pp.236–237 The first air-drop missions met opposition from Japanese fighters and some transport aircraft were forced to turn back but three squadrons of Spitfires, operating from new airfields around Chittagong, gained air superiority over the battlefield. Sixty-five Japanese aircraft were claimed shot down or damaged for the loss of three Spitfires (though the Japanese fighters also shot down several Hawker Hurricane fighter-bombers and other aircraft.)Slim, pp.
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Galland recalled being impressed by the Spitfire's ability to outmanoeuvre Bf 109s at low speed and to turn into the Bf 109s within little airspace. Only by executing a "Split S" (a half-roll onto his back, followed by pulling into a long, curving dive) that the Spitfire could not follow without its float carburettor causing a temporary loss of engine power, could his aircraft escape back to France at low altitude. The II./Jagdgeschwader 52 covered their retreat, losing two Bf 109s to Spitfires from No. 610 Squadron. During the action, two Spitfires were shot down for the loss of four Bf 109s.
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The squadron badge was a Norwegian Viking sword and a British sword in saltire, bound together with a ring — symbolising the friendship between Norway and Great Britain. The squadron was initially equipped with Hawker Hurricane Mk 1s, inherited from a Polish RAF unit. These had to be rebuilt before 331 Squadron could become operational, on 15 September 1941. It provided defence for northern Scotland, moving to RAF Castletown on 21 August and later to RAF Skaebrae. On the 4th May 1942, the squadron moved south to RAF North Weald, having re-equipped with Spitfires in November 1941. 331 Squadron was joined by a second Norwegian unit 332 Squadron, also flying Spitfires.
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On April 6, 2006, the Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced the approval of a new ownership group for the Windsor Spitfires, composed of Bob Boughner, Warren Rychel and Peter Dobrich. All three men had history in Windsor with OHL hockey, and the group had expressed hope to move the team into a new arena. Boughner assumed the roles of President, CEO and head coach of the Spitfires, Rychel was named director of player development, and Dobrich the new business manager. On February 18, 2008, team captain and Calgary Flames prospect Mickey Renaud died of an undetected heart condition in his Tecumseh, Ontario home.
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The Spitfires came back in 2009–10 with a second straight 50-plus win season, finishing with a record of 50 wins, 12 losses, 1 overtime loss, and 5 shootout losses. Their record was good enough to earn the top seed in the Western Conference, but not good enough to clinch their second straight Hamilton Spectator Trophy, won by the Barrie Colts (57-9-0-2). For being the top team in their division, the Spitfires were awarded their second straight Bumbacco Trophy. Taylor Hall tied Tyler Seguin of the Plymouth Whalers for the league's scoring lead, and both were awarded the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as scoring co-champions.
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The Spitfires damaged a bomber but lost a pilot killed to return fire; six more Spitfires sighted Do 17s escorted by a of Bf 109s and a Bf 109 was claimed without loss. (A II./JG 51 Bf 109 force-landed, the pilot wounded.) Hurricanes of 79 Squadron took off from Hawkinge and north of Dover, were attacked and lost two pilots killed to Bf 109s. Kampfgeschwader 54 (KG 54) Ju 88s made ineffectual attacks and Geoffrey Allard of 85 Squadron shot down a KG 1 He 111 (the pilot was killed and the four crew members were posted missing). A Bf 109 from 4.
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When early operations proved the vulnerability of the Blenheims and Lysanders, in October 1939 the Australian Sidney Cotton, Acting Wing Commander of the newly formed and highly secret "Heston Flight", met with Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding, AOC of Fighter Command and persuaded him to release two Spitfires to his unit.Matusiak 2007, pp. 4–5. Cotton had already proved Longbottom's theory to be right by using a modified Lockheed 12A on clandestine photo- reconnaissance missions over Germany. The two Spitfires were "Cottonised" by removing the radio, stripping out the armament and adding downward-facing F24 cameras with lenses to replace the inner-wing guns.
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In late February the escort carrier transported photo analysts and the ground crews for a Royal Air Force photo reconnaissance detachment to Vaenga airfield in northern Russia. These personnel were joined by three Supermarine Spitfires fitted for photo reconnaissance work and a single Consolidated PBY Catalina in March. The Spitfires flew regular sorties over Kaafjord and took very detailed photographs of Tirpitz and the nearby anti-aircraft batteries on 12 and 13 March; after being developed the Catalina flew these images to the UK. Although the German forces in northern Norway detected the Spitfire flights, the Kaafjord area's defences were not increased or placed on alert.Roskill (1960), p.
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Ibold of 2./JG 76 claimed a P-51. The next day 15 fighters made low-level strafing attacks on troops around Nijmegen. No losses were suffered. On 24 September 26 Bf 109's joined III./JG 11 and IV./JG 54 as part of the temporary tactical formation Gefechstverband Späthe in anti-fighter sweeps over the Netherlands. Two fighters were lost on 26 September flying ground attack missions. On 27 September 1944 a formation of some 29 I./JG 76 Bf 109s were attacked by No 412 and 443 RCAF Spitfires over the Arnhem-Nijmegen area. Five Bf 109s were lost in return for five Spitfires claimed shot down.
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This was the first time that Spitfires had operated in a tropical environment, and the aircraft were found to have lesser performance than in other climatic conditions. The region's remoteness also contributed to supply difficulties, and No. 1 Wing continually suffered from a shortage of spare parts for its Spitfires. Despite these limitations to Spitfire operations, the wing's arrival improved the morale of Allied military units near Darwin and allowed No. 77 Squadron to be transferred from Darwin to Milne Bay in New Guinea. No. 1 Wing first saw combat on 6 February 1943 when a No. 54 Squadron Spitfire shot down a Mitsubishi Ki-46 "Dinah" reconnaissance aircraft near Darwin.
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The site plan shows main offices, drawing offices, tool rooms, stores for finished parts, areas for the assembly of wings and fuselages, and covering of tailplanes and fins, drape shops (for covering of parts including petrol tanks), canteens, surgeries, sports and social clubs, and power-generating plants. This Spitfire Mk IIA, now owned by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, was built at Castle Bromwich During March 1940, Vickers-Armstrongs was placed in charge of the factory. The factory built somewhere between 11,555 and 11,939 Spitfires, over half of the total number produced. Often fifty Spitfires a week were made with a peak of 320.
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From early 1942, Spitfires were necessary to counter the more modern German fighters that outclassed the robust but outdated Hurricanes. On several occasions there were faults with the external fuel tanks that were needed to give the required range. As a result, two Club Runs were aborted and had to be repeated after modifications at Gibraltar, Calendar delivered inadequately prepared aircraft that fell prey to bombing on Malta and Bowery′s 64 Spitfires required adaptations to the external fuel tanks while on board USS Wasp. The failure to rectify a fault over several deliveries for a critical purpose in hazardous circumstances is unexplained but was described as "embarrassing".
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The later series cannon armed Spitfires used in the film were inaccurate, as the RAF had chiefly machine gun-armed Spitfire Mk I/IIs during the Battle of Britain. Limited number of early cannon-armed Spitfires Mk.IB served for brief time with No. 19 Squadron RAF, but these proved to be too unreliable and were soon withdrawn from active service. They also differed slightly from later cannon-armed Spitfire versions, which possessed both autocannons and machine guns, as their armament consisted of single 20 mm British Hispano cannon in each wing only. Ben Affleck's Spitfire is painted with the insignia "RF" – this is an insignia of No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron.
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The mission was intended to be as a diversion for another raid being carried out almost simultaneously on a power station at Ijmuiden. "Ramrod" was a term designating a daylight bombing mission, with a fighter escort, that targeted a specific objective. The twelve participating Venturas, led by Trent, were to cross the Dutch coast at sea level, escorted by six squadrons of Supermarine Spitfires. Two more squadrons of Spitfires were to provide top cover for the Venturas over the target, with all of the aircraft keeping to sea level as they approached the Dutch coast so as to avoid showing up on German radar, before climbing to reach bombing height.
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One of the Spitfires repainted for the film Aircraft were equipped with dual cockpits for filming in flight. A Yakovlev Yak-52TW was modified to resemble a Supermarine Spitfire, and two Supermarine Spitfire Mark IAs, a Spitfire Mark VB, and a Hispano Buchon painted to look like a Messerschmitt Bf 109E, were also used for the combat scenes. Large-scale radio controlled model aircraft, including Heinkel He 111 and Junkers Ju 87 bombers, were filmed crashing into the English Channel. The real Spitfires were provided by the Imperial War Museum Duxford, and owner Dan Friedkin piloted the one that was shot landing on the beach in Dunkirk.
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The film starts with the commander of one of ATA ferry pools and his assistant receiving telephone calls about aircraft to be moved between factories and airfields and working out pilot rosters. It moves on to introduce the variety of people, both men and women, who are pilots in the ATA. The movements of two pilots, an older Englishman and a young American as they are transported to a factory in an ATA Avro Anson to collect two Supermarine Spitfires for delivery to an RAF base somewhere in England. After delivering the Spitfires, the English pilot flies an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley to another airfield with the American pilot as a passenger.
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Egyptian airplanes flying over Koubbeh Palace in celebration of King Farouk I and Queen Farida's wedding. Following the British withdrawal from the British Protectorate of Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948, Egyptian forces crossed into Palestine as part of a wider Arab League military coalition in support of the Palestinians against the Israelis. The Egyptian Air Force contribution included the Short Stirling bomber, Douglas C-47 Dakotas performing as light bombers and Spitfires. Two Israeli aircraft were shot down and on 22 May 1948, Egyptian Spitfires attacked the RAF Ramat David airfield, believing that it had already been taken over by Israeli forces.
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On 5 July 1943, Lucchini took off in his Macchi C.202 with 26 other pilots of 4° Stormo to intercept 52 USAAF Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses, probably from 99th Bomber Group, that were heading to bomb the airfields around Catania, escorted by 20 Spitfires from 72 and 243 Squadrons. Lucchini was leading 10°Gruppo that consisted of the 84a Squadriglia, the 90a Squadriglia and 91a Squadriglia. The Italian made a frontal attack on the bombers over Gerbini airfield, ignoring the escorting Spitfires. In the sky of Catania, Lucchini was last seen to damage – with other pilots – three bombers and then to shoot down a Spitfire.
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William J. Bowler (born September 25, 1974 in Toronto, Ontario) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He played nine games in the National Hockey League with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is currently the General Manager of the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League.
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At least five Supermarine Spitfires from No. 16 Squadron RAF were destroyed. No. 271 Squadron RAF lost at least seven Handley Page Harrow transports "out of action". A further 15 other aircraft were destroyed. 139 Wing reported five North American B-25 Mitchells destroyed and five damaged.
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Mayer claimed two Spitfires on 22 August. JG 2 claimed six between 19:50 and 20:15. No. 66 Squadron lost one pilot killed while another evaded. No. 485 Squadron lost four; one pilot was killed, two captured and one evaded capture to return to Britain.
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In attendance were the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton KCB ADC BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF, former Air Chief Marshal Sir William Wratten, GBE, CB, AFC and Flt Lt Ken Wilkinson AE who flew Spitfires in the Battle of Britain on 19 Squadron.
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After further training Espelid sailed for England where he joined an Operational Training Unit and began to fly Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. On 15 July 1942, he joined No. 331 Squadron RAF,Vance (2000) p.175Ulstein (1979), p.362 a squadron manned by Norwegian personnel flying Spitfires.
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Pohl tried to fly northwards to take an observation position, but the aircraft was hit by the fire of Spitfires piloted by George Pinkerton and McKellar. The Ju 88 crashed into the sea, Pohl being the only survivor of his crew. The victory was credited to McKellar.
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Over 31 May, ZG 26 claimed five Spitfires over Dunkirk. Two Hurricanes were known to have been shot down in combat with Bf 110s. Both No. 229 Squadron RAF pilots survived. A Spitfire from No. 64 Squadron RAF was reported lost in combat with Bf 110s.
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London: Air Ministry, 1940. Late in 1940, a Martin-Baker designed quick-release canopy mechanism began to be retroactively fitted to all Spitfires. The system employed unlocking pins, actuated by cables operated by the pilot pulling a small, red rubber ball mounted on the canopy arch.
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Three complete Spitfires, were destroyed, 20 damaged and 37 people were killed in the factory and 52 in surrounding areas. 238 pilots claimed four Bf 110s destroyed and five damaged. Three He 111s were claimed destroyed. On 27 September Pilot Officer Bob Doe joined 238 Squadron.
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Goodwood Airfield in 2005 The airfield began as a World War II fighter base, opened in 1940 during the Battle of Britain when it was home to two Spitfire squadrons. It was later used by the United States Air Force fighter squadrons, flying British Spitfires and Typhoons.
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Squadron Leader John Stewart Hart (11 September 1916 – 18 June 2019) was a Canadian pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1938 to 1946. He flew Lysanders in the RAF Army Cooperation Command, Spitfires in the Battle of Britain, Hurricanes in Burma and Mustangs in Italy.
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Spitfire IIA. Although a slightly later variant, its outward appearance was identical to the Mk. I, the mainstay Spitfire of 1940. No. 92 Squadron RAF and No. 72 Squadron RAF scrambled Spitfires from Biggin Hill. Their orders were to cover the air space over Canterbury at .
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One of them was Johnson's wingman. JG 26 claimed eight Spitfires from "Circus" No. 67 on 7 August. Seifert was among those successful pilots. Fighter Command reported four pilots missing and two wounded. The Germans suffered damage to two Bf 109s and one pilot was wounded.
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The West Division consisted of five teams that played in the division during the 1997-98 season. The teams were the London Knights, Plymouth Whalers, Sarnia Sting, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires. The Erie Otters left the division, joining the newly formed Midwest Division.
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Following his retirement from professional hockey Mike Weber joined the Windsor Spitfires, his former OHL team, as an assistant coach in January 2018. On September 17, 2020, Weber was hired as an assistant coach by his former team, the Rochester Americans, of the American Hockey League.
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Abbey Panels Ltd., originally The Abbey Panel & Sheet Metal Co. Ltd., was a Warwickshire-based coachbuilding company founded on Abbey Road, Nuneaton in 1941, initially assembling Supermarine Spitfires for the ongoing war effort. The original partners were Edward Loades, Les Bean, Bill Woodhall and Ernie Wilkinson.
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Group Captain George Lovell "Uncle" Denholm, (20 December 1908 – 15 June 1997) was a fighter pilot and flying ace of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain, and is counted amongst the ranks of 'The Few'.
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It was a perfect > hit. Although he wasn't aware that he had been fired on, when Beurling > inspected his Spitfire back at Takali, he found it riddled with bullets. > Undaunted, that evening, just before dusk, he was in the air again in a > patrol of four Spitfires.
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Beurling's aircraft was "riddled by better than 20 bullets through the fuselage and wings". "An explosive bullet nicked my right heel", he recalled. On 22 July, Beurling lost his best friend in Malta, French-Canadian Pilot Jean Paradis. The following day, eight 249 Spitfires were scrambled.
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At 10:55 GMT Finucane took off and headed over Manston toward France. Off the coast, they strafed a small ship and turned north to return home. Finucane spotted two aircraft taking off from Mardyck but lost sight of them. Both Spitfires dropped to sea level.
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Watts debuted for Eastleigh on 20 January 2007 in the Conference South, in the 0–1 home defeat to Salisbury City. He came on as substitute with 30 minutes to go and was given a yellow card. On 3 May 2008 Watts was released by the Spitfires.
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Skinner amassed a multitude of injuries at the end of his playing career, and these would follow him for the rest of his life. It was at that time Jack Adams, who had been following his progress, offered him a chance to coach the Windsor Spitfires 1947–53. He had one brief departure in 1951–52 campaign when the Spitfires left Windsor for Hamilton in 1953. It was then he became coach of the Hamilton Red Wings. At the offer of Jack Adams again, at the end of 1953 Skinner became the Detroit Red Wing's rookie head coach and won the Stanley Cup in 1954/55. In the 1956 season he led Detroit to a first place standing during the regular season before bowing out in the playoffs. Other honours while coaching in Windsor include 1947–1948 J.P. McGuire Trophy and 1947–1948 Joseph Turner Memorial Cup (Windsor Hettche Spitfires) (IHL). Skinner was instrumental with his friend Sam Pollock in creating the NHL Entry Draft as it is known today.
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This figure includes two Spitfires on 7 July, a Spitfire and a Hurricane on 9 July, one Spitfire on 10 and 11 July each. He then served with 6. Staffel of JG 2 and claimed fifteen further aerial victories by the end of 1941, taking his total to 41.
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Intruder pilots began accumulating personnel successes. One such pilot was Paul Semrau. He claimed his 6th victory on the night of 18/19 June 1941 off Great Yarmouth. Semrau claimed 46 night victories until he was killed by Supermarine Spitfires in February 1945 conducting an unwise daylight test flight.
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Despite finishing last overall in the OHL their first season, the Ambassadors executives stuck to the same plan that help bring success to the Spitfires. The Ambassadors earned the reputation as a physical team. Six different players would amass over 100 penalty minutes, including captain Paul Mitton (152 minutes).
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Those carriers were HMS Argus, HMS Illustrious, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Victorious, HMS Eagle, USS Wasp, and HMS Furious. The Eagle alone made nine such ferrying trips, sending 183 Spitfires to the island.Roskill p. 235 The Ark Royal and Eagle were sunk in the Mediterranean during this period.
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Victoria Movsessian (born November 6, 1972) is an American ice hockey player. She won a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics. She was the founder of the Massachusetts Spitfires and Rhode Island Sting girls hockey clubs. Movsessian was born in Concord, Massachusetts, but grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts.
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Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2005-500 Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2006-563 During the 2004-2005, and 2005-2006 seasons of the Ontario Hockey League, 95.1 provided live coverage of Windsor Spitfires games, with Shadd Dales on play-by-play and Brendan McGuire on colour. They returned to CKLW in 2006.
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Dinosaurs, Spitfires and Sea Dragons. Harvard University Press and had many conical teeth filling its jaw that were set in a continuous groove. The number of valid Temnodontosaurus species has varied over the years. Christopher McGowan in 1992 believed there to be around thirteen species in the genus Temnodontosaurus.
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At the time, the Luftwaffe's main single-engine, single-seat fighter was the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Some advantages helped the Spitfires win dogfights, most notably manoeuvrability: the Spitfire had a higher rate of turn and a smaller turning circle than the Messerschmitt.Green 1980, p. 70.Spick 1983, p. 59.
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9–11 During the same period, the men of the three Spitfire squadrons sailed from Liverpool on board the MV Stirling Castle on 21 June and disembarked at Melbourne with the six remaining Spitfires on 13 August.RAAF Historical Section (1995), p. 121Alexander (2006), pp. 102–104Price (1997), p.
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In the early hours of 12 November nine Spitfires were scrambled to intercept nine Japanese aircraft which were bound for Darwin and Fenton. Two Betty bombers were shot down over Darwin Harbour by Flying Officer John Smithson and no Allied aircraft were lost.Odgers (1968), p. 118Cooper (2011), p.
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Spitfires were scrambled in response to several false alerts during the last months of the year, but flying was heavily curtailed by the monsoon from November. Most of the wing's veteran pilots were posted to other units at the end of 1943 and were replaced with less experienced aircrew.
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By October 1940, Oesau had a total score of 48 (including 26 Spitfires). On 10 November 1940, Oesau succeeded Wilhelm Balthasar as Gruppenkommandeur of III. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 3. With 39 victories he was currently the 4th highest scoring fighter pilot behind Helmut Wick, Werner Mölders and Adolf Galland.
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Bad weather and planes inadequate to that war theater hindered effective action by the CAI. The CR.42s clashed with British Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires just two times, in November. The Italians claimed five victories and nine probables, but five Fiat biplanes were shot down.Cattaneo 1971, p. 5.
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Over 17 days, the Luftwaffe suffered 34 Ju 88s and 12 Bf 109s destroyed and 18 damaged. RAF losses amounted to 23 Spitfires shot down and 20 crash-landed. The British lost 12 pilots killed. On 16 October, it was clear to Kesselring that the defenders were too strong.
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The aircraft immediately disintegrated and sank, taking Schmid with it.Weal 1999, p.24 Johann Schmid was credited with 45 victories in 137 missions, all over the Western Front and including 34 Spitfires. He was posthumously promoted to Major two and a half years later, on 1 June 1944.
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Schöpfel claimed two aerial victories on 9 August 1941. Author Thomas assumes that one of the Spitfires was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Lionel Harwood 'Buck' Casson from No. 616 Squadron. On 19 October, III. Gruppe moved to a makeshift airfield at Coquelles, close to Calais on the English Channel.
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The four losses in air combat were: Hptm. Hermann Stahl, killed on 11 April 1945; Obfw. Sepp Sattler, killed on 14 April 1945; two unknown JG11 pilots, downed by Spitfires in the last days of April 1945 during transfer from Neustadt-Glewe to Leck airfield.Harmann 1999, p. 107.
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Retrieved on 26 April 2009 On a train from Liverpool, Thiele spotted his first Spitfires and was convinced they were for him. At the reception centre later that evening he was asked to declare his flying preference and he wrote "fighters", but was posted to RAF Bomber Command.
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Daily Telegraph, op cit., p.27 He flew Spitfires XIIs from Tangmere with No. 41 Squadron, flying cross-channel support missions in support of the June D-Day landings on the Normandy coast. He was one of the experienced pilots sent to destroy V1-flying bombs destined for London.
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Commanding officer, I./ZG 2, Ernst Otto was killed. The German pilots recovered and Dundas' Supermarine Spitfire was badly damaged. ZG 2 engaged further RAF fighter units and claimed an exaggerated 17 Hurricanes and Spitfires shot down for two additional losses. No. 601 Squadron RAF lost four Hurricanes.
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Galland was greeted by Major Joachim Müncheberg, who introduced Bär to Galland. Thus began a comradeship which outlasted World War II. On 6 March 92 Squadron Spitfires provided cover for 1 SAAF Squadron. They were supported by 601. Bär spotted their approach and climbed then dived onto the British.
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Spitfires from No. 234 and Hurricanes from 213 Squadron each destroyed one Bf 109.Price 2010, pp. 180–192. The running air battles had cost the Ju 87 units heavily. The lack of protection for I./StG 77 had cost it 10 Ju 87s with one damaged beyond repair.
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No. 351 Squadron flew its first mission on 13 October 1944; it involved six aircraft attacking an Axis supply convoy near the village of Aržano. On 20 October, aircraft from the squadron, supported by Spitfires from No. 352 Squadron, conducted rocket and strafing attacks on enemy columns near Metković that were withdrawing in the face of the advancing Partisan 26th Dalmatian Division. The mission was a success, but one aircraft was lost to ground fire. A Hurricane Mk IV of No. 351 Squadron Nine days later, Hurricanes, escorted by a pair of Spitfires from No. 352 Squadron, flew a patrol over the island of Rab and adjacent areas of the Adriatic, but were unable to positively identify any targets.
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Jenkins, p. 284 A Supermarine Seafire being brought up onto the flight deck of Furious, August 1944 Furious arrived back in the UK in April 1942 and spent the next three months working up. In August she was detailed to accompany the convoy bound for Malta in Operation Pedestal, but she was to sail with them only far enough to allow her 38 Supermarine Spitfires to reach Malta. This she did, just as Eagle was torpedoed, but Furious turned around after flying off her fighters and reached Gibraltar successfully. She loaded another batch of 32 Spitfires on 16 August and they were flown off the following day south-east of the Balearic Islands.
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Six Hawker Hurricane similar to the aircraft involved On 13 April 1942, the weather was hazy, and six Royal Air Force (RAF) Hawker Hurricanes from No. 175 Squadron RAF and six Supermarine Spitfires from No. 234 Squadron RAF were being used for a demonstration of tactical airpower at Imber, a British Army training ground on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. The event was a dress rehearsal for an upcoming visit by Winston Churchill and General George Marshall, Chief of Staff of the United States Army and was attended by a number of military personnel. The Spitfires overflew followed by the Hurricanes. Five of the Hurricanes hit the correct targets: several armoured vehicles and mock tanks.
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A Spitfire Mk. VIII of No. 607 Squadron RAF being prepared for a sortie at Mingaladon Airfield in Burma in August 1945 In the South East Asian theatre, the first Spitfire Vcs reached three squadrons on the India-Burma front in November 1943. Spitfire pilots met Japanese for the first time on Boxing Day, 1943. A pair of Spitfires piloted by Flying Officer Geoffrey William Andrews and Flight Sergeant Harry B. Chatfield attacked a formation of Japanese planes over Chittagong. Andrews destroyed a fighter and a bomber, damaging a second, while Chatfield shot down another two. On the last day of 1943, Royal Australian Air Force Spitfires destroyed eleven Japanese bombers and three fighters.
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Supermarine Spitfire VIII in the markings of No. 457 Squadron RAAF The Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Indian Air Force and the RAF also used Spitfires against Japanese forces in the Pacific theatre. The first Spitfires in the Far East were two photo-reconnaissance (PR IV) aircraft which operated from airfields in India from October 1942. Japanese air raids on Northern Australia hastened the formation in late 1942 of No. 1 Wing RAAF, comprising No. 54 Squadron RAF, No. 452 Squadron RAAF and No. 457 Squadron RAAF, under the command of Wing Commander Clive Caldwell, flying the Spitfire Vc(trop). The wing arrived at Darwin in February 1943, and saw constant action until September.
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A Spitfire, bound for Malta, taking off from the flight deck of the USS Wasp In April 1942, as part of Operation Calendar, Rae was attached to No. 603 Squadron which was tasked with delivering Spitfires to Malta to reinforce the aerial defences of the island. Embarking on the USS Wasp, he flew his Spitfire from the carrier's flight deck and landed at the RAF base at Tekali, Malta, on 20 April. Shortly after his arrival, the airfield was raided which destroyed two of the Spitfires. The squadron remained on the island as part of its defence and Rae flew his first mission on 22 April, a scramble to intercept raiding enemy aircraft during which his gunsight failed.
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Engelage played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Windsor Spitfires. He was named the OHL's Goaltender of the Month in October 2008 and the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Week twice (October 28, 2008 and May 3, 2009) during the season. During the 2008–09 OHL season, Engelage played 54 games with the Spitfires earning a record of 46-4-1 with a 2.35 goals-against average and 0.914 save percentage, and was named to play in the OHL's mid-season All-Star Classic game as a member of the Western Conference team. His total of 46 regular season wins set the OHL single season record for wins by a goaltender.
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Dorsal and ventral identification lights could be operated in Morse code by the pilot using a small morse key in the cockpit. In an attempt to shield the pilot's eyes from the bright exhaust flames many Spitfires were also fitted with rectangular light-alloy "blinkers" secured to light-alloy brackets fixed to the sides of the fuel-tank housing: these could be easily removed.Price 2002, p. 77. Spitfires were first used as nightfighters during the summer of 1940: the most successful night interceptions took place on the night of 18/19 June 1940 when Flt. Lt. "Sailor" Malan of 74 Squadron shot down two Heinkel He 111s of Kampfgeschwader 4,Price 1996, pp. 14–15.
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No. 351 Squadron flew its first mission on 13 October 1944; it involved six aircraft attacking an Axis supply convoy near the village of Aržano. On 20 October, aircraft from the squadron, supported by Spitfires from No. 352 Squadron, conducted rocket and strafing attacks on enemy columns near Metković that were withdrawing in the face of the advancing Partisan 26th Dalmatian Division. The mission was a success, but one aircraft was lost to ground fire. A Hurricane Mk IV of No. 351 Squadron Nine days later, Hurricanes, escorted by a pair of Spitfires from No. 352 Squadron, flew a patrol over the island of Rab and adjacent areas of the Adriatic, but were unable to positively identify any targets.
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On 11 July 310, 313 and 313 Squadrons departed. They were replaced by 1 Squadron, which was now equipped with Spitfires, 41 Squadron, 130 Squadron, and 504 Squadron, also equipped with Spitfires. On 12 July 504 Squadron departed, being replaced by 165 Squadron. On 10 August, 1 Squadron and 165 Squadron departed. The next day, 130 Squadron returned. On 8 September, 403 Squadron (RCAF) equipped with Spitfire IXs arrived in support of D-Day. On 27 August, Lympne ceased to be the HQ of 134 (Czech) Wing. On 29 September, 350 (Belgian) Squadron arrived, equipped with Spitfire XIVs. They were followed on 12 September by 610 Squadron and 350 Squadron on 29 September.
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In the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s, British and Commonwealth Avro Lincoln heavy bombers, de Havilland Vampire fighter jets, Supermarine Spitfires, Bristol Brigands, de Havilland Mosquitos, and a host of other British aircraft were used in Malaya in operations against guerillas. However, the humid climate played havoc with the Mosquito's wooden airframe, and they were soon deployed elsewhere. This period also marked the last combat deployment of British Spitfires. During the Vietnam War, airstrikes and their doctrine were adjusted to fit the jets, like the North American F-100 Super Sabre, Republic F-105 Thunderchief, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, which were entering the U.S.A.F. and U.S.N. inventory.
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During the summer of 1940 Matlaske became home to a satellite airfield to RAF Coltishall which is located south east of the village.Norfolk Airfields in the Second World War:By Graham Smith:Published by Countryside Books, 2007 By October 1940 two grass runways were in operation here. On 27 October Coltishall was bombed which instigated the Spitfires of No 27 squadron to be the first operational aircraft at Matlaske. Two days after the move Matlaske itself was attacked by the Luftwaffe when five enemy aircraft strafed the field causing slight damage to the parked Spitfires and causing some casualties to people. In November 1941 Westland Whirlwinds of 137 squadron were moved from Coltishall to Matlaske.
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The exterior of the WFCU Centre The WFCU Centre is home to both the Ontario Hockey League OHL's Windsor Spitfires and the National Basketball League of Canada NBLC's Windsor Express. The Windsor Spitfires won both the 2009 and 2010 OHL Championship final series on home ice, and the Windsor Express won the 2014 League Championships on home court. The WFCU Centre has played host to a variety of large-scale events in hockey including the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, the OHL All Star Game and the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. The WFCU Centre also hosted both the Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships and the Skate Canada International in 2012, the latter being broadcast internationally.
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Trained to fly 38 types of aircraft, her 800 hours subsequently logged included time in Spitfires, Mustangs, Typhoons, and bomber types including the Wellington. She later stated that her favourite type to fly was the de Havilland Mosquito. Initially attached to No.6 Ferry Pool at RAF Ratcliffe near Leicester, she then moved to the all-female Ferry Pool at Hamble, Southampton, which exclusively delivered Spitfires from Supermarine's new factory at RAF Southampton. She was forced into occasional emergency landings, once after the cockpit canopy of her Spitfire blew off after take off and another occasion put down in a field after the engine of her Fairchild Argus failed in the air.
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253 Squadron pilot DJ Ford survived and 605 Squadron Flight Lieutenant PG Leeson was taken prisoner. Three days later, on the final day of the Siege of Calais, Balthasar claimed two Spitfires over the port. Six Spitfires were shot down after combat with Bf 109s this day; No. 19 Squadron RAF lost three destroyed and two damaged; Squadron leader GD Stephenson was captured and sent to Colidtz prison, Pilot Officer PV Wilson died of wounds on 28 May, Sergeant CA Irwin was killed, Pilot Officer MD Lyne and Flying Officer GE Ball were wounded. Pilot Officer KG Hart from 65 Squadron force-landed and Pilot Officer JL Allen DFC, was rescued after parachuting into the English Channel.
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The new unit operated the Hawker Hurricane for nearly a year, before the first Spitfires arrived early in 1942. The squadron took part in the fierce air battles that raged over Malta, suffering increasingly heavy losses late in 1942 when the Bf 109F arrived on Sicily, outclassing the Hurricane. The arrival of the Spitfires restored the balance, and by the end of 1942 No.185 Squadron had gone onto the offensive, flying sweeps over Sicily, and then in July 1943 helping to support the Allied invasion of Sicily. In July 1944 the squadron became one of two RAF Squadrons to join SAAF (South African Air Force) No 8 Wing (the other being RAF 87 Squadron).
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Specialized training was involved in learning about riggings, how to secure the rope ties, inflation and maintenance of the balloons that includes patching the outer skin when tears or leaks are detected. The entire Squadron 992 also has to be mobile and able to set up and maintain the balloons, using a converted Crossley lorry that not only carries the balloon but has the winch equipment to raise it to height. In 1939, the Luftwaffe attack on the Forth Bridge in Scotland ended with Supermarine Spitfires from No. 603 RAF "City of Edinburgh" Squadron intercepting the raiders. During the low-level attack, the Spitfires shot down the first German aircraft downed over Britain in the war.
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The 2017 Memorial Cup (branded as the 2017 Mastercard Memorial Cup for sponsorship reasons) was a four-team, round-robin format tournament held at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario from May 19–28, 2017. It was the 99th Memorial Cup championship, which determined the champion of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The tournament was hosted by the Windsor Spitfires, who won the right to host the tournament over undisclosed competition. Other participating teams were the OHL champion Erie Otters, the QMJHL champion Saint John Sea Dogs, and the WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds. The tournament ended with the Windsor Spitfires winning their third Memorial Cup, defeating the Erie Otters 4–3 in the championship final.
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384 The lack of opportunities for aerial combat disappointed No. 80 Wing's pilots and contributed to a decline in their morale.Odgers (1968), p. 388 No. 80 Wing completed its move to Morotai in March. No. 457 Squadron's Spitfires left Darwin on 6 February and arrived on the island two days later.
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Training at the former Ellerman Lines Cricket Ground, in Hoylake, West Wirral, the Wolves used a playing field in Arrowe Park as their matchday base. They amassed a 6-3 record in friendly fixtures, defeating prominent clubs such as the Steel City Giants (38-31), Stoke Spitfires and Sherwood Outlaws.
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The squadron formed at RAF Matlaske on 22 December 1941 equipped with the Lysander, Walrus and then the Anson. Spitfires were then supplied for spotting downed aircrew. The area of operations of the squadron was the coast of East Anglia and North East England. There were also detachments in Scotland.
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After this mission Furious was sent back to Home Fleet for training. One last mission was necessary to reinforce the defences of Malta before Operation Torch, and she arrived on 27 October. She loaded 32 Spitfires and launched them on the 29th before returning to Gibraltar to participate in Torch.
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This addition to Malta's defences was in vain. The Luftwaffe anticipated the Spitfires arrival and bombed Ta'Qali airfield within minutes of their arrival. Most were caught on the ground and within 48 hours all were destroyed. Those that did fly were hampered by the faults with which they had arrived.
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16 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was formed at Pune in 1950, with six Supermarine Spitfires, and one Hawker Tempest. They served as a bomber squadron of the Western Air Command. The squadron was re-equipped in 1954, with B-24 Liberators. Its role was also changed to heavy bombing.
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Giddings was conscripted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1940. On 1 November 1941, he became a Sergeant in the RAFVR. He completed his pilot training in the United States of America. Upon returning to Britain, he joined No. 122 Squadron RAF, based at RAF Turnhouse, and flew Spitfires.
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II./JG 1 attacked the airfield at St. Denijs Westrem. Of the 36 II./JG 1 Fw 190s that took off, 17 were shot down, a staggering 47% loss rate. Among the pilots lost were several experienced fliers. In exchange, the Germans shot down two Spitfires, and seven forced-landed.
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64 lost two Spitfires and one pilot, 111 lost one Hurricane and another damaged with one pilot killed, and No. 151 Squadron suffered damage to one Hurricane. Priller claimed a Hurricane. The following afternoon, Priller claimed a Hurricane over Canterbury. Elements of JG 51 engaged No. 111 Squadron and two 4.
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On average sixty Spitfires and Hurricanes were dispersed around Duxford and RAF Fowlmere every day. On 15 September 1940 they twice took to the air to repulse Luftwaffe aircraft intent on bombing London. RAF Fighter Command was victorious, the threat of invasion passed and Duxford's squadrons had played a critical role.
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650 Churchill's role in sending Spitfire units to Australia led to No. 1 Wing often being referred to as the "Churchill Wing".Thomas (2009), p. 6 Four No. 54 Squadron RAF pilots standing in front of a Spitfire at Richmond Delays in shipping Spitfires to Australia disrupted No. 1 Wing's formation.
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A detachment of Supermarine Spitfires of No. 616 Squadron RAF from RAF Leconfield arrived for air defence in 1940. The airfield was expanded and re-opened in August that year. From July to October, No. 16 Operational Training Unit RAF (OTU) used the station and nearby ranges for night-bomber training.
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JG 2 fought in the Battle of Dunkirk, to prevent the Dunkirk evacuation, by which time the Netherlands and Belgium were on the verge of collapse. On 26 May, I. Gruppe claimed 10 Supermarine Spitfires and one Bristol Blenheim. On 28 May, III. Gruppe claimed five Hawker Hurricanes and one Spitfire.
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It is one of only four flying MK 1 Spitfires in the world. The aircraft fetched a record £3.1 million at auction on 9 July, beating the previous record for a Spitfire of £1.7 million set in 2009. One Spitfire is kept in airworthy condition in the Israeli Air Force Museum.
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It was at this time that he played himself in the film The First of the Few, which starred David Niven.Watkins and Listemann 2007, p. 32. He commanded the Spitfires of the Ibsley Wing from June until August 1942, taking command from Ian Gleed who was being rested from operations.
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Luftwaffe rules of engagement restricted action to targets on water and not in the dockyard. Although was in Rosyth, the attack was concentrated on the cruisers and , the carrier and the destroyer Jervis.W. Simpson, Spitfires Over Scotland, p. 92 The destroyer Mohawk and the cruisers, Southampton and Edinburgh were damaged.
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The Troops then exploded in the third with five goals to win the game 7–4 to win their first ever conference championship. In the OHL Finals Brampton would go up against the regular season champion Windsor Spitfires. Windsor pounded Brampton in game one by a score of 10–1.
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Both sides were firing as they closed. For a brief moment one of the Spitfires was caught by the heavy forward guns of the Bf 110. It was engulfed in fire and crashed to earth. Jabs' aircraft had also taken several hits, and was losing power in one of the engines.
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Gosport also came under attack soon after. Siegel's Ju 87s, with no air opposition, swooped onto their targets causing large-scale damage.Price 2010, pp. 179–180. As the Ju 87s began their attack, Spitfires from No. 234 Squadron engaged the 25-strong Bf 109 escort commanded by Hauptmann Karl-Wolfgang Redlich.
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He continued the fight on his own and shot down two Spitfires. His aircraft was damaged, but managed to escape and make a belly landing. Two of the bombers were destroyed. In July he flew both day and night missions, even though his aircraft was not equipped for low-visibility flying.
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It was the first of four Spitfires to carry the Shamrock emblem as his personal insignia. Jimmy Firth, his airframe rigger and 'Speedy' Moore, a Canadian engine fitter, were attempting to put an outline of the design on. Poorly done, it attracted the attention of Maurice Pownhall a professional in Lithography.
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In July 2010, Mills signed for his hometown club Winchester City on a free transfer. In September 2012 he signed for Conference South side Eastleigh. Mills was released on 18 January 2013, after making nine league appearances for the Spitfires. In January 2013, Mills signed for Wessex side Blackfield & Langley.
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In December 1940 type A fin flashes were standardised: height was 27 inches, width 24 inches, divided into three red, white and blue stripes (e.g.: photo six, the Sea Hurricanes show this standardised fin flash). On some aircraft, e.g.; photo reconnaissance Spitfires the fin flash was about half these dimensions.
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Five teams would make up the newly created West Division, four teams from the Emms Division and one from the Leyden Division. The teams are: Detroit Junior Red Wings, London Knights, Sarnia Sting, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires. The winner of the West Division will earn the newly created Bumbacco Trophy.
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Unsigned by the Canucks, DiPietro rejoined the Spitfires for the 2017–18 season. In his junior season, DiPietro posted a 29–21–3–1 record with seven shutouts and a .910 save percentage. For his efforts, DiPietro was named OHL Goaltender of the Year and to the OHL First All-Star Team.
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The series uses real vintage aircraft and re-creates mid-air combat sequences. Featuring Spitfires, Lancaster bombers, and Phantom fighters and aerial stunt teams, the series dramatizes the exploits of the world's greatest Air Aces. The series also features interviews with the last surviving veterans and military historians and rare archival footage.
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Brodie began the 2009–10 season in Saginaw but was traded to the Barrie Colts after 19 games as part of a four-player deal. The Colts finished the year as the top-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), but were defeated by the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL championship series.
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Gurdon married Florence M. Pleming in 1920 at Kensington, London. They had three sons, John (known as Robin), Philip, and David. The eldest, Sergeant John Robert Gurdon, was killed in action in April 1943 flying Wellingtons of No. 166 Squadron. Philip Gurdon was a member of No. 273 Squadron, flying Spitfires in Burma.
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Sturtivant (1997), pp.91–92 The company equipped the Spitfires with vertical and oblique cameras, additional fuel tanks, and modified cockpit canopies. Many marks of Spitfire were repaired at Heston throughout the war. Other types to be repaired and modified included the Fairchild Argus, Fairey Battle and the naval Vought SB2U Vindicator.
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Cowen was selected to Team Canada for the event. On December 19, 2010, Cowen was named alternate captain for the 2011 Canadian junior national team to Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires, along with his fellow returnees, Brayden Schenn of the Brandon Wheat Kings and Calvin de Haan of the Oshawa Generals.
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The combat was against 81 Squadron, who were attacked by Fw 190s and Bf 109s as they got airborne in the middle of a German air raid. Bühligen made the first JG 2 claim in Africa. Three Spitfires were destroyed and five badly damaged; at least one was destroyed by a bomb burst.
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No. 1406 (Meteorological) Flight RAF was formed at RAF Wick on 9 May 1941, equipped with a variety of aircraft, including Handley Page Hampdens and Supermarine Spitfires. 1406 Flight disbanded on 7 August 1943 forming the basis of 519 Squadron. The flight performed a range of meteorological reconnaissance duties over the North Sea.
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Both were shot down and became prisoners of war, while flying Spitfires over France in 1941 and 1942.Price 1996, pp. 17, 35–37, 41, 62, 66, 91. Paddy Finucane (28–32 e/a) scored all his successes in the fighter before disappearing over the English Channel in July 1942.Stokes 1983, pp.
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Young 2013, p. 36.Young 2013, p. 5.Nijboer 2009, p. 4. Over the Northern Territory of Australia, Royal Australian Air Force and RAF Spitfires assigned to No. 1 Wing RAAF helped defend the port town of Darwin against air attack by the Japanese Naval Air Force,Glancey 2006, pp. 122–123.
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When the Second World War started in September 1939, Croydon Airport was closed to civil aviation but played a vital role as a fighter station during the Battle of Britain. No. 92 Squadron flew Supermarine Spitfires from RAF Croydon during the early part of the Second World War and the Battle of Britain.
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He died on 17 February 1945 near Berlin, crashing due to oxygen failure. On 24 April 1945, five pilots were killed in action, including Unteroffizier Willi Kleemann who was killed in battle with Spitfires, P-51s and Yaks over Tempelhof, Germany. The unit surrendered to the British forces in early May 1945.
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Eventually 100 aircraft were employed, called the "35th largest air force in the world".Hankin 1968, p. 49. With Mahaddie's help, the producers located 109 Spitfires in the UK, of which 27 were available although only 12 could be made flyable. Mahaddie negotiated use of six Hawker Hurricanes, of which three were flying.
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They claimed that the Germans purposely flew in front of the Hurricanes in their Bf 109Fs to show off the performance superiority of their fighters. The squadron leaders argued the inferiority of their aircraft was affecting morale. Embry agreed and recommended that Spitfires be sent; the type began arriving in March 1942.
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In April 1940 Hood assumed command of No. 41 Squadron RAF flying Spitfires. Based initially at RAF Catterick and then RAF Hornchurch, Hood commanded the squadron through the early phases of the Battle of Britain. At 32 years of age, Hood was one of the oldest pilots to take part in the battle.
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It was home to four of 403 Squadron's Supermarine Spitfires from 19 June 1942 to 22 January 1943; operating forward from RAF Catterick. The airfield was once home to 645 Volunteer Gliding School, who operate Grob Vigilant Motor Gliders for the Air Training Corps. They are now located at RAF Topcliffe in Yorkshire.
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In June and July 1941, Grant was flying Spitfires from RAF Manston, and during that period he destroyed four Messerschmitt Bf 109s. By August 1941, and having taken part in 22 operations, Grant was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.D.F.M. for New Zealander. Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 35, 9 August 1941, Page 8.
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Ian Grant was killed during the attack, one of three Spitfires to be shot down.485 (NZ) Squadron R.A.F. Retrieved 2011-05-18. Reg Grant saw the threat but was unable to warn his brother in time. He immediately engaged the Fw 190 that had carried out the attack and shot it down.
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Stillman grew up in Peterborough, Ontario playing hockey for the Minor Petes (OMHA) program. He also played competitive baseball. In 1989–90, Strellman played for the Peterborough Roadrunners Jr.B. (MTJHL) hockey club before being a 2nd round choice (27th overall) of the Windsor Spitfires in the 1990 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
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This figure includes a Spitfire fighter claimed by Seifert between Dover and Ostend. Only one Spitfire was lost by the RAF, making a forced landing near Dunkirk on the beach. Two further Spitfires force landed in England. He claimed a No. 103 Squadron Fairey Battle light bomber north of Beauvais on 8 June.
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No. 11 Group moved No. 32, 54, 56, and 501 Squadrons, totalling 11 Spitfires and 33 Hurricanes, to the Margate-Canterbury line to engage the enemy formations first. The remaining units were to climb to altitude and wait over or near the threatened fighter airfields, until a clearer picture emerged of enemy intentions.
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With a move to East Anglia in late 1944 the squadron provided long range fighter cover for RAF Bomber Commands daylight raids. The squadron spent from June to December 1945 in Norway converting back to Spitfires. At RAF Church Fenton on 1 September 1946 the squadron was renumbered to No. 257 Squadron.
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He was commissioned into the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) as a Pilot Officer on 17 September 1945. Early in his commissioned service, he was posted to the RIAF base at Kohat in 1946. He flew a variety of aircraft including Spitfires. In 1946, Callaghan belly landed his aircraft at Kohat airfield.
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On 7 September 1941, Tobin was killed in combat with Bf 109's of JG 26 on 71 Squadron's first sweep over northern France, one of three Spitfires shot down. He crashed into a hillside near Boulogne-sur-Mer and was buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France. He was 24 years old.
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In June France collapsed. Fighter Command now needed an influx of pilots, after losses in Western Europe. Finucane's flying had improved and on 27 June 1940, he was posted to 7 Operational Training Unit (7 OTU), at Hawarden near Chester. Funucane was to convert onto Supermarine Spitfires, while awaiting a fighter squadron posting.
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In return 238 lost five Hawker Hurricanes and four pilots killed in action with Bf 109s. 145 lost three Hurricanes and one pilot and 152 sustained no loss. On 30 August, Rödel claimed another Spitfire. At 11:45 JG 27 became embroiled in battle with Spitfires from 616 and Hurricanes from 253 Squadrons.
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In the Battle of the Ruhr, extensive use of PR Spitfires to identify and report the effects of air attacks. Spitfires of No. 542 Squadron RAF were used in this way to record the results of Operation Chastise. PRU was also instrumental in locating German missile testing sites on the Baltic Sea, near Peenemünde, allowing Bomber Command to attack them. In September 1943, the Admiralty asked for the PRU's help in Operation Source, to cripple German heavy units in Norway. No. 544 Squadron RAF contributed to the success of the operation. After this success, all PR units were standardised at strength of 20 aircraft.Ashworth 1992, p. 167. The identification of German missile sites by the PRU made Operation Crossbow possible in 1944.
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In late February, they played a major part in thwarting the Japanese Ha- Go offensive, an attack intended to isolate and destroy British Indian divisions in the Arakan Province of Burma. The Allies intended that transport aircraft (particularly the C-47) would drop supplies to surrounded formations, but in the early stages of the Japanese attack, large numbers of Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF) fighter aircraft flying from the airfield on Akyab Island forced the first aerial resupply missions to turn back. Three squadrons of Spitfires operating from new airfields around Chittagong gained air superiority over the battlefield after days of battling with Ki-43 "Oscars" and Ki-44 "Tojos". Sixty-five Japanese aircraft were claimed shot down or damaged for the loss of three Spitfires.
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The Allies were able to parachute supplies to the isolated forward units and the Japanese offensive was defeated with heavy losses. Spitfires ensured that the Allies gained and held air superiority during the battles of Kohima and Imphal from early to mid 1944, in which the Japanese attempt to destroy the British Fourteenth Army and invade India was also defeated. By 1945, when the Allies launched offensives into Burma, the Japanese were unable to challenge the Allies' air supremacy. Spitfires took part in the last major pitched battle of the war involving the Western allies – No. 607 Squadron and No. 273 Squadron flying the MKVIII armed with 500 pound bombs helped destroy a Japanese breakout attempt at the Sittang Bend in July and early August 1945.
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Using external wing tanks and a belly ferry tank, he established two records: one for the heaviest fuel load ever carried by a Spitfire and one for the longest flight for a Spitfire, the Dakar to Natal leg of approximately 1,870 miles. There are currently some 50 Spitfires flying today, a number that waxes and wanes as one aircraft is restored to airworthy condition and another crashes or retires for further restoration. A growing number of companies, based in England, France, Australia, Canada and the United States, manufacture replica Spitfires with engines of 650 hp or Chevrolets V-8 engines, or Japanese V-6s. There are even full-scale machines available, powered by 1,200 hp Allison V-12 offering considerable performance.
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Essex began their Twenty20 Cup with a loss against Sussex Sharks, but came back to beat Kent Spitfires and the Sharks in their two next matches. Rainy weather in the South Division resulted in two abandoned matches, meaning that five teams were challenging for two or three play-off places, and Essex were one of them, as they were third with a game to play after beating Surrey in a five-over match at Chelmsford by a solitary run. Their last match was against the Spitfires, who were yet to win in seven Twenty20 matches this season, but Kent came up trumps as they won by five runs, sending Essex into fifth place in the group and out of the quarter-finals.
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The Hurricanes were able to focus on the Axis bombers and dive-bombers at lower heights, while the Spitfires, with their superior rate of climb, engaged enemy aircraft at higher levels. From 18 May – 9 June, Eagle made three runs carrying another 76 Spitfires to Malta. With such a force established, the RAF had the firepower to deal with any Axis attacks. By the spring of 1942, the Axis air forces ranged against the island were at their maximum strength. The main adversaries for the defenders were the 137 Bf 109Fs of JG 53 and II./JG 3 'Udet' and the 80 Macchi C.202s of the 4th and 51st Stormo. Bomber units included 199 Junkers Ju 88s of II./Lehrgeschwader 1, II and III.
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At the Memorial Cup, Windsor defeated the Kelowna Rockets in the final game to win the Memorial Cup. The Spitfires remained a top club in the OHL during the 2009-10, as the club earned a record of 50-12-6, earning 106 points, and first place in the Western Conference. In the post-season, Windsor swept the Erie Otters in the Western Conference quarter-finals, followed by a second consecutive sweep in the Western Conference semi-finals, as Windsor defeated the Plymouth Whalers. In the Western Conference finals, the Spitfires lost their first three games to the Kitchener Rangers before winning four in a row to win the series and advance to the J. Ross Robertson Cup for the second consecutive season.
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Biggin Hill sent another wave, No. 72 and No. 66 Squadron RAF, with 20 Spitfires to Biggin Hill at . Debden was called into action again and ordered No. 73 Squadron RAF to Maidstone at . Beginning at 12:15, Kenley dispatched No. 253 Squadron RAF with nine Hurricanes to guard the airfield. RAF Tangmere was in action for the first time, sending Nos. 213 and No. 607 Squadron RAF's 23 Hurricanes to defend Kenley and Biggin Hill. The largest contingent came from No. 12 Group. Duxford, or the "Big Wing", No. 19, 242, 302, 310 and 311 Squadrons with 20 Spitfires and 27 Hurricanes were ordered to Hornchurch at . Middle Wallop committed No. 238 Squadron and 12 Hurricanes to the Kenley area.
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Sammt flew the LZ 130 up Britain's east coast stopping the engines at Aberdeen pretending they had engine failure in order to investigate strange antenna masts. They drifted freely westwards over land and according to Breuning, saw for the first time the new Supermarine Spitfires, which were then photographed as they circled the airship.Sammt 1988 This alleged encounter with Spitfires is not supported by contemporary news sources, which state that the LZ 130 was intercepted by two RAF planes dispatched from Dyce Airport, a Miles Magister carrying 612 Squadron Leader Finlay Crerar and Officer Robinson, and an Avro Anson. On their return journey, as they neared Frankfurt on the evening of 4 August they were warned by radio that landing was not yet possible.
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No. 457 Squadron ground crew push a Spitfire into its dispersal bay at Livingstone Airfield during February 1943 The Stirling Castle arrived at Melbourne on 13 August. After being given 14 days leave the squadron's personnel reassembled at Richmond, New South Wales on 6 September. On 7 October it became part of No. 1 Wing RAAF along with No. 54 and No. 452 Squadrons. Most of the Spitfires intended for the wing had been diverted to the Middle East during the voyage to Australia, however, and the squadron initially only had CAC Wirraway and Ryan ST aircraft for training purposes. No. 457 Squadron was fully equipped with Spitfires by November and moved to Camden on the 7th of the month where it continued an intensive training program.
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The squadron shot down another two Dinahs on 20 August. On 7 September No. 1 Wing intercepted a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft escorted by 20 fighters. In the ensuing battle No. 457 Squadron shot down four Zeros without loss. On 4 November No. 457 Squadron deployed six Spitfires to Drysdale River Mission Airfield, and two days later they intercepted and damaged a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft. The squadron maintained a detachment at Drysdale River Mission until December, when No. 54 Squadron assumed this duty. During the early hours of 12 November three No. 457 Squadron Spitfires were part of a force which intercepted a raid on Darwin. No. 457 Squadron pilot Flying Officer John Smithson made the only interception and destroyed two Betty bombers.
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The PDU was originally equipped with Bristol Blenheims, but Cotton considered these quite unsuitable, being far too slow, and he consequently "wheedled" a couple of Supermarine Spitfires. These Spitfires, later augmented by de Havilland Mosquitos, were steadily adapted to fly higher and faster, with a highly polished surface, a special blue – "PRU Blue" – camouflage scheme developed by Cotton himself, and a series of modifications to the engines to produce more power at high altitudes. In 1940, Cotton also personally made another important reconnaissance flight with his Lockheed 12A over Azerbaijan via Iraq as part of Operation Pike. Under his leadership, the 1 PDU acquired the nicknames, "Cotton's Club" or the less flattering "Cotton's Crooks" (mainly due to Cotton's propensity to flout regulations).
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Despite making no further first-team appearances, he was offered a new deal to keep him at the club beyond 2013–14, but rejected the offer to find first-team football elsewhere.Spotlight on: Luke Coulson Later that year Coulson had trials at Hibernian and Ipswich Town before signing for Oxford City in January 2015. His performances attracted the attention of professional clubs, going on trial at Crewe Alexandra in October 2015, before joining Eastleigh in January 2016 – a new record signing for the Spitfires. Coulson was called up to the England C squad in October 2016, but turned down the call up so he could play in Eastleigh's televised FA Cup first round tie against Swindon Town, a tie which the Spitfires won after a replay.
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The Rangers defeated the Saginaw Spirit in six games in the Western Conference quarter-finals, then the team upset the favoured London Knights in seven games in the semi-finals. Kitchener then faced the heavily favoured Windsor Spitfires in the Western Conference finals, and went up 3 games to 0 in the best of seven series, however, the Spitfires came all the way back, and defeated the Rangers in seven games. It marked the first time since 2005 that a team came back from a 3–0 deficit to win a series. Kitchener had another solid season in 2010–11, as the club had a 38–21–4–5 record, earning 85 points, and second place in the Midwest Division for the second consecutive season.
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In order to expand Czechoslovakia's fighter complement beyond the three squadrons of Spitfires transferred from the UK, Avia continued building the Bf 109 as the Avia S-99. However, an industrial accident soon destroyed Avia's remaining stock of Daimler-Benz DB 605 aircraft engines, so Avia substituted the Junkers Jumo 211 engine and associated propeller.
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Sergeant Weaver arrived in the United Kingdom on November 14. Weaver began attending additional training and was graded to be an above average pilot. From April to May 1942, he was assigned to 412 Squadron in the Middle East. In late June, Weaver was attached to No. 185 Squadron operating Supermarine Spitfires out of Malta.
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His first pair of skates were purchased at a garage sale and he began playing in a house league in the Toronto neighbourhood of Parkdale. He had a natural talent for the game and within a few years was drafted into the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the first round by the Windsor Spitfires.
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Klaus Mietusch also accounted for one for his 7th victory. Three 19 Squadron Spitfires were shot down in the morning near North Weald. Pilot Officer R. A. C Aeberhardt was killed in a crash- landing in Spitfire R6912 while Flying Officer T. J. B Coward was wounded in the foot and F.N Brinsden was unhurt.
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No. 8 Squadron were formed in 1943 at Tiruchirapalli and were trained at Peshawar and Bhopal. On 2 December 1943, they were moved to Doublemooring in Chittagong (now in Bangladesh) to work closely together with No. 82 Squadron RAF in the Burma Campaign. Equipped with Spitfires they had significant success against the Japanese Imperial Army.
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No. 131 Wing RAF / Polish Wing lost 13 Spitfires plus two damaged beyond repair, a total of 15 lost. At Ursel, six aircraft were destroyed, including, a B-17, two Avro Lancasters and a De Havilland Mosquito. I. and III./JG 1 lost a total of 16 aircraft and 12 pilots — not a good return.
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The 1979–80 OMJHL season was the sixth season of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. The OMJHL inaugurates the Bobby Smith Trophy, named after Bobby Smith, awarded to the scholastic player of the year. Twelve teams each played 68 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Windsor Spitfires.
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On 26 July 1941, Donnet was accepted by the RAF Volunteer Reserve. On 27 July 1941, with Léon Divoy, he joined No. 61 OTU (Operational Training Unit) at RAF Heston where as a Pilot Officer he converted to operation of Spitfires. On 7 September 1941, he was briefly posted to No. 143 Squadron RAF.
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On 1 July, 310 squadron arrived. On 3 July, Lympne became the HQ of 134 (Czech) Wing, that day also saw the departure of 74 Squadron. It was followed by the arrival of 312 Squadron and 313 Squadron on 4 July. These squadrons were all equipped with Spitfires. Also on 4 July 127 Squadron departed.
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This success led to celebrations within the wing and Baldin sent the pilots a message congratulating them for "100 per-cent de-lousing Fenton. Appreciate the pageant".Alexander (2006), pp. 148–150 Another night raid took place on 20/21 August, but the ten Spitfires scrambled did not make contact with the 18 raiders.
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151–152 A further two night raids were made against Fenton on 15 and 27 September but the Spitfires scrambled in response were unable to find the bombers on either occasion.Odgers (1968), p. 112 No. 1 Wing experienced a major turnover of personnel during September as pilots completed their nine- month tours of duty.
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Earning a berth in the 2009 Memorial Cup, the Spitfires went on to win the national major junior championship over the Kelowna Rockets. Ellis recorded four points in six games to be named to the Tournament All-Star Team. alt=A teenage ice hockey player stickhandling a puck while standing still on the ice.
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The tactics were used thereafter by all RAF pilots in the Wing. The first use of these tactics by the Tangmere Wing was used on 6 May 1941. The Wing engaged Bf 109Fs from Jagdgeschwader 51 (Fighter Wing 51), led by Werner Mölders. Noticing the approaching Germans below and behind them, the Spitfires feigned ignorance.
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On 27 November, eight years after his accident, Bader flew solo again in an Avro Tutor; once airborne, he could not resist the temptation to turn the biplane upside down at inside the circuit area. Bader subsequently progressed through the Fairey Battle and Miles Master (the last training stage before flying Spitfires and Hurricanes).
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Douglas- Hamilton saw active service between 1939 and 1944, flying Spitfires in Operation Torch over Malta. On return to Britain, he was killed whilst carrying out reconnaissance over the French coast, and crashed in southern England. At the 1934 Empire Games he won the bronze medal in the heavyweight class of the boxing tournament.
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Spitfire history The Air Ministry placed a contract for the aircraft on 1 December 1934 for £10,000. On 3 June 1936, Supermarine received an order for 310 Spitfires for £1.25m. The Spitfire name was confirmed by the Air Ministry on 10 June 1936. The first production Spitfire K9787 flew on 15 May 1938 from Eastleigh.
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One of the RAF base's hangars, located at Baughurst Plantation, was used to assemble Spitfires. Between 1943 and 1945, the plant produced approximately 500 photo-reconnaissance aircraft, including Mark IX and XIX. It also produced some Mark IX and XIV fighter aircraft. Over the next 30 years, the parish's population grew from 490 to 2,250.
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Benedict joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in July 1940. After training, he was sent to Great Britain where he flew Spitfires, and was later transferred to North Africa. In March 1942 he was assigned to 127 Squadron RAF. He was shot down on July 16, 1942, while flying a Hurricane, but parachuted to safety.
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Essex Aero specialised in manufacturing components from magnesium alloys. From the outbreak of World War II they not only serviced the Blenheims, Spitfires, and Hurricanes stationed at Gravesend but also expanded their manufacturing. They claimed to have manufactured 5,250 magnesium-alloy fuel tanks for the Supermarine Spitfire and Seafire.Essex Aero advertisement, Flight, 29 August 1946.
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The 1970s also saw the Montreal Junior Canadiens moving back into the QJHL's successor, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Kingston Canadians joined the OHL in their place as the Junior Canadiens' successors, albeit with different ownership and players. The league also witnessed the rebirth of the Windsor Spitfires during this time period.
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On 5 May he arrived on the front line and was named commander of the 58th Fighter Squadron. On 29 June, he and his wingman engaged four Yakolevs, two La-5s and four Spitfires, while trying to protect three Romanian Ju 88 bombers. His wingman was badly hit and forced to return to base.
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452 were now the most successful in Fighter Command in August. Finucane took leave in early September and his award for a second Bar was gazetted on 9 September. Circus 100B was flown on 20 September 1941. A three-pronged attack was planned involving 23 squadrons and 270 Spitfires with bomber units acting as decoys.
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The unit was equipped with a variety of aircraft modified for the photographic reconnaissance role, including Supermarine Spitfires, Bristol Blenheims, Lockheed Hudsons and de Havilland Mosquitos. On 18 October 1942, 1 PRU was disbanded and the individual Flights of the Unit were redesignated as five separate squadrons, Nos. 540, 541, 542, 543 and 544 Squadrons.
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The Typhoons were loaded with eight 60-pound RP-3 rockets each and the Mitchells were to carry their maximum bomb loads of eight bombs; four squadrons of Spitfires were to escort the bombers. The plan was to attack with the rocket-firing Typhoons at low altitude, combined with bombing by the Mitchells from medium altitude.
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The squadron subsequently supported the landing at Balikpapan in July, and one of its Spitfires shot down a Japanese aircraft in the early hours of 24 July.Odgers (1968), pp. 487–489 During this period No. 79 Squadron remained at Morotai and continued to fly ground attack sorties against Japanese positions on the nearby island of Halmahera.Thomas (2009), pp.
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He claimed his 100th aerial victory on 21 July 1943. In October 1943, Lucas and his unit were transferred to the Western Front fighting in Defense of the Reich. In this theatre, Lucas claimed his 106th and last aerial victory before he was killed in action in aerial combat with a Supermarine Spitfires on 24 October 1943.
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The character described as "Nels" in Donahue's account was in fact Sergeant Frederick Fenton Vinyard. This 24-year- old from Birmingham had joined 64 Squadron on 15 September. Laws was flying Spitfire P9564 and Vinyard piloted K9805. Both were acting as a target formation for a section of Spitfires who were carrying out practise fighter attacks.
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One Mistel was shot down by a patrol of Supermarine Spitfires of the Canadian 411(RCAF) Squadron. One Mistel did force a partial collapse of the Steinau railway bridge earlier, on 31 March 1945. On 26 April 1945, one last Mistel attack was carried out; of the seven sent to hit the Oder bridges, just two Fw 190s returned.
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On the morning of 10 October 1940 Drummond was part of a patrol east of Brighton. A Dornier 17 was intercepted and all 9 Spitfires of the patrol descended on it. They were hindered by iced-up windscreens that prevented them from using their deflector sights. Drummond and Pilot Officer Bill Williams both attempted beam attacks from either flank.
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Eventually, an assortment of Vickers Wellington and Spitfire flights were established. In August 1940, the first PR Spitfires arrived, but teething problems ensured that it would be a long time before standardisation was achieved with equipment. In August, Coastal Command flew 193 sorties over the suspected invasion ports in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.Ashworth 1992, p. 160.
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Sortehaug and Listemann. 2006 485 Sqn had become a fighter-bomber unit and moved to the continent in July 1944. Starting in France the unit moved through Belgium and the Netherlands. On 1 January 1945 485 Sqn, based at B65 Maldegem, Belgium lost eleven Spitfires on the ground when attacked by Bf 109s during Operation Bodenplatte.
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JG 26 claimed 13 enemies for three losses under Galland's command this day. Two on 7 August was sufficient to reach 75 aerial victories. On 19 August, he claimed two Spitfires and one Hurricane to surpass the World War I ace Manfred von Richthofen's tally of 80. His 80th and 81st victims were from 111 and 71 Squadrons.
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Bowyer 1966, pp. 6–7. The following day, in a patrol that was a repetition of the first, Defiants claimed four Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers, but were subsequently attacked by a flight of Bf 109Es. The escorting Spitfires were unable to prevent five of the six Defiants from being shot down by a frontal attack.
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On 14 January, he was credited with the destruction of another P-38. A flight of B-17s bombers, escorted by P-38s, had attacked the harbor of Sousse. On 30 January, five Fw 190s from 4. Staffel were scrambled at 07:30 to intercept a flight of six Spitfires spotted northwest of Kairouan. Shortly after takeoff, 4.
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The Wellington had been intercepted by 2 American Supermarine Spitfires while the bomber was conducting a training flight. One of the fighters cut the radio line used to communicate with the airbase, causing Z1744's crew to become disoriented and to eventually crash. Pettiford and the other Australian casualties were buried in Fradley (St. Stephen) Cemetery.
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England featured ICL players in many of their teams, including their domestic tournament's runners-up the Kent Spitfires. The BCCI decided to replace Kent's slot with a team from Pakistan and was prepared to also replace the remaining England team. In response, ECB devised plans for their own Champions League. ECB eventually agreed to the terms from the BCCI.
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The fighter reconnaissance (FR) versions were the first to be built, replacing the ageing Spitfires and Mosquitos then in use. Two FR.5s were built on the F.4 body; one was used for nose section camera tests, the other broke up in midair while in testing over Moreton Valence. On 23 March 1950, the first FR.9 flew.
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British fears of a Soviet collapse had faded by the end of 1941. The Battle of Britain would not be resumed, and Fighter Command began to send Spitfire squadrons to Malta in March, then to Africa in mid-1942. Until the Spitfires arrival, the Desert Air Force relied on the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk in the air superiority role.
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This sponsorship would last for several decades. The cars were not only well prepared, but immaculately presented. The team also used a unique articulated transporter painted in team colors to ferry their cars between races. Group 44 is exclusively associated with vehicles from British Leyland, initially fielding Triumph TRs and Spitfires and later campaigning models from MG and Jaguar.
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After the end of the Second World War, the squadron continued as a fighter squadron, flying Spitfires, Vampires and Venoms from bases in Palestine, Cyprus, Egypt, Persian Gulf, Malta and Jordan. In January 1957, the squadron converted to Canberra B.15 bombers at RAF Weston Zoyland, flying these from Cyprus, remaining there until disbanding on 3 February 1969.
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Hrdlicka was born on 15 October 1920 in Maxdorf in Mähren, present-day the suburb Dvorska of Brno in the Czech Republic. He volunteered for service in the Luftwaffe in late 1939. On 27 September 1944 he was shot down and wounded in combat with Supermarine Spitfires near Arnhem but managed to bail out.Weal 2000, p. 116.
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RAF Fighter Command reported eight Hawker Hurricanes shot down, four pilots killed in action and one as a prisoner of war on 28 May. Two Supermarine Spitfires were damaged in combat with Bf 109s. German pilots claimed 26 British aircraft on this date. In total, Priller was credited with six aerial victories during the French campaign.
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When his time came to take-off, he disobeyed orders to fly at , and climbed to . Near Osnabrück, he encountered Spitfires and Hawker Tempests from No. 3 Squadron RNZAF and No. 56 Squadron RAF. Dortemann's men claimed two, confirmed via British reports, for the loss of one killed and one wounded. When he landed Priller informed him 3.
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Close to the Longues-sur-Mer battery a temporary Advanced Landing Ground (code-named B-11) airstrip was built by the Allies. The airstrip was active between June 21 to September 4, 1944 and used by the 125th Wing of the No. 83 Expeditionary Air Group flying Spitfires, and by the French air ace Pierre Clostermann.
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He scored 635 runs in eight first-class matches, averaging 45.35, and achieved his career best score of 143. In five List A matches he averaged 39.33. The day before his death, Maynard hit 7 runs off 17 balls against Kent Spitfires in the Friends Life t20 at Beckenham, his only appearance in the competition in the 2012 season.
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He saw nine Hawker Hurricanes below and in mid-Channel but also noticed contrails above and climbed up to investigate. The aircraft were Bf 110s, with Messerschmitt Bf 109s providing top cover. Dundas led an attack, but lost the other Spitfires and attacked alone. He shot down a Bf 110 but received hits from German rear gunners.
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No. 74 Squadron RAF engaged and the wing lost one crew and another aircraft damaged. 74 Squadron suffered damage to three Spitfires, while KG 2 lost two bombers and one severely damaged in combat with 111 and No. 32 Squadron RAF. Fueling a Bf 110 of ZG 26, October 1940 On 29 July, Eight Bf 110s from 1.
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Adam, pages 37 to 40. Following the end of hostilities the squadron relocated to a former Luftwaffe airbase at Wunsdorf, near Hanover.Adam, page 41. The squadron returned to the UK after the end of hostilities in Europe and converted to Spitfires at RAF Chilbolton and then to Tempests in preparation for its deployment to the Asia theatre of operations.
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Twelve were delivered to Royal Egyptian Air Force. In 1944 enough Spitfire VB (trop)s to equip one squadron were supplied to Turkey. Some were later fitted with the larger, pointed rudder developed for later Merlin-powered Spitfires. These flew alongside of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-3s which had been supplied to Turkey by Germany.
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Cull 1999, p. 100. On 23 May 1940, Spitfires of 54 Squadron were the first to shoot down Bf 109s, over Calais Marck airfield, on the coast of northern France; the first of these is usually credited to either Flying Officer Alan Deere who shot down two (according to other sources, one destroyed plus one probable), or Flg. Off.
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Enstone Airlines also provide maintenance for aircraft. Enstone Flying Club is the largest club on the airfield and is currently building a squadron of MK26B Spitfires. Enstone Sales and Services run talks of the project and tours of the facility twice a week spring to autumn. Enstone Flying Club is also currently home to the Jaguar XX764 undergoing restoration.
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Jordan Maletta (born April 30, 1995) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward. Maletta was signed as a free agent by the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 26, 2016. Prior to being signed by the Blue Jackets, he played junior ice hockey for the Windsor Spitfires and the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
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The wing lost six Spitfires during this battle, including three to mechanical problems. Enough of the Japanese force made it through the defences to attack Fenton, and three USAAF B-24 Liberators were destroyed and seven damaged.Odgers (1968), pp. 61–62 June had been the most successful month in No. 1 Wing's history,Thomas (2009), p.
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Odgers (1968), p. 477 This did not eventuate and the only action undertaken by the wing during 1945 was an attack made by six Spitfires on Japanese positions at Cape Chater, Timor on 3 June.Possé (2003), p. 80 Following the end of the war, No. 1 Wing's headquarters closed at Darwin on 12 October 1945,Helson (1997), p.
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The gruppe was based at Kairouan by 9 January 1943. Eight Fw 190s carried out a successful intercept a reconnaissance mission by 241 and 243 Squadron at low-level on 3 February; the German fighters were alerted when they passed by Kairouan. British formations observed them take-off and attack the flight. Four Spitfires were shot down.
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O'Reilly's younger brother Ryan plays with the St. Louis Blues, and their cousin Bill Bowler is currently the Windsor Spitfires General Manager in the OHL where he is one of the all-time points scorers.The WinCity Sports Podcast Episode 181 featuring Bradley Snetsginer and Cal O'Reilly O'Reilly is married to retired Canadian figure skater Terra Findlay.
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He also tightened the straps to reduce vibrations while flying. The measures proved useless and Johnson found he had lost feeling in his right hand. When he dived the pressure aggravated his shoulder. He often tried to fly using his left hand only, but Spitfires had to be handled with both hands during anything other than simple manoeuvres.
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Empire Conrad was built in 1942 for the MoWT. She was placed under the management of Glen & Co Ltd. The Code Letters BDTG and United Kingdom Official Number 168983 were allocated. Her port of registry was Greenock. On 20 May 1942, Empire Conrad departed from Milford Haven, Wales with a cargo of 32 Spitfires in cases.
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This led to the development of the Spitfire PR variants. Spitfires proved to be extremely successful in their reconnaissance role and there were many variants built specifically for that purpose. They served initially with what later became No. 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU). In 1928, the RAF developed an electric heating system for the aerial camera.
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Schofield played in Grooveyard from 1982 to 1984, then Chinless Elite in 1985 and with Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls/ Paul Kelly and the Messengers during Kelly's commercially successful period in the mid to late 1980s. Schofield has also been involved in production for the Red Eye label producing the debut EP for The Mexican Spitfires, Lupe Velez.
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They were extended by eight inches, meaning that with a straighter trailing edge, the wings were not the same elliptical shape as previous Spitfires. The Mk 21 armament was standardised as four 20mm Hispano II cannon with 150 rpg and no machine guns. 1 Squadron (postwar with 602 Squadron), on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
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During the interim period prior to D-Day, Tuscaloosa conducted further shore bombardment practice and engaged in further exercises. Her aviation unit exchanged its venerable Curtiss SOC Seagulls for British Supermarine Spitfires and checked them out for spotting purposes. However, they remained shore-based for the remainder of their time operating in support of the invasion.
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At the onset of war in September 1939, he was transferred to 266 Squadron as a flight commander. The squadron took deliveries of Spitfires in January. In February 1940, a Spitfire he was flying broke up in the air. Gleed was injured while falling out of the plane but regained consciousness soon enough to pull his parachute.
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In August 1946, he was transferred to No 5 Squadron in India, where he flew Spitfires, before transferring to West Germany with No 26 Squadron in August 1947. He left active service in September 1948, and held the rank of flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force reserves in September 1950, relinquishing his commission in December 1953.
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Kari Piiroinen of the Windsor Spitfires was the only member of the OHL to be on the roster of Team Finland. Piiroinen appeared in one game for Finland, earning a 1–0 record with a 1.00 GAA and a .955 save percentage. Finland finished the preliminary round in third place in Group A, earning seven points.
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Whilst the Mexican Spitfires have not played live as a band since early 1989, their music has been played on radio stations like 88.1 FM WMBR Cambridge, Massachusetts, and fans of their music can be found in Australia, Japan, Germany, Italy and the United States. Since then films have been made about this even in history.
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He lost oil pressure, and as the engine overheated it soon seized up. Caulton had no choice but to put the aircraft down. He did so in a field about 30 miles away from the airfield at Deelen. Of the other four Spitfires that returned to England, all had suffered damage, either from Jabs or the Flak guns.
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Hannan's junior hockey career was divided between the Windsor Spitfires, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and Brantford Alexanders. He was drafted in the 10th round (196th overall) of the 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. His best statistical season in the NHL was 1985–86, in which he recorded 35 points in 75 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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Seventeen airfields were targeted, of which seven lost many aircraft. Surprise was complete as the few Ultra intercepts had not been understood. At the worst hit, the Canadian base at Eindhoven, 26 Typhoons and 6 Spitfires were destroyed and another 30 Typhoons damaged. In total, 305 aircraft, mostly fighters and fighter-bombers were destroyed and another 190 damaged.
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II. Gruppe took off from Abbeville, headed for Cap Gris-Nez and attacked No. 234 Squadron, shooting down four Spitfires. One victory was credited to Galland who shot down a Spitfire near Cap d'Albert. On 1 May, four "Rodeos" and "Circus" No. 150 attacked various targets in northern France. II. Gruppe engaged the Hornchurch and North Weald Wing.
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At 15:46, Galland accounted for a No. 118 or No. 501 Squadron Spitfire claimed in the area of Guînes. Galland claimed two further Spitfires shot down west- northwest of the Somme Estuary on 31 July. His opponents were fighters from either No. 121 or No. 332 Squadron. During the Dieppe Raid on 19 August, 5.
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On his recovery, Woitke returned to III./JG 1 which now based at Anklam. On 24 December 1944, Woitke was shot down and killed in aerial combat near Aachen in a dogfight with Spitfires. He was credited with 30 victories, eight on the Russian front, two in Africa, and the rest on the Western Front, including three heavy bombers.
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Price 1990, pp. 76–77. By the time Park decided to launch his third wave, the first engagements were taking place. At 14:20, he ordered No. 11 Group's No. 303 (Polish) Squadron and its nine Hurricanes to Northolt at . Tangmere scrambled No. 602 Squadron RAF and 12 Spitfires to hover over Kenley, Biggin Hill and Gravesend.
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Prior to turning professional, Jordán played major junior ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Windsor Spitfires and the Plymouth Whalers. At the end of his first season of major junior hockey, 2007–08, he was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round, 105th overall, at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
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Richard Pánik, Hockey's Future On 5 January 2010, the Spitfires sent Pánik to the Belleville Bulls in a blockbuster trade, along with Austen Brassard, Steve Gleeson, Paul Bezzo, a second-round pick in 2012, a third- round pick in 2010 and a seventh-round pick in 2012, in exchange for Philipp Grubauer, Marc Cantin and Stephen Johnson.
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La Fontaine enrolled into the Indian Air Force in October 1947. He did his training on the Tigermoth aircraft, moving on to Harvards, Supermarine Spitfires and the Hawker Tempest aircraft. La Fontaine was commissioned into the flying branch at Ambala in April 1950. La Fontaine's first posting was to the No.7 Battle Axes Squadron flying the Tempests aircraft.
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One Ju 88 was hit, and Trautloft gave it special protection. As he manoeuvred himself into position, the formation was jumped by Spitfires and Hurricanes. One Ju 88 was lost to 32 Squadron's Pilot Officer Bolesław Własnowolski. As the attack began, the Ju 88s turned to West Malling, and began dive-bombing attacks as an alternate target.
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The squadron was formed at Lawnton Airfield, Queensland Australia on 15 December 1943, made up of RAF Aircrew and RAAF groundstaff, to provide air defence duties with Spitfires, as the RAAF Kittyhawks were inadequate for interception missions.RAF – Squadron history. On 1 January they moved to Petrie Airfield, Strathpine, Queensland. In April 1944 the squadrons Spitfire's arrived.
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Sarnia had a disappointing playoff result though, losing in six games to the London Knights in the first round. In 1999–2000, the Sting fell to a record of 33–27–8–0, finishing in third place in the West Division. In the postseason, the Sting lost to the Windsor Spitfires in seven game in the first round.
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On 2 August 2019, Barnett joined National League side Eastleigh. Manager Ben Strevens said that he hoped Barnett's experience would be of benefit to younger members of the squad. He top-scored for the "Spitfires" with 12 goals in 39 appearances throughout the 2019–20 season, triggering a contract extension to extend his stay at Ten Acres.
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On 18 April 953 bombers attacked the anti-aircraft guns and achieved some hits. The next day, twenty Lancasters of 617 Squadron, six carrying Grand Slams and the rest Tallboys, along with 16 aircraft from 9 Squadron, escorted by six squadrons of Spitfires and one of Mustangs, attacked the islands and achieved more hits; no aircraft were lost.
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Radinger and Otto 1999, p. 15. Mölders flew one of the first operational Bf 109 F-1s over England from early October 1940; he may well have been credited with shooting down eight Hurricanes and four Spitfires while flying W.No 5628, Stammkennzeichen SG+GW between 11 and 29 October 1940.Mölders victory list Retrieved 20 April 2008.
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Club statement: Wiaan Mulder, Kent County Cricket Club, 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-07-03. On 5 June, Kent announced that South African fast bowler Hardus Viljoen was to rejoin the club for a second spell to play in the T20 Blast.Hardus Viljoen: Kent Spitfires re-sign South African paceman for T20 Blast, BBC Sport, 2019-06-05.
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Tecumseh Chiefs On February 20, 2008, the Chiefs remembered their former "rookie of the year" Mickey Renaud. Renaud, alumnus and captain of the Windsor Spitfires, died two days earlier after collapsing in his parents home in Tecumseh. After a memorial, the Chiefs announced that Renaud's number, 44, would be retired at the end of the season.
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As part of the build-up to the Battle of Arawe in December, the Kittyhawks launched a series of attacks on the Gasmata airfield and fuel dumps; on the day of the Allied landings, as No. 76 Squadron Kittyhawks patrolled above the beaches, the Spitfires remained at Kiriwina in case of strikes by Japanese raiders, though none came.Odgers, Air War Against Japan, pp.126–127 In January 1944, the wing's Spitfires and Kittyhawks accompanied Beauforts on the two largest raids mounted by the RAAF to that time, each involving over 70 aircraft attacking enemy camps and depots at Lindenhafen, New Britain.Odgers, Air War Against Japan, pp.130–131 As part of No. 9 Group's contribution to the Admiralty Islands campaign, No. 73 Wing took up garrison duties at Los Negros commencing in March 1944.
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The destroyers , , , , and the Polish Okręt Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (ORP) Burza bombarded shore targets. The Ju 87 Stuka units made a maximum effort during the day, Wessex was sunk and Burza was damaged by StG 2 and StG 77 during a raid at StG 2 were ordered to target shipping. Dinort attacked Wessex but the destroyer made an elusive target and he missed after bombing on the second dive; the other two groups made a forty- strong formation which hit Wessex several times. The German crews had little training on anti-shipping operations but in the absence of British fighters, dived from ; as the departed they were attacked by Spitfires of 54 Squadron which shot down three of the dive-bombers and lost three Spitfires to the Bf 109 escorts.
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12px 15/16 May: In the 1st large-scale World War II strategic bombing and the 1st attack on the German "backcountry", just 24 of 96 dispatched bombers found the Ruhr Area power stations and refineries. 12px 19 May: French fighters strafed advanced columns of Operation Abendsegen 12px 27 May 1940: Heinkels bombarded the Dunkirk perimeter followed by Stukas and Dorniers: 12px opposition included the "first major encounter" by Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron RAF. 12px 27/28 May: A No. 10 Squadron RAF Whitley tail gunner was the first in the RAF to down a German fighter. 12px 2 June: Robert Stanford Tuck led a wing of Spitfires from RAF Martlesham Heath, the first "big formation" of the war, against 8 Heinkel IIIs and about 25 Messerschmitt Bf 109s over the Calais area.
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The raids were mostly carried out at night to avoid interception by Arab fighter aircraft. These attacks usually had little effect, except on morale. Avia S-199 Israeli 1st fighter aircraft Israeli Spitfire F Mk Israeli B-17s in flight The balance of air power soon began to swing in favor of the Israeli Air Force following the arrival of 25 Avia S-199s from Czechoslovakia, the first of which arrived in Israel on 20 May. Ironically, Israel was using the Avia S-199, an inferior derivative of the Bf 109 designed in Nazi Germany to counter British-designed Spitfires flown by Egypt. Throughout the rest of the war, Israel would acquire more Avia fighters, as well as 62 Spitfires from Czechoslovakia. On 28 May 1948, Sherut Avir became the Israeli Air Force.
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Shortly after the war, 208 Squadron moved back to Palestine where it was involved in operations against the Egyptian Air Force. In 1948, the squadron moved to the Egyptian Canal Zone. It saw action in the Israeli War of Independence, losing four Spitfires in combat with Israeli Air Force aircraft (which also included Spitfires). The last officially recorded "Air to Air fighter pilot kill" (bullets only, without guidance systems) occurred on 22 May 1948. At 09:30 two Egyptian Spitfire LF.9s staged a third attack on Ramat David. This time Fg Off Tim McElhaw and Fg Off Hully of 208 Squadron had taken over the standing patrol. Fg Off McElhaw, flying Spitfire FR.18 TZ228, intercepted and shot down both LF.9s.Marr 1966, p. 79. In 1951, the squadron relocated to RAF Fayid where its Spitfires were replaced with Gloster Meteor jets. From there it moved to RAF Abu Sueir, relocating to RAF Takali, Malta, in August 1956, with interim spells earlier in the year at RAF Hal Far, Malta, and RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. It disbanded at Takhali in January 1958, but re-formed the same month in the UK at RAF Tangmere from a nucleus of No. 34 Squadron RAF.Marr 1966, p. 89.
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An Area Combined HQ was set up at Polyarny, where a Senior British Naval Officer, Rear-Admiral Douglas Fisher was already installed. The PR Spitfires at Vayenga had their RAF roundels painted out and replaced by red stars: oblique F 24 cameras were used on twelve sorties to Narvik and Altafjord, flying through foul weather to keep watch over the German ships.
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In August 1939, the squadron began to transition to Spitfires.Bio - Brian Carbury New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum As war approached the squadron was put on a full-time footing, and within two weeks of the outbreak of the Second World War, Brian Carbury was permanently attached and the squadron began to receive Spitfires, passing on its Gladiators to other squadrons during October.
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Brown was born on 15 April 1948, in Tangier, Morocco. His father flew Spitfires during World War II and joined civil aviation in the post war period, flying for Gibraltar Airways and British European Airways. He was educated at Merchant Taylors' School, an all-boys public school in Hertfordshire. He then matriculated into St Catherine's College, Oxford to study history.
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161 It initially comprised No. 452 and No. 457 Squadrons, which were transferred from No. 1 Wing. Both of these squadrons had seen extensive combat over Europe and northern Australia and were based at Sattler Airfield near Darwin. The squadrons were equipped with Spitfire Vc aircraft at the time of the wing's establishment, but received superior Mark VIII Spitfires between June and August.
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During this visit he observed that it was likely that supply shortages would impede the wing's operations.Alexander (2006), p. 166 No. 80 Wing's headquarters left Darwin on 9 December and No. 452 Squadron departed on 15 December. During the squadron's trip to Morotai that day, three Spitfires were destroyed or damaged as a result of landing accidents at Merauke, New Guinea.
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Alexander (2006), pp. 168–169 As expected, living facilities at Morotai were initially very basic, and Caldwell traded liquor for the services of US engineer units to improve the wing's camp site.Alexander (2006), pp. 172–173 Five No. 452 Squadron Spitfires in flight near Morotai during December 1944 The wing began flying night defence patrols shortly after No. 452 Squadron arrived at Morotai.
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76 and 77 Squadrons joined another Kittyhawk unit, No. 82 Squadron, at No. 81 Wing on Noemfoor under Steege's command, while No. 79 Squadron was withdrawn to Darwin in November to re-equip with new Spitfires before joining No. 80 Wing and returning to the Pacific at Morotai in March 1945.79 Squadron RAAF at Australian War Memorial. Retrieved on 24 November 2010.
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On D-Day, "pooling" of the spotting units' aircraft meant that all units flew either Spitfires or Seafires.Naval Aviation News May–June 1994, p.32. This role of "spotters" lasted until 26 June, by which time the fighting was too far inland to be covered by the ship's guns. Following this, the squadron was re-equipped with 24 Hellcat Is and IIs.
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The quality of the training was dubious and many of the crews had not been given proper tuition in formation flying. Only 9 and 214 squadrons were able to fly in perfect formations.Holmes 2010, p. 48. To improve formation flying and give crews experience of combat conditions, 37 Squadron practised mock combats with RAF Fighter Command Supermarine Spitfires from RAF Tangmere.
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The squadron reformed in 1941 as a fighter unit equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and was stationed in Malta to provide air defence for the island. It was re-equipped with Spitfires and then operated from Sicily and Italy. It moved to the UK in April 1944 and was disbanded on 10 March 1946 after a period equipped with the Mustang.
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The unit was established as No. 2 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit (No. 2 OTU) in April 1942 at Port Pirie, South Australia, and relocated to RAAF Station Mildura, Victoria, the following month. During World War II, it provided training on a wide range of aircraft, including P-40 Kittyhawks, Vultee Vengeances, Avro Ansons, CAC Boomerangs, Supermarine Spitfires and Airspeed Oxfords.
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On 9 April III./ZG 1 claimed four US-flown Spitfires for two losses. Only one US Spitfire was shot down in air combat; the 2nd Squadron 52nd Fighter Group pilot survived. On 10 April ZG 1 lost one Bf 110 in a collision with a Lockheed P-38 Lightning form the US 82nd Fighter Group over Cape Bon while escorting Ju 52s.
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Gillies married Kathleen Margaret Jackson on 9 November 1911, in London. They had four children. His eldest son, John Gillies, flew Spitfires with No. 92 Squadron RAF in World War II. John was shot down over France on 23 May 1940, and became a POW for the duration of the war. Harold's youngest son Michael Thomas Gillies followed his father into medicine.
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Wallens's flight was ordered to make a head-on attack on a large formation of Dornier 17 bombers with 50 plus Bf 109 escorts over Gravesend. Wallens considered the head-on assault "a desperate manoeuvre that could age one very prematurely". Within seconds ‘B’ Flight's six Spitfires were overwhelmed. Two collided and were lost; another was shot up with the pilot bailing out.
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Galland was shocked by the aggression shown by pilots he initially believed to be relatively inexperienced. Galland later said he realised there would be no quick and easy victory. As the battles over the Channel continued, Galland shot down Spitfires on 25 and 28 July. On 1 August 1940, Galland was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () for his 17 victories.
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The radar-guided guns of the escorting light cruiser, , were instrumental in driving off the determined Italian aircraft.Smith, pp. 151–153 Eagle disembarked all of her aircraft, except for her four Sea Hurricanes, to make room for 31 Spitfires and flew them off on 3 June during Operation Style. Another 32 were flown off on 9 June during Operation Salient.
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The team narrowly missed out on winning its division in 1980–81 by a single point. Brantford developed close rivalries with the London Knights and the Niagara Falls Flyers. Their playoff nemeses were Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie. Two years in a row they were eliminated by the Spitfires, followed by three years in a row at the hands of the Greyhounds.
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Downs described the Spitfires and Typhoons overhead flying north in pursuit of Germans reportedly attempting to escape to Nazi-occupied Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. As Montgomery approached the German delegates with the surrender papers in hand, he said to reporters out of the corner of his mouth, "This is the moment." Downs received the National Headliner's Club Award for the report.
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In mid-1943, the airfield was transferred to RAF Fighter Command. Squadrons equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoons and Spitfires operated from Lasham. Later in 1943, it became a base for the bombers of No. 2 Group RAF, part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force. The squadrons of 2 Group used the de Havilland Mosquito and North American B-25 Mitchell.
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The Majors won the right to host the event over the Barrie Colts, Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires. The Saint John Sea Dogs defeated the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 3–1 in the final to win the title for the first time, and as a result, became the first team based in Canada's Maritime Provinces to win the Memorial Cup.
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French Armée de l'Air and Aéronavale received in Indochina a squadron of Spitfire Mk. VIIIs when RAF left Tan Son Nhut in 1946. They were supplemented by 12 Spitfire LF.IXs sent from Europe in 1947. At the beginning of the Indochina War the French possessed approximately sixty Spitfires that performed poorly in the close-support role and its availability was generally low.
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Morale sank in JG 27 following the deaths, and shortly afterwards, I./JG 27 was ordered out of Africa. I./JG 27 located to Pachino, Sicily on 8 October 1942. The gruppe also supported the final air attacks on the besieged island of Malta. Over Malta they claimed seven Spitfires for two Bf 109s and returned to Africa later in the month.
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On 25 August Mayer shot down a Hurricane for his 15th victory, that of F/L AWA Bayne (8 victories) of 17 Squadron, who bailed out. The next day Mayer shot down two Spitfires. One of his victim was ace Sgt Cyril Babbage (7 victories) of No. 602 Squadron RAF, who bailed out. Hauptmann Mayer was awarded the Ritterkreuz on 3 September.
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The first air raid on the city took place on 9 August 1940, carried out by a single aircraft which dropped its bombs on Erdington. One person was killed, and six injured. On 13 August the aircraft factory in Castle Bromwich which produced Spitfires was attacked. Eleven bombs hit the main target causing significant damage. 7 people were killed, and 41 injured.
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She was posted to Prestwick once training was complete and ferried planes around the north of Scotland. She gained the name “Queen of the Barracudas” when she began flying Fairey Barracudas regularly after they entered service in 1943. She was very fond of the aircraft. During the war she flew 12 different aircraft, including Spitfires and got 475 hour flying time.
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On 1 August 1981, Vale Park hosted a one-off rock concert, dubbed 'Heavy Metal Holocaust', featuring Motörhead, Ozzy Osbourne Band, Mahogany Rush, Triumph, Riot and Vardis. Around 20,000 attended the concert, raising £25,000 for the club. Lars Ulrich was also in attendance, months before he co-founded Metallica. In 1985, the Stoke Spitfires American football team used the ground for matches.
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The squadron reformed in 1941 as a fighter unit equipped with Spitfires and then provided air defence from Peterhead, Scotland, and Southern England. It then moved to Normandy after the D-Day landings. It returned to England in September 1944 before moving to Vavuniya, Ceylon, in January 1945. It was then based in Hong Kong, and was disbanded on 15 April 1946.
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Caldwell flew Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks and Kittyhawks in the North African Campaign and Supermarine Spitfires in the South West Pacific Theatre. He was the highest- scoring P-40 pilot from any air force and the highest-scoring Allied pilot in North Africa.Alexander 2006, p. 85. Caldwell also commanded a Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron and two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) wings.
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They were also tasked with checking PI reports which were eventually related to assessment reports of attacks on German industry. Several PIs were also seconded to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., to join a detachment of RAF and British Army officers. Spitfires, without any guns but with a maximum speed of 396 mph at 30,000 feet, were used for photo- reconnaissance missions.
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In 1946 the Royal Air Force occupied Middle Wallop again. No. 164 Squadron RAF with its Spitfires came and were renumbered to No. 63 Squadron RAF. The following year No. 227 OCU, an Army Air Observation Post training unit, was moved to the airfield. This was renamed as the Air Observation Post School in 1950 and the Light Aircraft School in 1952.
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He noted the growing intensity of the air battles and assumed responsibility for the unit's war diary in August. In this diary he remarked; On 11 August 1940 Dundas flew R6769. Taking off at 09:45 am he led yellow section out to sea near the Isle of Wight at . Dundas and two other Spitfires (including his wingman) lost contact with his squadron.
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As the Battle of Britain got under way in July 1940, Hughes shared in No. 234 Squadron's first confirmed aerial victories.Garrisson, Australian Fighter Aces, p. 35 He and his section of two other Spitfires shot down a German Junkers Ju 88 attacking convoys near Lands End on 8 July, and another south-east of Plymouth during a dawn patrol on 28 July.
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Ehlers See Photo interpretation. At first Britain used a handful of hastily modified Spitfires (PR 1) and some medium twins (Bristol Blenheims) for photographic reconnaissance, supplemented by in-action footage shot from regular bombing aircraft. At this time the RAF still used the vintage F8 and F24 cameras, later adding the larger F52. The F24 became especially useful in night photography.
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The vulnerability of Bf 110s to nimble Hurricane and Spitfires necessitated their own protection by Bf 109s. Their charges, He 111s from I./KG 53 and Ju 88s, probably from I. and II./KG 51, lost only aircraft; a He 111\. In defending the bombers, the gruppe lost three Bf 110s and another damaged, losing seven airmen as missing in action.
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On the first day II./JG 27 claimed seven Spitfires over Kent without loss. The 7 September 1940 saw the OKL change the emphasis from bombing airfields to attacking Greater London, beginning The Blitz. The air raids took Fighter Command by surprise and reduced Luftwaffe losses. JG 27 were in action on this date for I. Gruppe reported one loss over London.
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The battle cost 19 Squadron five Spitfires, two pilots killed and two wounded. 222 Squadron lost one pilot killed. On the last day of September, five of the wing's Bf 109s were destroyed and three heavily damaged. Their opponents were from 41, 92 and 303 Squadron. 41 Squadron lost one fighter and another damaged, while 92 also suffered damage to one Spitfire.
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48 Hurricanes and 10 Spitfires were ordered from RAF Middle Wallop, Exeter, RAF Tangmere and RAF Warmwell to intercept. The fighters orbited to attract RAF fighters while the Ju 88s turned to attack Portsmouth. The attack destroyed many installations including Portsmouth Harbour railway station, three small vessels and oil storage tanks. Geschwaderkommodore Dr Johann-Volkmar Fisser was killed despite the escort.
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This photo makes a good comparison with K9795. From November 1940, a decision was taken that Supermarine would start producing light-alloy covered ailerons which would replace the original fabric covered versions. However, seven months after the decision was taken to install them on all marks, Spitfires were still being delivered with the original fabric covered ailerons.Morgan and Shacklady 2000, p. 142.
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Kitchener native Steven Rice had the second highest goal total on the club with 39, while earning 76 points in 58 games. Cory Keenan led the defense with 13 goals and 48 points in 66 games, while Jason York, acquired mid-season in a trade with the Windsor Spitfires, scored 11 goals and 36 points in only 25 games with Kitchener.
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She worked ferrying Spitfires from Cypress to Rangoon, to the Indian Air Force and to Burma. After these jobs ended Moggridge looked for more flying opportunities. In 1957 LEC Refrigeration would fly demonstration versions of their fridges overseas for potential customers to view. Moggridge got the job of co-pilot and undertook the trip of 15,000 miles flying the fridges to South Africa.
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It abandoned the leader-wingman combination that had existed before. Instead, it was based on three pairs of Spitfires which could provide mutual cover and support: the pairs were 'stacked' in altitude so that the pair (e.g.: 5 & 6) flying up-sun, and covering the tails of the leaders (1 & 2), flew higher, while the other pair (e.g.: 3 & 4) flew lower.
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Flying PR missions was not an easy occupation. Spitfire pilots often flew missions lasting seven hours or more; the cramped cockpit was uncomfortable, although the introduction of heating and, later in the war, pressurization, relieved some of the discomfort. Early PR Spitfires lacked radios and, in later versions which did have radio, the pilot was expected to maintain radio silence throughout the flight.
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Jones 1978, Chapter Twenty-Six: Würzburg. PRU Spitfires also kept a constant watch on the German capital ships in based in Brest harbour throughout 1941 to February 1942, as well as maintaining operations over Norway.Price 2002, pp. 100–106. The first Spitfire to be posted to the Mediterranean theatre was one operated by 1 PRU which arrived on Malta on 22 September 1941.
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RAAF, Unit History of No. 452 Squadron, p. 238 Spence was posted out of No. 452 Squadron at the end of November 1944.RAAF, Unit History of No. 452 Squadron, p. 295 Early the following year he joined No. 8 Operational Training Unit, which was based at Parkes, New South Wales, and operated Wirraways, Boomerangs and Spitfires, among other types.
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Patrick McLaughlin married Kathleen Walsh of Liverpool in 1938 and was a founding member of the Connolly Association in England. During the Second World War he joined the Royal Air Force to fight against the Axis powers flying Spitfires and Hurricanes. The couple were both members of the Communist Party of Great Britain, though Kathleen left the party in 1956.
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563–564Weston (2013), p. 7 The squadrons selected were No. 452 Squadron RAAF, No. 457 Squadron RAAF and No. 54 Squadron RAF, all of which had seen combat over Europe against the Luftwaffe. Under the agreement each squadron would be initially equipped with 16 Spitfires and a further 15 aircraft would be sent to Australia each month as replacements.Gillison (1962), p.
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Four of the raiders were shot down, two of them by Wing Commander Caldwell.Alexander (2006), pp. 109–111 This engagement led Prime Minister John Curtin to announce on 4 March that Spitfires were operational in Australia. His statement in the House of Representatives was greeted with cheers from the members of parliament present and No. 1 Wing received positive media coverage.Alexander (2006), pp.
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Alexander (2006), pp. 131–133 To avoid further losses from fuel shortages the Spitfires were fitted with drop tanks and banned from dogfighting. The raid of 2 May marked the start of an upsurge in Japanese aerial activity over northern Australia. A detachment of six No. 457 Squadron aircraft was deployed to Milingimbi Island on 9 May after the airfield there was attacked.
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No attack eventuated and the Spitfire squadrons were directed to return to Darwin on 20 March.Odgers (1968), pp. 136–139 During this period the Kittyhawk- equipped No. 84 Squadron was transferred from Horn Island to Livingstone Airfield to replace the Spitfires while they were at Perth; this unit arrived at Livingstone on 12 March and departed twelve days later.Odgers (1968), p.
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No. 275 Squadron RAF was formed at RAF Valley on 15 October 1941Rawlings 1982, p. 250. for air-sea rescue duties in the Irish sea and was 9 Group's Air Sea Rescue Unit. Following the Squardon's formation the first aircraft to be operated were Lysanders Mk.IIIa's. Later in the year Walruses were added to the Squadron followed by Defiants, Spitfires and Ansons.
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On 9 January 1941, Circus Number 1 was flown by 60 fighters over northern France. The Germans ignored them, using the same tactics as Keith Park in the Battle of Britain. RAF Bomber Command was shortly employed as bait to bring the Luftwaffe to battle. There were few high-value strategic targets in France and Belgium within range of escorting Spitfires.
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Knighted in 1959, Prior-Palmer was regarded as an 'elder statesman' but could still be angered by pacifist sentiment. In February 1960 he claimed that the Labour Party had "sent one of their chief leaders to Swaythling to stop men making Spitfires". Despite uproar among Labour MPs present, he refused to withdraw."House Of Commons", The Times, 1 March 1960.
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In mid-1940, the Royal Air Force (RAF) was called on to fight the Battle of Britain, but suffered serious losses. It lost 458 aircraft in France—more than current production— and was hard pressed. The government decided to concentrate on only five types of aircraft in order to optimise output. They were: Wellingtons, Whitley Vs, Blenheims, Hurricanes and Spitfires.
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Jack Campbell (born January 9, 1992) is an American ice hockey goaltender for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round (eleventh overall) by the Dallas Stars in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to his selection, Campbell played for the Windsor Spitfires and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.
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As winter approached, poor weather reduced operations significantly. However, on 24 October, No. 303 claimed four fighters downed over Gravelines. During combat operations throughout 1941, No. 303 Squadron claimed some 46 enemy aircraft destroyed, seven probably destroyed and four damaged, for a loss of nine pilots (including three Commanding Officers). Some 20 Spitfires were written off or lost in action.
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No. 454 Squadron was also deployed to Italy from August 1944, and hundreds of Australians served in RAF units during the campaign.Stanley (1987). pp. 126–139. The RAAF also took part in other Allied operations in the Mediterranean. Two RAAF squadrons, No. 451 Squadron (Spitfires) and No. 458 Squadron (Wellingtons), supported the Allied invasion of southern France in August 1944\.
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The following day the Luftwaffe raided Hornchurch, which had been caught unawares. The squadron was scrambled, with Deere leading a section of three Spitfires as they taxied down the runway. The German bombers in the meantime released their munitions onto the runway. All three aeroplanes of Deere's section were destroyed with his Spitfire was blown on its back, trapping him.
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F-16I of the 107th squadron The 107 Squadron () of the Israeli Air Force, also known as the Knights of the Orange Tail (), was formed to operate Supermarine Spitfires out of Ramat David Airbase in January 1953. Although it was disbanded only a year later, it was reformed in the 1960s and currently operates the F-16I Sufa out of Hatzerim Airbase.
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When the last Spitfire rolled out in February 1948,Price 1982, p. 249. a total of 20,351 examples of all variants had been built, including two-seat trainers, with some Spitfires remaining in service well into the 1950s.Ethell 1997, p. 117. The Spitfire was the only British fighter aircraft to be in continuous production before, during, and after the Second World War.
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During the war, the airfield was bombed five times, with seventeen people being killed on 14 March 1941. Aircraft from the station downed 151 Luftwaffe aeroplanes and 89 V-1 flying bombs. Hugh Jenkins, Baron Jenkins of Putney served at the station, as did Andrew Humphrey (later Chief of the Defence Staff from 1976 to 1977, who flew Supermarine Spitfires with 266 Squadron).
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Ron Hyde, whose daughter was a player, served as the team's first manager. The team debuted in June 1967, losing 10–5 to Calne. Two goals from Jo Swinden and a Sylvia Carson hat-trick completed the Spitfires' scoring. Another Carson hat-trick and one from club captain Dee Allison secured a 6–6 draw with Calne in the rematch.
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Waterman's father was in the British Army, her grandfather flew Spitfires during World War II. Her mother teaches children with learning disabilities. Waterman attended boarding school in Somerset, England. Waterman focused on athletics, but a back injury curtailed a promising career as a high jumper. Switching to a more academic course of study, she entered Oxford University, where she majored in geography.
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In August 1944 the airfield was closed to flying. By September 1944 it was re-opened with No 150 Wing of the Second Tactical Air Force taking up residence using Mustang III's. In October Spitfires where back on the base with 229, 453 and 602 Squadrons. They launched missions from Matlaske to the continent to try to destroy V-2 rocket sites.
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Then I saw a Spitfire, which was chasing another CR.42, and I got in a shot at a range of . I realised that in a manoeuvered flight, the CR.42 could win or survive against Hurricanes and Spitfires, though we had to be careful of a sweep from behind. In my opinion, the English .303 bullet was not very effective.
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Trevor Letowski (born April 5, 1977) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional player. Letowski played in the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes. Letowski was the head coach of the OHL's Sarnia Sting until after the 2014-15 season. Letowski is currently the head coach of the Windsor Spitfires.
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Towards the end of the war he spent most of his time flying throughout Europe and meeting various commanding officers and units. He took advantage of his position to fly other types he had not had the chance to operate. He flew Supermarine Spitfires frequently on such trips. Soon after the Normandy Campaign he took leave to visit his mother in Ireland.
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No. 93 Squadron was formed at Kingaroy, Queensland, on 22 January 1945. It was equipped with Bristol Beaufighters, and received its first aircraft in January. The squadron conducted training throughout February, March and April with a focus on gunnery and rocket practice. On 5 March three No. 93 Squadron Beaufighters departed Oakey to escort No. 79 Squadron Spitfires to Morotai.
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In the Central Group, Gloucestershire became the first team to qualify. The South Group saw Surrey and Kent Spitfires qualify. Following the conclusion of the group stage, the Northants Steelbacks, the Leicestershire Foxes and the Sussex Sharks had also confirmed their spots in the quarter- finals. Surrey, Lancashire Lightning and Gloucestershire all won their quarter-final matches to progress to Finals Day.
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Defending against this attack, Losigkeit shot down a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. On 2 May, 25 RAF Spitfires escorted 18 Lockheed Ventura bombers which were intercepted by fighters from I. and II. Gruppe of JG 1 east of Vlissingen. For the loss of two Fw 190s, pilots of JG 1 claimed nine aerial victories, including a Ventura claimed by Losigkeit.
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Third, the preservation of his force was critical. The fewer fighters he had in the air (he advocated 16 at most), the smaller target the numerically superior enemy would have. Over Malta, he reversed these tactics owing to changed circumstances. With plenty of Spitfires to operate, Park sought to intercept the enemy and break up his formations before the bombers reached the island.
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It wasn't until March, when the onslaught was at its height, that 15 Spitfires flew in off the carrier to join with the Hurricanes already stationed there and bolster the defence, but many of the new aircraft were lost on the ground and it was again the Hurricane that bore the brunt of the early fighting until further reinforcements arrived.
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When Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring insisted the fighters stay with the bombers as a close escort, the Bf 110 was unable to take advantage of its strengths. Subsequently Bf 110 losses mounted. Acting as an escort, the ability Jabs possessed as a heavy fighter pilot became well apparent. The Bf 110 was not capable of holding its own against British Hurricanes and Spitfires.
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In the afternoon, however, Hermann Schoemann twice drove off British Motor Torpedo Boats, together with her sister Z14 Friedrich Ihn. British aircraft began to make their presence known with repeated attacks on the German ships.Whitley, pp. 118–119 Hermann Schoemann was repeatedly struck in the stern by 20 mm cannon shells from defending German fighters and/or No. 452 Squadron RAAF Spitfires.
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The Techniques of Daylight Air Combat. Cambridge, UK: Patrick Stephens, 1983. and as a fighter-bomber it could carry half the bomb load of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress or 10 five inch High Velocity Aircraft Rockets. The first pilots to fly the Thunderbolt from England were Americans who had been flying Spitfires in the RAF before the U.S. joined the war.
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After the war the airfield was used by the RAF to repatriate prisoners-of-war. Dunsfold was declared inactive by the RAF in 1946 but was then used by Skyways Ltd, with York, Lancastrian, Skymaster, Rapide and Dove aircraft. Skyways' operations included support of the Berlin Airlift. Skyways also refurbished ex-RAF Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes for the Portuguese Air Force.
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However, the Royal Air Force had two major weapons systems in the works—better interceptors (Hurricanes and Spitfires) and especially radar. These promised to counter the German bombing offensive. However they were not yet ready, so that appeasement was necessary to cause a delay.Zara Steiner, The triumph of the dark: European international history 1933–1939 (2011) pp 606–9, 772.
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Cherry played junior hockey with the Barrie Flyers and the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey Association. Cherry won the Memorial Cup as a defenceman with Barrie in 1953. He dropped out of high school, and in 1954 he signed with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Hershey Bears. Cherry was inducted into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Working for the Department of the Interior during World War II first as a publicity officer and then as principal information officer, he later became a war correspondent. It was during this time that he met two pilots in London with whom he collaborated in writing two of his early works as a writer: Spitfires over Malta (1943) and First into Italy (1944).
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On 5 July 1942, No. 153 Wing RAF was raised in England with the intention of resuming RAF operations on the front. This was a force of four squadrons of Supermarine Spitfires and two squadrons of ground- attack Hurricanes. This would have involved around personnel. Possibly due to increased convoy casualties, the operation was called off and 153 Wing was stood down.
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Flying Officers Geoff Cooper and Roy Bowie of 208 Squadron. then took off in their Spitfire FR.XVIIIs to mount a standing patrol. Three Egyptian Spitfire LF.IXs launched a second attack, two of which were shot down by Cooper and Bowie. Flying Officers McElhaw and Hully, also of 32 Squadron, took over the standing patrol before the third wave of Egyptian Spitfires arrived.
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He joined 1 Squadron SAAF in March 1942, in the Western Desert, flying Hurricanes He was injured during the Battle of Alam el Halfa and was hospitalised. He returned to the squadron in November 1942, transitioning to Spitfires. He was appointed Officer Commanding on 13 November. He was killed on 13 December when his aircraft was hit and he crashed into the sea.
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As the Bf 109 escorts turned to meet the two engaging RAF Squadrons, around 300 aircraft filled a patch of sky 25 miles long, from Gosport to Bognor Regis. Nos. 152, 235 Squadrons engaged the Germans over Thorney Island. No. 602 engaged the Ju 87s that attacked Ford but III./JG 27 bounced No. 602 Squadron, claiming four Spitfires destroyed.
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Ground attack missions and escort for transport missions then became its main tasks, the Spitfires carrying 500-lb bombs during the last months of the campaign. In mid-September 1945, the squadron flew to Singapore soon after the Japanese surrender and in February 1946, moved to Sumatra to provide tactical support for the British Army units there until disbanded on 31 August 1946.
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He stayed with the squadron until October 1944 and carried out 262 operational sorties. For his work with 682 Squadron he was awarded the DFC. After a short period as an instructor at 2 OTU he was posted to Vickers Supermarine as a production test pilot. He was part of a team that test flew Spitfires as they left the production lines.
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Steelblue sawfly larvae are usually seen during the day in groups on the branches and stems of Eucalyptus trees. At night they disperse to eat leaves of the host plant. When threatened the larvae will raise their head and eject a strong-smelling yellow-green liquid consisting predominantly of eucalyptus oil, to deter predators. This action gives them their common name of 'spitfires'.
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Larvae of spitfires feed on the foliage of young trees and regrowth stems, and can strip the branches of foliage particularly at the tops. This is usually replaced during the spring-summer flush of leaf growth. Serious retardation of high growth may result from repeated attack but death is unusual. Wandoo is the most commonly attacked species in Western Australia.
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The squadron was formed at Lawnton, near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 15 December 1943 to provide air defence duties with Spitfires, as the RAAF Kittyhawks were inadequate for interception missions.RAF – Squadron history. It was first formed under the command of Dave Glaser. The first months were spent training with Wirraways and de Havilland Tiger Moths, but in April 1944 the squadrons Spitfire's arrived.
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The Bakery: Umpire, The Long Lost Brothers, The Chemist, Simon and Girlfunkle, Husband, and DJ Chris Wheeldon. The Bird: Cow Parade Cow, Diger Rokwell, Kucka, Kit Pop, and Leure. Ya Yas: The Novacaines, The Morning Night, The Spitfires, The Painkillers, Rainy Day Women, and DJ Shannon Fox. PICA Bar: Rok Riley, Ben Taaffe, Craig Hollywood, Mama Cass, Andrew Sinclair, Nick Ridiculous, and Wrighteous.
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Bailey grew up in Clarington, Ontario, playing AAA for the Clarington Toros of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association's (OMHA) Eastern AAA League. He was drafted in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) priority selection by the Owen Sound Attack in May 2005. He was traded by the Attack to the Windsor Spitfires during the 2006–07 season.
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The Kenley wing was to provide escort for bombers hitting marshalling yards at Abbeville. 452 was one of three squadrons flying high cover. Immediately after crossing the coast at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme they were engaged by enemy aircraft. Finucane hit a Bf 109 which exploded forcing him to fly through the debris but within minutes 452 had lost three Spitfires.
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The Spitfire was also the main aircraft used in the 1988 miniseries Piece of Cake. The series was based on a novel by the same name. Pilots in the novel flew the Hawker Hurricane, but the lack of airworthy Hurricanes forced the producers to change aircraft types, using five privately owned airworthy Spitfires and a collection of static and taxiing replicas.
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The 60 aircraft lost on a single mission more than doubled the highest previous loss at that time. There were also 55 to 95 additional aircraft badly damaged. Of those damaged, many were stranded in North Africa and never repaired. Three P-47 Thunderbolts of the 56th Fighter Group and two RAF Spitfires were shot down attempting to protect the Schweinfurt force.
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Dinort's wing attacked shipping along the coast. The Stukas sank () with one casualty. 501 Squadron had scrambled but was engaged by the Bf 109 escort and lost one pilot shot down and drowned; No. 609 Squadron RAF arrived as the Ju 87s began their dives. The six Spitfires split, one section of three engaging the Stukas and the other taking on the escort.
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It was reformed at Duxford on 1 September 1946, by renumbering No. 165 Squadron RAF, initially with Spitfires. The following northern spring, the squadron converted to Meteors, which it flew for six years before reequipping with Sabres. At RAF Linton-on-Ouse in March 1956 it acquired Hawker Hunters, which it flew before being disbanded again on 30 September 1960 at RAF Acklington.
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On 12 April, the RAF Desert Air Force took command over most of the Operation Flax operations. The RAF used sea-looking radar, which was less effective than it could have been as the German formations flew low. The considerable ranges stretched the P-40s and Spitfires to the limit. The British spread their forces more thinly to maintain continuous coverage.
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The squadron was reformed on 8 March 1937 flying Gloster Gauntlet IIs, converting to Hawker Hurricanes in January 1939 and flew throughout the war. It participated as part of the British Expeditionary Force; then at Dunkirk; the Battle of Britain and finally in the Middle East as part of the Desert Air Force. It also flew Supermarine Spitfires and North American Mustangs.
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He coached the junior USA team out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 2000 to 2004. In 2005, Mantha was named as the head coach of the Detroit Gladiators of the new World Hockey Association, but the league never made it to the ice; instead, he served as head coach and general manager of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) until he was terminated for gross misconduct during the Akim Aliu/Steve Downie hazing scandal that ultimately resulted in the Spitfires being fined $35,000 under Mantha’s tenure. Mantha then served as the general manager and head coach for the French River Rapids of the NOJHL. On February 16, 2016, he was named interim head coach of the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL, making his second trip behind the Spirit bench, replacing the recently fired Greg Gilbert.
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This Western Task Force consisted of the U.S. 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions, and two battalions from the U.S. 2nd Armored Division — 35,000 troops in a convoy of over 100 ships. They were transported directly from the United States in the first of a new series of UG convoys providing logistic support for the North African campaign.Hague 2000 pp. 179–80 A shipment of 116 Supermarine Spitfires sent by sea was assembled in just 11 days at RAF North Front, Gibraltar. Many of these Spitfires served with the United States Army Air Forces, including the aircraft in the foreground, EP 365 (308th FS, 31st Fighter Group). The Center Task Force, aimed at Oran, included the U.S. 2nd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, and the U.S. 1st Armored Division—a total of 18,500 troops.
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Testing showed the aircraft did not have the performance needed for use in Northwest Europe at high-altitude, due to the service ceiling limitation. Spitfires used in the theater operated at heights around , while the P-40's Allison engine, with its single-stage, low altitude rated supercharger, worked best at or lower. When the Tomahawk was used by Allied units based in the UK from February 1941, this limitation relegated the Tomahawk to low-level reconnaissance with RAF Army Cooperation Command and only No. 403 Squadron RCAF was used in the fighter role for a mere 29 sorties, before being replaced by Spitfires. Air Ministry deemed the P-40 unsuitable for the theater. UK P-40 squadrons from mid-1942 re-equipped with aircraft such as Mustangs A Kittyhawk Mk III of No. 112 Squadron RAF, taxiing at Medenine, Tunisia, in 1943.
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By this time it was not practical to deploy the squadron to the Pacific as the RAAF fighter units there were under-employed, and the squadron's training and equipment were not suited to it joining the other RAAF squadrons in Italy with the Desert Air Force. As a result, it was eventually decided to transfer No. 451 Squadron to the United Kingdom, and its personnel embarked at Naples on 17 November after handing its Spitfires over to the other units of 251 Wing. After arriving in the UK, No. 451 Squadron was issued with Mark XVI Spitfires and based at RAF Hawkinge in Kent from 2 December 1944. It began flying combat operations in early 1945 and was initially used to escort RAF Bomber Command heavy bombers and No. 2 Group RAF medium bombers during daylight raids.
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After a flight of hours, the Hampdens returned at later to discover that Tirpitz had merely moved to a nearby fiord. The other German ships were photographed at Altafiord by the PR Spitfires on 14, 15 and 16 September. By late September, the S&SF; was experiencing increased attention from the . The Hampdens remained dispersed around Vayenga airfield, receiving some damage during air raids.
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The RAF agreed to donate the Hampdens and PR Spitfires to the VVS; S&SF; personnel were to return to Britain by sea after helping to convert the Soviet air- and ground-crews to both types. RAAF and RAF personnel returned to Britain on 28 October in . All but one of the Catalinas was flown back to Britain, once QP 14 had passed through the danger zone.
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Tatomir worked with ice hockey equipment for over 30 years. He spent many years in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires and the Detroit Junior Red Wings. He was the head equipment manager for the Canadian National Junior Team at the infamous 1987 World Championship. In the NHL, he previously worked as an equipment consultant for the Los Angeles Kings and the Detroit Red Wings.
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75, 78 and 80 Squadrons, operating Kittyhawks, and several ancillary units.Odgers, Air War Against Japan, pp. 182–184No. 78 Wing Headquarters, "Operations Record Book", p. 74 In June and July, the wing took part in the assaults on Labuan and Balikpapan, undertaking convoy escort in the former and, joined by Spitfires of No. 452 Squadron, ground-attack missions in support of the 7th Division in the latter.
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Yeah Right! Records is an independent record label based in London, Ontario Canada. Founded in 2002, it has released CDs by London bands The Matadors, Midwives, Terminal Wallys as well as UK rock band The Loyalties, Vancouver bandse The Spitfires and CC Voltage. Vinyl releases include a split single by C'Mon and Pride Tiger, and a spoken word single called Having Fun With Danko Jones On Stage.
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One engine was damaged and one gunner was killed or injured. A short time later the He 111 was to become the object of Laws' attention. He hounded the damaged bomber to wave-top height with two passes. While two other Spitfires arrived to take shots at what was now a wallowing enemy, Laws emptied his guns and watched the bomber settle on the water.
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Flying over the channel in Spitfires, they ran into large numbers of Bf 109s protecting a large fleet of warships and dived away. Holding radio silence they kept their discovery until they landed. They sighted the ships at 10:42 and landed at 11:09. It was another 16 minutes before Bomber Command was alerted and Ramsay did not know of the situation until 11:30.
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Unaware of the Swordfish squadron's location, they ran into each other by fortunate accident. Owing to low cloud cover, they dropped to between 50 and 100 feet. The heavy German fighter cover put an end to the protection the Spitfire's could provide as the RAF fighters now had to look after themselves. The Spitfires and Swordfish were engaged by Fw 190s of 8 staffel and 9 staffel.
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In protecting the RAF bombers, Fighter Command lost 20 fighters, 14 pilots killed and three captured. Only eight of the RAF fighters were shot down by the Luftwaffe. A further eight were shot down by AAA fire, two collided and two were lost to unknown causes. Ten of the fighters were Spitfires, six were Hawker Hurricanes and four were Westland Whirlwinds.Franks 2000, pp. 13–14.
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Kent was posted to the Photographic Development Unit in May 1940 flying unarmed Supermarine Spitfires in France. During the late stages of the fall of France, while on a low-level sortie with an armed Spitfire, he was attacked by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 that subsequently crashed during the encounter.Kent 2008, pp. 80–81. By early July, he was posted to RAF Hawarden flying Hawker Hurricane fighters.
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Also, that same year went on to win Windsor's first Memorial Cup, becoming the first team to lose the first two games of the tournament and still win the Cup. Bougher's Spitfires successfully defended their Memorial Cup championship in 2010. On June 24, 2009, he was selected by Hockey Canada to coach the National Under-18 hockey team at the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament.
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Under coach Normie Himes, another former NHLer with the New York Americans, the Red Wings returned to the finals again in 1946-47, led by future Hall of Fame goaltender, Terry Sawchuk, but lost the finals again in four games to the Majors. In 1947, Lloyd Pollock who owned the Windsor Spitfires, convinced the Detroit Red Wings to relocate prospect players from Galt to Windsor.
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266 Squadron, RAF, was formed at RAF Sutton Bridge on 30 October 1939. The majority of the Squadron were Rhodesian, with the exception of a few groundstaff and the commanding officer. Equipped with Spitfires, it was the Rhodesian fighter squadron and it took as its motto a Sindebele word Hlabezulu (Stabber of Skies). It first went into action over Dunkirk on 2 June 1940.
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All were handed over to No. 18 Group RAF. In October 1940, two more flights, 1407 and 1408 were sent to Iceland to begin operations from there. Several types of single engine aircraft were used; Gloster Gladiators, Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires. Operations were conducted mostly up to 15,000 feet in wartime as the aneroid capsule altimeter was not able to give accurate readings.
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The Knight's current motorcycle is named Anastasia, after Dan Dare's spaceship, and has a stylized horse's head. Anastasia has a chemical tracking system built into her "nose". It is also of considerably tougher construction than a standard motorbike, surviving a head on jousting match with a Richard the Third clone suffering no significant damage. He also employs a squadron of miniaturized Spitfires under his control.
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With the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, additional squadrons of both French and Royal Air Force aircraft were assigned to Coulommiers, including RAF Supermarine Spitfires; various reconnaissance aircraft, and Dewoitine D.520 (GC I/3).History of Coulommiers Airfield Combat forces from the airfield fought in the Battle of France during May and June 1940, until the final armistice with Germany of 20 June.
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Both Haganah and Wedgwood exchanged fire with the Egyptian corvette but the Israeli cannons were of low quality and jammed frequently. They registered hits, but did not impair the corvette's ability to move or fire back. The corvette was also unable to do damage. Egyptian Spitfires commenced bombing runs on Haganah, but dropped the bombs from a high altitude, allowing the ship to avoid most of them.
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He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in May, and achieved success in combat through April to October 1943. On 7 April the squadron intercepted fifteen Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers with Bf 109 fighter escort. The Spitfires shot down five, Mackie claiming two. Three days later he claimed a Bf 109 and in the next month claimed another two destroyed and share in a third.
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A few hours before, German soldiers had burned the remaining planes. Damage to the airfield was quickly repaired by the British. It became known as Advanced Landing Ground B-154 Reinsehlen and before the war ended on 8 May (VE Day), Royal Canadian Air Force planes operated from Reinsehlen, including Spitfires of 127 (RCAF) Wing, No 403 (Wolf) Sqn that came to Reinsehlen on 28 April.
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Kitchener was the second best defensive club, allowing 243 goals. In the Emms Division semi-finals, the Rangers swept the Windsor Spitfires in four games to advance to the next round of the post-season. In the Emms Division finals, Kitchener defeated the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds four games to one, as well as one game ending in a tie, advancing to the OHL finals.
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Boyle attended McGill University, but his education was interrupted in 1943, when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. He was loaned to the Royal Navy, where he was learning how to land Spitfires on aircraft carriers as the war ended. He gained a BSc in 1947, an MSc in 1948, and a PhD degree in 1950, all from McGill University.
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Riley enlisted in the Royal Air Force in February 1939, and was transferred to active service soon after the start of the Second World War. As part of No. 263 Squadron, he took part in the Battle of Britain flying Supermarine Spitfires. On 7 December 1942, Riley was shot down and killed during a reconnaissance mission over France. He was buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.
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At 12:12, the first call for fire came in from VII Corps shore fire control parties. Following their corrections, Nevada and Quincy took out the fortified target in 25 minutes. They continued with targets of opportunity for about three hours. Tuscaloosa was distributing its fire among targeted strong points directed by shore fire control, when flak hit its two Spitfires and they were forced to retire.
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Frey received his diploma from Bethel High School. In 1940, he began engineering school at Michigan State College. During World War II Frey worked on the Packard V-1650 version of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine for Packard Motors, the engines to be sent to England for placement in the Hurricanes and Spitfires. He then served as an officer in the United States Army (1942–1946).
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In action, the C.205s proved to be extremely effective.Glancey 2006, pp. 152–154. One of the top-scoring British fighter pilots of the Second World War, Grp Capt W.G.G. Duncan Smith, DSO DFC, greatly respected the Macchi fighters, stating: "In encounters with Macchi 205s particularly we were up against aircraft that could turn and dog- fight with our Spitfires extremely well."Duncan Smith 1981, p. 151.
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W.G.G. Duncan Smith considered: "The Re 2005 'Sagittario' was a potent aircraft. Having had a dog-fight with one of them, I am convinced we would have been hard pressed to cope in our Spitfires operationally, if the Italians or Germans had had a few squadrons equipped with these aircraft at the beginning of the Sicily campaign or in operations from Malta."Duncan Smith 1981, p. 173.
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As a youth, Julien played in the 1972 and 1973 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Gloucester, Ontario. Julien was an NHL defenceman for the Quebec Nordiques in the 1984 and 1986 seasons.Claude Julien's profile at hockeydb.com Prior to playing in the NHL, Julien spent six years in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals and Windsor Spitfires.
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The Spitfires were attacked by 20 Fw 190s from above. Checketts shot one down but was then attacked by several others and his aircraft was set on fire. Burned and wounded, he struggled to bail out. He landed ten kilometres from Abbeville in a field where he was approached by a French boy who helped him on to his bicycle and then wheeled him to nearby woods.
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On Christmas Eve, III. Gruppe attempted to intercept RAF bombers between Cologne and Aachen. 421 Squadron RCAF Spitfires prevented them and two Bf 109 pilots were killed, including the group commander Hauptmann Erich Woitke. One pilot, Leutnant Hans Halbey claimed a Spitfire but on returning to base was threatened with court-martial by Ihlefeld for landing before anyone else, implying that Halbey was guilty of cowardice.
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I. Gruppe claimed three B-17s destroyed and three separations for no loss. III. Gruppe claimed one bomber for one loss. II./JG 1 joined I./JG 26 and III./JG 3 for an attack on the returning bombers, but over the North Sea they flew underneath a flight of Spitfires from No. 222 Squadron RAF which dispersed the German formation and downed three Bf 109s.
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Despite their new factories, protestations by Wolseley Aero Engines (Nuffield) and Alvis were ignored. Their products were not required. Engines were specified by the aircraft's designers. Nuffield did participate after Wood's appointment, providing the Castle Bromwich factory and promising a thousand Spitfires by June 1940 but, after two years, management was so poor that when June 1940 arrived not one Spitfire had been produced there.
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Snell returned to Britain during the summer of 1942 and joined No. 242 Squadron RAF flying Spitfires. In October 1942 his unit was transferred to North Africa to provide air cover for the Operation Torch landings. For the rest of 1942 and into early 1943, Snell's squadron provided air interception and ground attack sorties in support of the British First Army as it drove towards Tunis.
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Also, as one who had parachuted to save his life, he was eligible to join the Caterpillar Club. Following remarkable recovery from these injuries, Bennions became a fighter controller and was promoted to squadron leader. In January 1943 he was mentioned in dispatches. He later served in North Africa as a senior controller and liaison officer with an American Fighter Group equipped with Spitfires.
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After recovering from his wounds, he was posted to No. 249 Squadron, also flying Spitfires at Malta. He flew his first patrol with his new squadron on 5 June. He damaged a Bf 109 on 12 June when scrambled along with three others to meet approaching German fighters. Several days later, he encountered Italian fighters, shooting down a Reggiane Re.2001 and damaging another.
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Elich was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. As a youth, he played in the 1992 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Little Caesars minor ice hockey team. Elich played junior ice hockey with the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League. He was drafted in the third round, 61st overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.
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On 14 July, RAF "Circus" No. 48 targeted the Hazebrouck motor yards on. The attack force of Blenheim bombers was escorted by Spitfire fighters. Priller attacked the fighters of No. 72 Squadron south of Dunkirk and shot down one of the Spitfires from dead ahead, taking his total to 40 aerial victories. Priller's adversery was Sergeant W M Lamberton in R7219, who was captured, wounded.
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One day before the presentation, the Battle of Britain Day, Ihlefeld had claimed the 22nd aerial victory, a Hurricane. At 10:00 on 24 September 1940, Ihlefeld engaged Spitfire's in combat over Maidstone, claiming one shot down. There were four Spitfires lost and two damaged in combat on this date. None were shot down at the time of the claim or in this district.
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Twelve Blenheim bombers from No. 139 Squadron had targeted harbor installations at Calais. They were protected by Hurricane and Spitfire fighters from No. 54, No. 74, No. 92, No. 601 and No. 609 Squadron. Squire made a forced landing and was taken prisoner of war. In combat with Spitfires west of Calais, Ihlefeld claimed his 31st victory at 17:20 on 1 March 1941.
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It was from here Dundas gained his first victory of the Battle of Britain, in a phase known as the Kanalkampf. On 13 July, as section leader, Dundas led a patrol over a convoy. Failing to find the convoy the Spitfires engaged German aircraft at near Portland, England. Flying in R6634 Dundas led a diving attack out of the sun against Messerschmitt Bf 110s.
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All Savoia-Marchetti bombers were hit hard by Spitfires and Hurricanes based on the besieged island. RAF pilots claimed two SM.84s (mistaken for CANT Z.1007s) destroyed. Actually the Savoia flown by pilot Tenente Vinicio Vego Scocco was shot down. Three Italian airmen parachuted but none survived: one drowned and two were massacred at the foot of the cliff where they had landed.
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John Tavella won the league scoring title with 54 goals and 117 points and goaltender Floyd St. Cyr led the league with the fewest goals against. The Spitfires' first opponent in the playoff semi-final was the last place Detroit Jr. Red Wings (15-38-9). At home, the Spits took game one 11-2. Back at the Detroit Olympia, the Spits won 8-2.
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In the first round of the OHL playoffs, the Spitfires swept the Erie Otters in four games. They then swept the Plymouth Whalers in four games to win their Conference Semi-Final. In the other semi-final, the Kitchener Rangers upset the favoured London Knights in seven games. In the Conference Finals against Kitchener, Windsor initially struggled, losing the first three games of the series.
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Morgan and Shacklady 2000, p. 156. Spitfire VC launching from during Operation Bowery. This was part of the first contingent of Spitfires which were supplied to the RAF on Malta. A 60-gallon "slipper" type drop tank was mounted under the centre section and the top surfaces have been painted blue or blue/gray to help camouflage the Spitfire during the long flight across the Mediterranean.
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On 27 October the squadron was operating as high cover to the Biggin Hill Wing, and were 'bounced' by I and III Gruppe, JG 26, led by Oberst Adolf Galland. Five Spitfires were lost, with F/O C. A. B. Wallace, P/O J.A. Small and Sgt. S. L. Thompson killed, and P/O C. W. Floody and Sgt. B. G. Hodgkinson both prisoner.
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In June the squadron received some of the first Mark IX Spitfires, capable of taking on the Focke Wulf Fw 190A on more or less equal terms. On 19 August during Operation Jubilee two probables and three damaged were claimed. On 8 November F/L Don Morrison was shot down and badly wounded versus units of JG 26, losing a leg and being repatriated in 1943.
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Several Mark Is of 19 Squadron were fitted with two 20-mm Hispano-Suiza cannon in 1940. This early Hispano installation proved to be unreliable, with the cannon frequently firing just a few rounds or failing to fire at all. After numerous complaints from the pilots of 19 Squadron the cannon armed Spitfires were replaced by conventionally armed aircraft in September 1940.Price 2002, p. 78.
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This was followed by the arrival 451 Squadron and 453 Squadron on 6 April, equipped with Spitfires. On 2 May 453 squadron departed, followed by 451 Squadron the following day. The detachment from 567 Squadron departed in June. On 1 January 1946, RAF Lympne was handed over to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and became a civil airport once more, serving until closure in 1984.
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The Copthorne Spitfires, an all-Maynard > family team play Tinsley Green in the semi-final. Maynard continued to compete through the 1950s. In July 1954, his reputation brought Maynard the opportunity to fly to Le Touquet at the invitation of its mayor to play exhibition matches. His final world championship was Easter 1962, in the year of his death at the age of 90.
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186 No. 548 Squadron was initially stationed at Livingstone Airfield, and its air echelon arrived there on 10 June after a flight in which four Spitfires made forced landings when they ran low on fuel.Possé (2003), p. 39 No. 549 Squadron's air echelon arrived at Strauss Airfield on 16 June and its rear echelon completed its movement from Queensland on 14 July.Possé (2003), p.
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On a national basis, he was named CHL Defenceman and Player of the Year in 2011. Serving as the Spitfires' team captain in 2010–11, he became the franchise's all-time leading point-scorer among defencemen. Ellis began his international career with Canada by winning three gold medals in 2008 at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, IIHF World U18 Championship and Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
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He went on to make 21 appearances for the Spitfires that season. He was released by Wolves at the end of the 2017–18 season, before joining Northampton Town on a two-year deal in July 2018. On 30 January 2019, Odoffin signed for Scottish Premiership club Livingston. On 31 July 2020, Odoffin moved to Hamilton Academical for an undisclosed fee, signing a one-year contract.
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Frank Ackerman Hill (March 20, 1919 – January 5, 2012) was an American veteran who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force. He primarily taught himself to fly gliders as early as 1937. He flew 166 combat missions during World War II, fighting in France, North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He became the 31st Fighter Group's first 'ace', flying British Spitfires.
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On the outbreak of war in September 1939, as a trained pilot Lock joined the RAF as a sergeant pilot. After further training at No.6 Flying School RAF Little Rissington,Bishop 2004, p. 20. he was commissioned as a pilot officer (Service Number 81642) and posted to No. 41 Squadron at RAF Catterick, North Yorkshire, flying Spitfires. Lock completed his training in late May 1940.
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Accepted for the RAF, Carbury began training in September 1937 and later in the year was appointed an acting pilot officer. His first posting, in June 1938, was to No. 41 Squadron which was based at Catterick in Yorkshire and operated the Hawker Fury bi-plane fighter. His pilot officer rank was confirmed a few months later. The squadron began converting to Supermarine Spitfires in January 1939.
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The gruppe made many claims again on the 15 February, but once more American records are lacking in detail. Of the 11 claims, Rudorfer submitted seven. Four P-38s and three Spitfires were claimed by him; the latter opponents may have been from the US 31st or 52nd Fighter Groups. The Battle of Kasserine Pass was the only major victory for the Axis in Africa during 1943.
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In this capacity he assisted Aliyah Bet, illegal Jewish immigration from Europe to Palestine. He was arrested and jailed for two weeks in Rome for taking part in such actions. Hod began his flight training career in Italy but was soon sent to Czechoslovakia. The newly created IAF was in need of modern military aircraft, and had purchased several Spitfires and Messerschmitts in that country.
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On 21 August 1944, Johnson was leading No. 443 Squadron on a patrol over the Seine, near Paris. Johnson bounced a formation of Focke-Wulf Fw 190s, shooting down two, which were recorded on the cine camera. Climbing back to his starting point at 8,000 ft, Johnson attempted to join a formation of six aircraft, he thought were Spitfires. The fighters were actually Messerschmitt Bf 109s.
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Burge signed with National League side Eastleigh on 13 March 2017; caretaker-manager Richard Hill said that "he likes to pass the ball and move well". He played five games for the "Spitfires" before being sidelined with an ankle injury. At the age of 28, Burge applied for the vacant managerial post at Port Vale following the dismissal of Michael Brown in September 2017.
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His rank as a pilot officer was made substantive on 28 October 1938. No. 54 Squadron began converting to Supermarine Spitfires in early 1939, Deere flying his for the first time on 6 March. Although he enjoyed flying Gladiators, he found the Spitfire to be "marvellous". At one point, as he familiarised himself with the aeroplane, he blacked out as he was climbing at .
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KG 55 made it through to Yeovil despite fighter attacks.James and Cox 2000, p. 290. KG 55 were complimentary to ZG 26, which it noted, fought with great distinction to protect KG 55.Bergstrom 2015, p. 241. The Bf 110s were successful (a rare feat) against 152 Spitfires in particular - hitting five and destroying one. They also destroyed a further 10 fighters for one loss.
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After hostilities ceased in Asia in 1945, a number of Spitfire Mk.XIVs were reportedly buried, after being greased, tarred and prepared for long-term storage, in crates in Burma. Excavations carried out at Yangon International Airport (formerly RAF Mingaladon) in early 2013 failed to locate any of the rumoured aircraft,"Search for 'buried Spitfires' in Burma called off" . BBC News, 16 February 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
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On 24 December 1943, an Airspeed Oxford (BM837) of 410 Squadron crashed on the hill. Other crashes have included several Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Gloster Meteor which crashed in 1953. On 27 February 1958 occurred the Winter Hill air disaster, a Silver City Bristol 170 Freighter (G-AICS) travelling from the Isle of Man to Manchester crashed into Winter Hill several hundred yards away from the transmitter.
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It is possible Oesau was responsible for damaging Higgs' Hurricane, causing him to lose control. Two Spitfires landed with light damage while a third was also slightly damaged and force-landed at RAF Manston. Over claiming of enemy losses was rife on both sides during the battle. On 19 July, III./JG 51 were confronted by Defiants of No. 141 Squadron south of Folkestone.
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Iwamoto was one of few survivors of the IJNAS from the early part of the Second World War. He fought over the Indian and the Pacific Ocean from north to south, and trained young pilots even in the last months of the war. :p. 470, Saburo Abe, Zero Fighter Pilots Association, 2004, "My combat against Spitfires on VJ-day", ZeroSen, Kaku Tatakaeri!, Bunshun-Nesco; :pp.
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350 (Belgian) Squadron of the Spitfire XIV wing based at Lympne, Kent 1944. This aircraft is carrying a 30 gal "slipper" drop tank under the centre-section. The first Griffon-powered Spitfires suffered from poor high altitude performance due to having only a single stage supercharged engine. By 1943, Rolls-Royce engineers had developed a new Griffon engine, the 61 series, with a two-stage supercharger.
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In 1946, Dương Văn Dương commanded a section of Bình Xuyên troops crossing the Soài Rạp River from Sát Forest to Bến Tre to rescue the An Hoá - Giao Hoà front. Unfortunately, he was shot dead by a French plane Spitfires at Bình Khương hamlet, Châu Bình commune on February 20, 1946 (some documents said that Ba Dương was killed on February 7, 1946).
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The WFCU Centre is an arena and entertainment centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The WFCU Centre replaced the 84-year-old Windsor Arena as the primary home of the Windsor Spitfires. It opened on December 11, 2008, in the east end of the city. The WFCU Centre is owned by the City of Windsor, operated by Comcast Spectacor, and named for Windsor Family Credit Union.
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Lloyd the AOC, wanted to give No. 601 Squadron over to convoy escort duty. Although he could afford this diversion, he could maintain a standing patrol of only four Spitfires over the convoy. If Axis aircraft attacked as they were withdrawing, they had to stay and fight. Baling out if the pilots ran low on fuel was the only alternative to landing on Malta.
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Until the early 20th century, employment mainly consisted of agriculture, brewing and shopkeeping. Vickers built the factory and airfield which built and serviced aircraft up to the 1950s, and during the war produced Spitfires and miniature submarines. There was a bacon factory where Greenbridge is now. Pressed Steel built their car plant in 1955, now owned by BMW and building parts for the Mini.
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After attending his first Canadiens' training camp, Sergachev impressively made the opening night roster for the 2016–17 season. He made his NHL debut with Montreal in a 4–1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on 13 October 2016. He appeared in four games with the Canadiens before he was returned to continue his development with junior club, the Windsor Spitfires, on 31 October 2016.
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On 26 May Spitfire and captured a French brig of unknown name carrying a cargo of rye. In July, a court martial on board Cambridge in the Hamoaze tried Spitfires purser, Mr. Banfield, for disobeying Keen's orders. The charge was fully proven, however several naval officers testified to Banfield's excellent character; the board reinstated him as purser but ordered him mulcted of a year's pay.Naval Chronicle, Vol.
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Bernard spent the remainder of the war at Oflag 79, a German POW camp near Brunswick, Lower Saxony, until the Ninth United States Army released him and his colleagues on 12 April 1945. He left the army with the rank of captain. Molly Rose also saw service during the war, piloting Spitfires, Wellington bombers, Hawker Typhoon and Tempest fighter- bombers in the Air Transport Auxiliary.
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The Spitfires were Mark Vb aircraft. They were assembled at Gibraltar and loaded on board HMS Eagle and flow to Malta as part of Operation Insect. Empire Darwin made a return trip to Mellila and returned to the United Kingdom with Convoy HG 87, which departed from Gibraltar on 7 August and arrived at Liverpool on 18 August. She was carrying a cargo of iron ore.
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At the time an amateur league, the IHL based most of its teams in Detroit or Windsor and the majority of players were affiliated with the Red Wings. Playing in the two leagues prepared Pronovost for the rigors of an NHL schedule. He played 52 games that season, and 51 in 1948–49. Pronovost permanently moved to defence during his tenure with the Spitfires.
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In the six weeks of intensive combat, RAF strength had been maintained to an extent far greater than the Luftwaffe intelligence had believed possible. On the evening of 14 September, Fighter Command could muster 269 Supermarine Spitfire and 533 Hawker Hurricane fighters. The two vital groups could put up just over 500 fighters. No. 11 Group RAF had 310 fighters, including 92 Spitfires and 218 Hurricanes.
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The Kittyhawks were replaced by Spitfires in July 1943. In August it moved on to Sicily and to the Italian mainland in September from where it concentrated on ground attack missions until the end of hostilities. 4 Squadron remained in Italy for two months after the end of the war; on 12 July its personnel began returning to South Africa. The squadron was disbanded in October 1945.
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After the Battle of France Janus arrived in the UK. Initially he was assigned to the No. 308 Polish Fighter Squadron where he flew Hurricanes. From May 1941 Janus flew Spitfires over Europe. In July 1941 he was attacked by three Bf 109s and shot down one of them. In late September he downed another Messerschmitt and in late October he destroyed two German planes.
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Odgers, Air War Against Japan, pp. 466–473 Along with its three Kittyhawk squadrons, the wing's order of battle included No. 457 Squadron flying Spitfires, No. 25 Air Stores Park, No. 24 Medical Clearing Station, No. 22 Repair and Servicing Unit, No. 9 Repair and Servicing Unit Detachment, No. 111 Mobile Fighter Control Unit, and seven Radar Stations—a total of over 2,000 personnel.Waters, Oboe, pp.
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Spitfires from 603 Squadron (City of Edinburgh Squadron) joined 602 Squadron aircraft in a defensive counter-air sortie. Following the destruction of a Luftwaffe bomber aircraft by a 603 Squadron Spitfire, 602 Squadron pilot Flight Lieutenant George Pinkerton gained the second kill of the Second World War. In 1940, an airfield lighting system for night landings, the Drem Lighting System, was developed at RAF Drem.
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Messerschmitt Bf 110 under attack from a Spitfire, caught on the latter’s gun camera film KG 53 approached North Weald from the east between Maldon, Essex and Rochford. No. 56 Squadron's 12 Hurricanes engaged the bombers, while No. 54 Squadron’s 11 Spitfires engaged the escorting Bf 109s and Bf 110s. In the engagement, at least one Bf 110 was shot down.Price 2010, p. 210.
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Of these, 25 fell to German fighters, two to return fire from the bombers. One was shot down by British ground fire in error and the loss of the remainder cannot be established. Some 26 of the fighters lost were Hurricanes, and five were Spitfires. Personnel losses for the RAF amounted to 10 British fighter pilots killed on the day, and another who died of wounds.
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No. 667 squadron was first formed on 1 December 1943 at RAF Gosport, Hampshire from 1662 and 1631 Flight and No. 7 Anti-Aircraft Practice Camp at RAF Shoreham, Kent for various anti- aircraft training duties. The squadron was initially equipped with Defiants and undertook target towing duties with these. It later received Hurricanes, Barracudas, Oxfords, Vengeances and Spitfires, before disbanding at Gosport on 20 December 1945.
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Hodgkinson was determined to pilot aircraft again. He was sure he could emulate his fellow double-amputee Douglas Bader and fly Spitfires given the chance. In September 1942 he successfully requested to transfer to the Royal Air Force as a Pilot Officer and took control of his first Spitfire by the end of the month. After training he was posted to No. 131 Squadron RAF.
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Smith, Peter C. The Battles of the Malta Striking Forces (London, 1974) Sixteen Spitfires, of 249 and 229 Squadrons from Malta, had sighted the enemy.McAulay, Lex. Against All Odds: RAAF Pilots in the Battle for Malta, 1942 (Milsons Point, Australia, 1989) The first enemy formation wavered and broke. The second formation also broke, but one section of Junkers 88s succeeded in breaking free, making for the tanker.
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Kent hosted a 50-over match against the touring Pakistan national side ahead of their One Day International series against England. Due to a number of injuries and other availability issues affecting a significant number of players, Kent were given permission by the ECB to include two guest players for this fixture.Match Preview: Kent Spitfires vs. Pakistan, Kent County Cricket Club, 2019-04-26.
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An anti-shipping force (Group Captain F. L. Hopps) for the Barents Sea comprising 32 Handley Page Hampden torpedo-bombers from 144 Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) and 455 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) nine Catalina maritime patrol aircraft from 210 Squadron RAF and three photo reconnaissance Spitfires from the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, was sent to the Soviet Union to oppose an attack by a group of German surface ships assembled in Norwegian waters, which included the battleship Tirpitz. On 13 August the cruiser , two US and one British destroyer sailed for Russia, with RAF ground crews for the Hampden squadrons and a medical unit. The Catalinas were to be based at Grasnaya on the Kola Inlet and the Hampdens and Spitfires at Vaenga. The Catalinas had to remain on operations until the last minute, which meant that their equipment and ground crews also had to travel by air.
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19 Squadron. The first Spitfire I to enter service with the RAF arrived at 19 Squadron, Duxford, on 4 August 1938 and over the next few weeks aircraft were delivered at the rate of one a week to 19 and 66 Squadrons (also based at Duxford). The next to be equipped with Spitfires was 41 Squadron at Catterick, followed by a succession of squadrons stationed at Hornchurch in Essex.Price 2002, pp. 70–72. The public's first sight of the Spitfire in RAF colours was on Empire Air Day, on 20 May 1939, during a display at Duxford in which the pilot "belly-landed" his aircraft, having forgotten to lower his undercarriage and was fined £5 by the Air Ministry. By the outbreak of the Second World War, there were 306 Spitfires in service with the RAF, 71 in reserve and 2,000 on order; 36 had been written off in accidents.
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O'Reilly grew up in the small community of Seaforth, Ontario playing minor hockey for the Seaforth Stars and the Huron- Perth Lakers (MHAO). After his minor midget season he was drafted in the 8th round (150th overall) by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2002 OHL Priority Selection. O'Reilly played the 2002–03 season with the St. Marys Lincolns Jr.B. team of the Western Ontario Hockey League (OHA), where he led all rookies in scoring and made the WOHL All-Rookie Team, prior to suiting up for the Windsor Spitfires the following season. In his rookie season (2003–2004) O'Reilly struggled offensively out of the gate, scoring just 3 goals and tallying 18 assists for a total of 21 points, and was a -1 on the season, but was a strong defensive contributor on a defensively weak team, and also greatly improved his penalty killing and stick checking ability throughout this season.
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Basil Gerald "Stapme" Stapleton, (12 May 1920 – 13 April 2010) was a Royal Air Force (RAF) officer and fighter ace who flew Spitfires and Typhoons during the Second World War. He preferred the name Gerald and was nicknamed "Stapme" after a phrase used in his favourite cartoon strip Just Jake published in The Daily Mirror. His score of 6 enemy aircraft destroyed, 2 shared destroyed, 8 probably destroyed and 2 damaged,'Aces High, Shores and Williams, (Grub Street 1994), page 564 all achieved on Spitfires during the Battle of Britain made him one of the outstanding pilots of that battle and he was revered as one of Richard Hillary's contemporaries in whose book The Last Enemy, he features. Without doubt he was one of the real 'characters' to survive the war and to many the quintessential image of a Battle of Britain fighter pilot, complete with handlebar moustache.
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Hurricane fighters were sometimes directed against slower bombers whilst the Spitfires attacked German fighters. By the close of the Battle of Britain in late 1940, production of the Spitfire had increased to the point where all squadrons could be supplied with them. In June 1940, the first Hurricane Mk I "Tropical" versions appeared. These featured a Vokes air filter in a large "chin" fairing under the engine cowling.
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Windsor Arena (nicknamed The Barn, because of its age, wooden construction, and its appearance of a giant barn) is an indoor arena located in Windsor, Ontario. Its capacity is approximately 4,400 with standing room. The arena's ice is an asymmetrical by or . The arena was the home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League from 1975–2008, at which time the team's home was moved to the WFCU Centre.
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After three days of fighting around Rafah, the Egyptian government announced on 6 January 1949, that they were willing to enter armistice negotiations. On the same day the Israeli Air Force shot down five RAF Spitfires on patrol in the area, killing two pilots and taking two more prisoner. The British moved reinforcements to Akaba. Despite protests from the army, Israel accepted the cease-fire on 7 January.Kimche.
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The rear section was the first to spot the enemy who had a height advantage. It seems the squadron had found about half the retreating force of Bf 109s. There then followed a strange processional attack by the Germans which overshot the 8 Spitfires of No. 64 Squadron who then pounced to their own attack. The Bf 109 that Laws attacked was on the tail of Blue 1.
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They missed and continued turning towards each other, and their Spitfires collided. Drummond baled out but was too low for his parachute to open effectively. Still alive after hitting the ground, a priest was able to administer the last rites before Drummond died in his arms. His Spitfire, R6616 crashed close by, landing on a flintstone wall that bordered Jubilee Field (now Easthill Drive) and St Mary's Convent in Portslade.
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During this mission, he shot down a Hawker Typhoon at 18:24 near Trouville and another one two minutes later. They were then tasked with a fighter bomber mission on 14 July, attacking enemy positions near Caen. After a number of ground strafing attacks they themselves came under attack of numerous Supermarine Spitfires and P-47s. Flying at a height of , Weissenberger managed to shoot down one Spitfire south of Bayeux.
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Also present at the award ceremony were the fighter pilots Oberleutnant Hans Philipp and Oberleutnant Heinz Bär who were also awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross. Hahn became an "ace- in-a-day" for the first time on 6 May 1942, claiming five Spitfires shot down for aerial victories 61–65. During one dogfight he and his British opponent ran out of ammunition at the same time.
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After the threat from invasion muted in 1941, the Command's attention turned to the Battle of the Atlantic. During this time, the Command used the Martin Maryland, which excelled in PR work. On 13 July 1941, the first PR Mosquito arrived, though it was some time before the aircraft was operational. By September 1941, the operational strength of the PRU's first flight was 37 Spitfires, two Marylands and two Mosquitoes.
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One of the highlights of his time there came on 2 July 2004, when he hit a 43-ball 112 for Kent Spitfires in a Twenty20 Cup match against Middlesex Crusaders. In July 2005 he signed for Lancashire for the rest of the English season having finished duties as part of Australia's ODI squad. In April 2010 he signed for Surrey to play in the Friends Provident t20 competition.
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Staffel of JG 2 on 1 August 1942, thus succeeding Oberleutnant Jürgen Hepe who was transferred. He claimed his first aerial victories as Staffelkapitän during the Dieppe Raid on 19 August. That day, II. Gruppe claimed 26 aerial victories, including four Spitfires shot down by Bühligen, for the loss of four Fw 190s. In early November, the Gruppe moved from Beaumont to Merville before ordered to relocate to the Mediterranean Theater.
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George J. Finn (born February 22, 1963) is a Canadian former actor and former professional ice hockey player. Finn is most famous for playing the role of Carl Racki in the 1986 film Youngblood.The Ultimate Book of Sports Movies: Featuring the 100 Greatest Sports Films Finn also spent four years in the major junior Ontario Hockey League, splitting time between the Belleville Bulls, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and Windsor Spitfires.
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In his sophomore year, DiPietro helped guide the Spitfires to a Memorial Cup victory, posting a .932 save percentage during Windsor’s championship win. For his efforts, DiPietro was awarded the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy, named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team and the OHL Third All-Star Team. Prior to his junior season, DiPietro was drafted 64th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
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The following day, the wing once again flew combat missions, losing four pilots. On 14 January 1945 JG 1 participated in the most disastrous day in the history of the Jagdwaffe. JG 1 lost a dozen pilots in action with RAF fighters near Twente, seven of whom were killed for two Spitfires. Fog caused problems to pilots untrained in blind flying leading to German fighters landing where ever they could.
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He was transferred to Colditz Castle for the rest of the war. Most of the officers and petty officers had been consolidated into Marlag (Marine-lager) naval camp near Westertimke, where, for most of the war, they led a fairly quiet existence. By April 1945, the Allies were at Bremen, away, and they were marched off to Lübeck. During the journey, the column came under attack from Allied Spitfires.
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Page was assigned to No. 132 Squadron RAF at RAF Martlesham Heath as a supernumerary flight lieutenant. At the time the squadron's main duty was flying convoy patrols. Though he had returned to fly Spitfires, he was disappointed in not being able to engage in air combat. A call was made for volunteers to fly in North Africa, and Page took this opportunity to get back into combat flying.
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The airfield was opened in 1941 and was initially used by the Royal Air Force to house two squadrons of RAF Fighter Command with the first to arrive being 131 Squadron on 27 September 1941 with Supermarine Spitfires It was planned to open RAF Condover as a satellite station but when it opened in 1942 the RAF had decided to hand over the Atcham site for American use.
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Adolph was appointed Gruppenkommandeur (group commander) of II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 26 "Schlageter" (JG 26–26th Fighter Wing) on 4 October 1940. JG 26 was named after Albert Leo Schlageter, a martyr cultivated by the Nazi Party. On 11 October, Adolph claimed his tenth and eleventh aerial victory over two Spitfire fighters. Both Spitfires came from No. 41 Squadron and were shot down off the coast of Kent near Maidstone.
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On 8 November, Adolph was credited with his 15th aerial victory, a Spitfire claimed near Tonbridge. That day, II. Gruppe had claimed four Spitfires shot down while British records show that two Hurricanes were lost while further two had to make a forced landing. On 13 November 1940, Adolph was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () in parts for increasing the combat performance of II. Gruppe.
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Following his playing career, Rutherford was the general manager of the Windsor Compuware Spitfires from 1985-1989. He then became the general manager of the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors/Detroit Junior Red Wings franchise from 1989-1994. The Whalers signed free agent Jimmy Carson on July 13. Carson split the 1993-94 season between the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks, as he scored 14 goals and 28 points in 59 games.
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Heston Aircraft Company was a British aircraft manufacturer based at Heston Aerodrome, Middlesex, England. Starting in 1934 the company produced a number of aircraft designs beginning with the Heston Phoenix and the Hordern-Richmond Autoplane. During the Second World War the company transitioned to being a sub-contractor, modifying Supermarine Spitfires amongst other types. After the war the company built aircraft components for companies such as de Havilland Aircraft.
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The 2008–09 OHL season was the 29th season of the Ontario Hockey League. Twenty teams played 68 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on September 17, 2008 and concluded on March 15, 2009. The OHL inaugurated the Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy following his death in the previous season. The Windsor Spitfires played their last game at Windsor Arena on December 4, defeating the Guelph Storm, 2–1.
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MacLachaln also flew Supermarine Spitfires, acting as an attacking fighter as well as the American-made Bell P-39 Airacobra. MacLachlan also flew with the No. 1426 Flight RAF which operated captured German aircraft. He flew a Ju 88, M2+MK formerly of Küsten Flieger Gruppe 106 which force-landed at RAF Chivenor in November 1941. Hew flew in a passenger on Heinkel He 111 (AW177) 1H+EN of 5.
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Retrieved: 23 September 2009.Sgarlato, Nico. "Il B-24 del ten. Moresi". Aerei nella Storia Magazine, West-ward editions, Parma, pp. 22–24. . On 2 July 1943, 362a was sent to Sicily to face the imminent invasion and were involved in combat with Spitfires, claiming five shot down from 11 to 14 July (two were confirmed kills: a reconnaissance Spitfire and another downed in a strafing attack over Comiso).
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As a youth, Cirone played in the 1984 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Don Mills. Cirone was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the third round (46th overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He played junior hockey for the Cornwall Royals and Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. Cirone appeared in 3 games with the Jets during the 1991-92 season.
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The Majors won the right to host the 2011 Memorial Cup over the Barrie Colts, Kingston Frontenacs and Windsor Spitfires. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced on May 10, 2010 that the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors were chosen to host the 93rd annual Memorial Cup at the Hershey Centre from May 20–29, 2011. The Saint John Sea Dogs defeated the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors 3–1 in the final.
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From 1975, he played ice hockey for the Kitchener Rangers, Windsor Spitfires, Royal York Royals, Toronto Nationals, Erie Blades and the Crowtree Chiefs. In 1986, Skjodt moved to Indianapolis in 1986 to pursue a career with the Indianapolis Checkers of the International Hockey League. Skjodt founded and owned the now defunct Indiana Ice hockey team of the USHL, that won the Clark Cup Championship in 2009 and 2014.
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On D-Day "pooling" of the spotting units' aircraft meant that all units flew either Spitfires or Seafires.Naval Aviation News, May–June 1994, p. 32. Normally two aircraft were used; the lead aircraft functioned as the spotter while covered by a wingman, who kept a lookout for intruders. The standard altitude flown was , although poor weather often meant that missions were flown at between or lower in some cases.
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Kip Brennan played in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires and Sudbury Wolves from 1996–2001. He led the Wolves in penalty minutes for the 1999–2000 season with 228 regular season PIM and 67 playoff PIM. In 2001, he split time with the Lowell Lock Monsters, of the AHL, and the Sudbury Wolves, OHL. The 2001–2002 season would give Kip his first taste of the NHL.
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This detachment intercepted subsequent raids on 10 and 28 May, shooting down four Japanese for the loss of three Spitfires.Thomas (2009), pp. 15–16 On 20 June No. 1 Wing intercepted two Japanese raids on Darwin. While the raiders bombed the suburb of Winnellie and RAAF Station Darwin, the Allied fighters shot down nine bombers and five fighters and damaged another ten aircraft for the loss of two Spitfires.
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Powell (1988), pp. 185–186 On 25 February 1944 Wing Commander Dick Cresswell, who had previously commanded No. 77 Squadron, was appointed No. 1 Wing's new wing leader. Cresswell's posting to this role was made upon the request of Jeffrey, who tasked him with reducing the wing's rate of flying accidents. Cresswell achieved this through instructing pilots to make 'power on' approaches and landings and having the Spitfires' wheels modified.
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Aircraft from the wing strafed Selaroe in the Tanimbar Islands on 5 September. After the raid Jeffrey told Caldwell that it had been conducted only as a means of boosting his pilots' morale. Caldwell believed that the danger of flying Spitfires to the edge of their range in such operations outweighed the benefits which could be gained, and did not allow his pilots to participate in them.Alexander (2006), pp.
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The town of Buôn Ma Thuột was regained by the Vietnamese in mid-December. It was during this operation that Spitfires of No. 273 Squadron RAF executed the only acknowledged offensive action against the Viet Minh on 11 December. On 3 January 1946 the last big battle occurred between the British and the Viet Minh. About 900 Viet Minh attacked the 14/13 Frontier Force Rifles camp at Biên Hòa.
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Dov served in the Haganah. He spent much of his time in Jerusalem, walking patrols through the streets of Jewish sections. Dov Gazit was sent to Czechoslovakia, as part of the group that acquired and delivered the first aircraft, Avia S-199s and Spitfires, for the newly formed Israeli air force. After Israel declared independence, Dov served as chief-commander of the IAF (Israeli Air Force) Technical School in Haifa.
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Brian Carbury, (27 February 1918 – 31 July 1961) was a New Zealand fighter ace of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was officially credited with destroying enemy aircraft. Born in Wellington, Carbury joined the RAF in 1937 after being rejected by the Royal Navy. After completion of his flight training, he was posted to No. 41 Squadron where he learnt to fly Supermarine Spitfires.
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II. Gruppe contributed a single claim against a Spitfire en route to base. One gruppe reached the bombers at some point, and claimed four. Three Staffelkapitäne were killed in action with US aircraft in August, and a fourth by RAF Spitfires. On 6 September JG 2 achieved an increasingly rare success; the US Eighth Air Force attacked Stuttgart, losing 45 bombers—Mayer claimed three of them in 19 minutes over France.
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A variety of aircraft were used but the main aircraft were the Hawker Hurricane IIC/IV and the Airspeed Oxford I/II before being replaced by Supermarine Spitfires VB/IX/XVI. The airfield was visited by many famous people. Winston Churchill (Prime Minister) and Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt (wife of Franklin D Roosevelt - President of the United States) visited on 26 September 1941. The King of Norway also visited during the war.
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The Germans ignored them, using the same tactics as Keith Park in the Battle of Britain. RAF Bomber Command was shortly employed as bait to bring the Luftwaffe to battle. There were few high-value strategic targets in France and Belgium within range of escorting Spitfires. A follow-up Circus with small bomber formations and strong fighter escort began on 10 January as the policy's second element began.
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From 1403 flight came its Bristol Blenheims and Lockheed Hudsons. Later the squadron received some Supermarine Spitfires and de Havilland Mosquitos. The operations of the original Flights and later the Squadron was taking meteorological information for weather forecasting – previously provided by merchant shipping to the Met Office. The aircraft would take measurements of temperature and humidity in set areas over the North Sea from an altitude of 40,000 ft downwards.
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The winner of each group progressed straight to the semi-finals with the second and third placed teams playing a play-off match against a team from the other group which made up the play-offs. The winner of each play-off played one of the group winners in the semi-finals. The final took place at Lord's on 30 June 2018, with Hampshire defeating Kent Spitfires by 61 runs.
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More Spitfires were delivered to Malta during July and increasing losses forced the Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica to reduce the tempo of operations. A limited return to offensive operations was made against Axis convoys to Libya and Operation Pedestal in August delivered four merchant ships and an oil tanker from Gibraltar, which further revived Malta as an offensive base, despite the loss of most of the convoy and many naval ships.
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S.E.5 biplane fighter was built by Austin and Wolseley Motors in Birmingham. The city produced 2081 S.E.5s. Brum also produced Spitfires, Hawker Hurricanes, Fairey Battle light bombers, Mercury and Pegasus aero engines, Short Stirling four- engined heavy bombers and Avro Lancasters during the Second World War. Birmingham's ingenuity and expertise in metal working aids the early production of lightweight tubing used in the construction of successful airplanes.
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Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VC, BR114, of the No 103 MU, Aboukir, 1942 Well-known Spitfire pilots included "Johnnie" Johnson—34 enemy aircraft (e/a) shot downPrice 1995, pp. 34, 37, 38, 55, 89, 92.—who flew the Spitfire right through his operational career from late 1940 to 1945. Douglas Bader (20 e/a) and "Bob" Tuck (27 e/a) flew Spitfires and Hurricanes during the major air battles of 1940.
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On this day II. Gruppe took advantage and destroyed three No. 74 Squadron RAF Spitfires attacking German bombers without loss. The following day, Stab/JG 26, with an attached gruppe from II. Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2—2nd Fighter Wing) moved to Quevaucamps, northwest of Mons, Belgium, some distance from the Channel ports. III./JG 26 moved to Chievres as the attached III./JG 3 moved to Mauriaux.
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From 24 to 28 May, JG 26 pilots were credited with 13 victories with six unconfirmed. Their opponents on the last date were from 213, 229 and 242.The following morning Fighter Command fielded the largest single patrol when Hurricanes from 229 and 242 Squadrons, covered by Spitfires from 64 and 610. The British formations were too far apart which allowed two gruppen of JG 26 and III.
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In his 12th game of the season with Sault Ste. Marie, he suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for two months. During his return to the lineup in a game against the Windsor Spitfires on January 2, 1996, he reaggravated the injury. While continuing to recover, he was dealt to the Guelph Storm at the trade deadline on January 10 in exchange for goaltender Andy Adams and two draft picks.
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In their 50th anniversary year the club won the Wiltshire League and were admitted to an enlarged South West Regional Women's Football League for 2017–18. In September 2018 New College, Swindon officially opened a new artificial turf pitch, with Swindon Spitfires among the listed partner clubs permitted to train at the facility. Also that month the club agreed a sponsorship deal with Swindon-based magician Mark Burford.
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The last operational sorties were launched from Matlaske by the Spitfires of 453 squadron in April 1945. After the squadron left the base was deserted and was quickly given up by the RAF and was one of the first airfields to be handed back to farming. The old control tower still stands to this day and can be found to the east of the village on the Holt road.
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Jakub Kovář (born 19 July 1988) is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 4th round (109th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He is the older brother of Jan Kovář. Kovar played major junior hockey in the North American Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires.
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Their teenage hand George impulsively joins them. At sea, they rescue a shivering shell-shocked soldier from a wrecked ship. When he realises that Dawson is sailing for Dunkirk, the soldier demands that they turn back and tries to wrest control of the boat; in the scuffle, George suffers a head injury that renders him blind. Elsewhere, three Spitfires, tasked with defending the evacuation, cross the English Channel.
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On 3 February, the RAF flew "Circus" missions No. 259, attacking the Saint-Omer railroad yard. The attacking Lockheed Ventura medium bombers were escorted by Spitfires from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) No. 416 (RCAF) Squadron. In this encounter, Glunz claimed a Spitfire shot down at 15:30 which was not confirmed. No. 2 Group had been complemented with two squadrons of de Havilland Mosquito combat aircraft.
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Andrew Agozzino of the Niagara IceDogs won the player of the game award as he scored an All-Star Game record four goals and added one assist. The skills competition was held the night before on February 2, with the Western Conference winning. Honorary captains for the event were former Toronto Marlboros player Steve Thomas representing the Eastern Conference and former Windsor Spitfires player Adam Graves representing the Eastern Conference.
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The Battle of the River Forth was an air battle on 16 October 1939 between Supermarine Spitfires from No. 602 and No. 603 Squadrons of the Royal Air Force and Junkers Ju 88 bombers of 1. Gruppe Kampfgeschwader 30. It resulted when twelve Ju 88s attacked Rosyth naval base at the Firth of Forth. The raid was the first German air raid on Britain during World War II.
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Storp's aircraft was harried by Spitfires and he knew he would not reach the North Sea. The fight continued over the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh. Since his aircraft was a type unknown to the RAF, Storp hoped to keeping out of enemy hands and decided to try to ditch in the estuary. While this was taking place, 603 Squadron's Red Section was ordered to return west.
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Thereafter, a series of running encounters took place for the rest of the afternoon. At 15:20, a Ju 88 was noticed over the Firth and at 15:25, Mohawk was near missed, bombs landing close enough to spray her with splinters, killing 13 ratings and two officers. At 15.30, two Spitfires, one from 602 and one from 603, found and pursued a Ju 88 over the Island of May.
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Over Ophoven Airfield, a Spitfire of No. 610 Squadron flown by Australian Flight Lieutenant A.F.O. "Tony" Gaze took off but was shot at by P-51s chasing JG 11\. He however shot down one Fw 190\. At Ophoven JG 11 were able to shoot up several Spitfires of No. 125 Wing RAF with seven fighters of No. 350 Squadron RAF destroyed along with several C-47 Dakotas. Buildings were also strafed.
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Meddick was born on 18 March 1924 in Barry, Glamorgan, Wales as Leonard John Meddick. He died on 1 January 2017 in Binfield Heath, Henley-on- Thames, Oxfordshire, England. He worked as a trainee reporter for the Associated Press of America on Fleet Street, and then joined the Royal Air Force in 1942, aged 18. He qualified as a Flying Officer and went on to fly Hurricanes, Spitfires and Dakotas.
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Until this point, the Spitfires had fought defensively. They scrambled and headed south to gain height, then turned around to engage the enemy over the island. Now, with improved radar and quicker take off times (two to three minutes) and improved air-sea rescue, more offensive action became possible. Using three squadrons, Park asked the first to engage the escorting fighters by 'bouncing them' out of the sun.
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No. 1419 Flight was redesignated No. 140 Squadron on 17 September 1941 at Benson, with an initial equipment of six Spitfires and six Blenheims, all fitted with cameras.Fletcher Aeroplane April 2017, p. 26. The squadron flew photo reconnaissance sorties over northern France, using the Spitfire during the day for both high- and low-level operations. Its Blenheims were mainly confined to flying at night owing to its vulnerability to German fighters.
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He declined dogfighting, attempting instead to maintain speed and height, and was conscious of the need to put distance between his aircraft and the opposing fighters when the time came. Over the next five weeks he was credited with four more, two French aircraft and two RAF Spitfires. On 15 May Jabs was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class (), and two weeks later the Iron Cross 1st Class () on 28 May.
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He made an abrupt hard landing, and with the aircraft still rolling he and the crew scrambled for cover while the airfield's Flak batteries attempted to drive off the attackers. Despite the fire from the field's defenses, the Spitfires strafed the Bf 110, setting it ablaze. As Caulton headed west in his damaged Spitfire a large gash opened on the wing. Soon he found his engine was running rough.
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Diana Barnato Walker MBE FRAeS (15 January 1918 – 28 April 2008) was a pioneering English aviator. In World War II, she became one of the first women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary, flying 80 types of aircraft and delivering 260 Spitfires. In 1963, she became the first British woman to break the sound barrier, flying at Mach 1.6, which also represented a world air speed record for women.
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Some, at least twenty, were equipped with an auxiliary tank that gave 1,000 km (620 mi) extra endurance. Some were adapted for flare drops when day missions were too dangerous. One modification for photo missions had six robot machines in a ventral gondola plus another in the fuselage. The long range and the ceiling helped these aircraft to obtain good results until the Spitfires appeared in the Mediterranean theatre.
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After the "Milkmen", the guerillas waited for the armed Spitfires and Helldivers. During the Korean War and, to a lesser extent, the Vietnam War, T-6s were pressed into service as forward air control aircraft. These aircraft were designated T-6 "Mosquitos". No. 1340 Flight RAF used the Harvard in Kenya against the Mau Mau in the 1950s, where they operated with 20-lb bombs and machine guns against the rebels.
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The location was chosen for its flat terrain and its situation close to the now disbanded Eryholme-Richmond branch line that had a sub branch line to Catterick Garrison and RAF Catterick. The famous No. 56 Squadron RAF flew Spitfires from Scorton during the Second World War. Also the USAAF 422d and 425th Night Fighter Squadrons were stationed at Scorton flying the Northrup P-61 "Black Widow" fighter.
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There was also a hospital, St John of God, built in 1880 in the grounds of the former convent of St Clare. It is now a nursing home, Abbey Care Village. Former Scorton Station, North Yorkshire Between 1939 and 1945 the village was home to RAF Scorton, which served as a satellite of RAF Catterick. No. 56 Squadron RAF flew Spitfires from Scorton during the Second World War.
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Hill took a commission in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1932. By 1940 he had taken command of No. 504 Squadron RAF, a Hurricane squadron. He was shot down over France and wounded in a famous incident where he was mistaken for a spy. After recovering from these injuries he was given command of No. 222 Squadron RAF, whose Spitfires suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Britain.
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The Rangers finished the season with a 44–17–5–2 record, earning 95 points and fourth place in the conference. In the post-season, the Rangers defeated the Windsor Spitfires in five games in the opening round of the playoffs, however, Kitchener was swept by the London Knights in the second round. On May 9, 2016, Van Ryn stepped down as head coach of the Rangers after only one season.
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FAA 1988, p. 25. Wood wing spars of multipiece construction usually consist of upper and lower members, called spar caps, and vertical sheet wood members, known as shear webs or more simply webs, that span the distance between the spar caps. Even in modern times, "homebuilt replica aircraft" such as the replica Spitfires use laminated wooden spars. These spars are laminated usually from spruce or douglas fir (by clamping and glueing).
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The defence was reliant on the 68 Spitfires and Hurricanes. The British faced a ratio of one RAF fighter to every four German aircraft, and one to every two German fighters. Even had the fighter controllers realised the strength of the raid, there was little that could be done. Other fighters were refuelling and re- arming after the attacks on Kenley and Biggin Hill, and were not available.
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Weber played hockey for the Pittsburgh Junior B Penguins as a youth. He began his major junior career with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2003-04 season. Following his third season with the club, Weber was drafted in the second round, 57th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. In his final major junior season, Weber was traded to the Barrie Colts.
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No. 19 Squadron was the first unit to receive the Supermarine Spitfire in 1938, and Unwin was one of the first to fly the machine (K9792) on 16 August.Price 1997, p. 70. Unwin carried out intensive trials in the type, flying 15 different Spitfires. During these trials, on 9 March 1939, Unwin deliberately crashed a Spitfire (K9797) following an engine failure to avoid a children's playground at Acton, Suffolk.
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His navigator Tommy Broom joined him as the squadron's navigation leader. They remained together until the end of the war. For leading raids on Berlin, Ivor was awarded a Distinguished Service Order and Tommy a DFC. After the war ended, Broom dropped rank to squadron leader to command No. 28 Squadron flying Spitfires in Singapore. In 1948 he returned home and dropped rank again, to flight lieutenant, to attend staff college.
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Approximately separated the Orange beaches. Two Spitfires flew overhead and fired on the lighthouse which straight away doused its light. Anti-aircraft fire went aloft along the coast as additional planes strafed the Hess Battery, creating a distraction which covered the approach of the landing-craft. The first LCA group, arriving at 04:50 at Orange One Beach, touched down with textbook precision — at the right beach at the right time.
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After an operational break the squadron was back in combat in January 1941, flying Supermarine Spitfires on missions over France. On 22 June during a bomber escort he shot down a Bf 109, and on 27 June damaged another. In October he was sent to a six-month rest tour to an Operational Training Unit as an instructor, but after three months he volunteered to return to a combat posting.
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Ageing Arnold failed to maintain his fitness and Vale struggled around the foot of the table. Rudge signed 'giant' Alex Williams on loan from Manchester City. Despite Andy Jones leading the scoring charts, Vale still suffered, and Rudge's attempts to sign Steve Bull from West Bromwich Albion failed. On 9 November, Vale Park hosted an American football match, in which Locomotive Derby beat the Stoke Spitfires 13–8.
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Goulding 1986, p. 64. Jeffrey Quill flew the Venom from Eastleigh, mixing it with Spitfires but the Venom's flying was limited by engine problems. Later flying with RAF roundels and marked with "3" on the fuselages sides, the Venom was painted a cream colour for exhibition purposes. The need to concentrate on the Spitfire led to the scrapping of the sole Venom prototype in 1939, after a crash in testing.
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A Spitfire features in the 2011 animated short film Paths of Hate by Polish film-maker Damian Nenow, a war and supernatural horror film in which two fighter pilots fight a vicious duel to the death. The film was short-listed for best short film at the 2012 Academy Awards. Spitfires play a significant role in the 2017 film Dunkirk, a Second World War drama directed by Christopher Nolan.
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In the late morning StG 2, 3 and 77 from Angers, Caen and St. Malo were escorted by Bf 110s from V./LG 1, to attack the convoy south of the Isle of Wight, with about 30 Bf 109s from II. and III./JG 27 for high cover. From 12:20, Spitfires of 609 Squadron and Hurricanes from 257 and 145 squadrons attacked the German formations, joined later by 238 Squadron.
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No. 222 Squadron Spitfire VB in 1942. On 5 October 1939 No. 222 Squadron was reformed at RAF Duxford flying Blenheim Mk.If's in the shipping protection role, but in March of the following year it re-equipped with Spitfires and became a day-fighter unit. It fought during the Battle of Britain, being based at RAF Hornchurch on 15 September 1940, under Squadron Leader "Johnnie" Hill.Robinson 1999, p. 276.
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The Allies claimed a total of forty-six Japanese aircraft destroyed for the loss of thirty of their own on operations, seventeen to enemy action and thirteen from other causes.Odgers, Air War Against Japan, p. 54 On 17 June, under the command of Group Captain Clive Caldwell, No. 1 Wing recorded NWA's most successful interception to date, claiming fourteen Japanese raiders destroyed and ten damaged, for the loss of two Spitfires.
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During World War II, the facility was known as Tebessa Airfield. It was a Twelfth Air Force base of operations during the North African Campaign against the German Afrika Korps. It was operationally used by the 31st Fighter Group, which flew Supermarine Spitfires from the airfield between 17 and 21 February 1943. It was also the headquarters of the XII Fighter Command between December 1942 and 12 January 1943.
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On 12 March 1941, No.243 reformed at Kallang as a fighter squadron for the defence of Singapore. The shortcomings of its Brewster Buffaloes were soon apparent and when Japanese fighters came within range, the squadron suffered heavy losses and by the end of January 1942 was operating its surviving aircraft as part of a mixed force, the other Buffalo squadrons being in a similar state. Its identity was gradually lost to the evacuation of redundant personnel and by the time all fighters were withdrawn from the Singapore airfields, it no longer existed as a unit, having been disbanded on 20 January 1942. On 1 June 1942, No. 243 reformed at Outston, taking over 242 Squadron's Supermarine Spitfires and became operational on the 12th. After defensive duties, it turned its aircraft over to 232 Squadron at the end of September and in November sailed for North Africa, where it became operational again with Spitfires in Algeria in January 1943.
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Spitfires of the No 352 (Y) Squadron British Royal Air Force (Balkan Air Force) before first mission on August 18, 1944, from Canne, Italy By early 1945, Yugoslav Partisans under Marshal Tito had liberated a large portion of Yugoslav territory from the occupying forces. The NOVJ partisan army included air units trained and equipped by Britain (with Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes, see Balkan Air Force) and the Soviet Union (with Yak-3, Yak-7, Yak-9 and Ilyushin Il-2 aircraft) and a number of ad hoc units equipped with aircraft captured from German Luftwaffe and Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia (Messerschmitt Bf 109G, Junkers Ju 87 Stuka and many others). On 5 January 1945 the various air units of the NOVJ were formally incorporated into a new Yugoslav Air Force (Jugoslovensko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo - JRV). At the same time, a Yugoslav fighter group which had been under Soviet instruction at Zemun airfield became operational.
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The RAF was convinced it was winning the air war, believing that the loss of 259 Spitfires over France in the first six months of 1942 were justified by the reported destruction of 197 German aircraft in the same period (the actually lost only 59 aircraft). A major problem for the RAF was that the German fighter pilots declined to engage in combat over the French coast and instead operated inland, forcing the British Spitfires to fly deeper into France, using up their fuel, placing them at a disadvantage when the engaged. Thanks to intelligence provided by Ultra, the British knew that if any Allied force attempted to seize a port in France, the Germans would assume it to be the beginning of an invasion and thus the was to mount a maximum effort. Fighter Command lobbied in early 1942, for a raid to seize a French port to provoke the into action with the RAF at an advantage.
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302 and 308 from nearby RAF Heston. Reconnaissance squadrons No. 16 Squadron and No. 140 Squadron operating Supermarine Spitfires and de Havilland Mosquitos moved to Northolt in 1944. No. 69 Squadron with their Vickers Wellingtons modified for photographic reconnaissance arrived later. All three reconnaissance squadrons were combined to form No. 34 (PR) Wing.Bristow 2005, p. 72 In 1943, the station became the first to fly sorties using Supermarine Spitfires (Mk IXs) in German airspace in support of bomber operations. On 25 March, RAF Ferry Command became RAF Transport Command and thereafter used Northolt as a London base for the transfer of new aircraft from factories to airfields. Runway 26/08 was extended in February that year to accommodate the larger transport aircraft required by the Command. Northolt continued as a Sector Fighter Station until February 1944. As a result of this and the new larger runway, the smaller 02/20 runway closed in April 1944.
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The Ontario Hockey League (OHL)'s Kitchener Rangers drafted Fowler with their first pick in the 2007 OHL Priority Selection; however, given that he had already committed to Notre Dame and playing in the OHL would have cost him his eligibility to play in the NCAA, Fowler refused to sign with the Rangers and instead made a two-year commitment to play for the USNTDP. With the development team, he was a member of the gold medal-winning American team at the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships, where was named the best defenseman of the tournament and an all-star. Spitfires from 2009 to 2010. The Rangers surrendered his OHL rights at about the same time Fowler was reconsidering his commitment to play in the NCAA. The Windsor Spitfires then selected him with their first pick in the 2008 Priority Selection, after which he broke his agreement with Notre Dame and agreed to play for Windsor in the 2009–10 season.
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The next day, he claimed a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Spitfire from No. 401 Squadron east of Amiens. The United States Strategic Air Forces (USAAF) VIII Bomber Command, later renamed to Eighth Air Force, had begun its regular combat operations on 17 August 1942. On 5 September, VIII Bomber Command targeted the Port of Le Havre and the Sotteville-lès-Rouen railroad yards, escorted by RAF Spitfire fighters from No. 64 and 340 (Free French) Squadron. At 11:35, Galland claimed one of the six Spitfires shot down by JG 26 that day. On 12 October, credited with 17 aerial victories, he was awarded the Honor Goblet of the Luftwaffe (). Three days later, 5. Staffel encountered twenty Spitfires from No. 122 and No. 453 Squadron between Fécamp and Le Havre, one of which was shot down by Galland. On 31 October, Galland's younger brother Paul, who also served as a fighter pilot in JG 26, was killed in action.
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Another source gives Axis losses as 10 destroyed and four crash landed.Murawski 2009, p. 37. On 22 April, the South African No. 7 Wing sent out 36 P-40s which intercepted a well escorted Italian formation. The South Africans claimed 12 Ju 52s, two SM 79s, a Ju 87 towing a glider, a Reggiane Re.2001, two Bf 109s and a Ju 88 for the loss of five Spitfires and three P-40s. Known Axis losses were 12 SM.79s and a Macchi C.202; RAF Spitfires flying from Malta downed another two transports. Later, a flight made in daylight cost the Axis 16 or 17 Me 323 transports destroyed, plus a Macchi C.202, three German fighters and a Re-2001, when they were intercepted by 36 Australian, British and South African P-40s covered by South African, British and Polish Spitfire units. Four P-40s were lost and one Spitfire had to force land.Levine 1999, p. 181.Thomas 2005, pp. 48–49.
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Pilots line up for a haircut while waiting on standby near the No. 122 Wing Operations Room at Martragny, Normandy. In the chair is Flying Officer J. M. W. Lloyd of No. 65 Squadron RAF. The squadron reformed in 1934 at RAF Hornchurch with the Hawker Demon, converting to the Gloster Gauntlet in 1936 and the Gloster Gladiator in 1937. During World War II, the squadron operated Supermarine Spitfires, having converted from Gladiators in 1939.
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At the end of 1942, his score stood at 14.5 claims. On 5 April 1943, Wind shot down three Il-2s. On 14 April, Wind claimed two Spitfires, and on 21 April two Yak-1s and shared one with fellow ace Sgt Kinnunen. In August 1943, the unit converted to the Messerschmitt Bf 109G. Wind was awarded his first Mannerheim Cross on 31 July 1943 and his second on 28 June 1944.
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Elements of II. Gruppe managed to reach the bombers on their return. Two Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers were shot down, including one by Lucas. Whilst with JG 3 flying from Schiphol, he was killed in combat with a Supermarine Spitfires, possibly escorting USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, on 24 October 1943. His Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 (Werknummer 27080 —factory number) crashed in the city centre of Leiden, Netherlands.
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144, 169 The Spitfires were to provide top cover for the Kittyhawks in the New Guinea campaign against Japanese forces.Thomas, Spitfire Aces, pp. 73–74 Rawlinson picked the squadron code letters UP, and his own aircraft's identifier U, to spell UP-U ("up you") on his Spitfire's fuselage. After a quiet spell at Goodenough, in August the squadron moved to Kiriwina, the closest Allied airfield to the major Japanese base at Rabaul.
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Mark Anthony Cundari (born April 23, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing for EC VSV in the Austrian Hockey League (IceHL). As a junior, Cundari was a member of two Memorial Cup championship teams with the Windsor Spitfires before turning professional in 2010. An undrafted player, he spent the majority of three seasons in the St. Louis Blues organization before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 2013.
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Following the formulation of the Atlantic Charter, Madison returned to convoy and patrol duty. She operated in the North Atlantic and along the east coast until the spring of 1942. On 4 April Madison put into Scapa Flow and became a unit of the British Home Fleet. Steaming at first between Greenock, Scotland and the Mediterranean, Madison was with when that aircraft carrier delivered Supermarine Spitfires to the besieged island of Malta.
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The squadron formed at RAF Harrowbeer, Devon on 21 October 1941 equipped with the Lysander and Walrus, with the responsibility of Air Sea Rescue over the Western part of the English Channel and the Bristol Channel.Dunnell Aeroplane April 2018, p. 60. Hurricanes, Defiants, Spitfires and Ansons were then supplied, the fighter aircraft being used for spotting downed aircrew at sea and for dropping dinghies to the downed airmen.Rawlings 1982, pp. 250–251.
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With the lessons of Hauwei in mind, the landing was covered by bombardment by destroyers, artillery, and two Landing Craft Support, plus an air strike by Kittyhawks and Spitfires. The landing was unopposed, but a strong Japanese position was encountered which was overcome with the aid of artillery and tanks. Some 59 Japanese were killed compared with eight Americans killed and six wounded.Frierson, The Admiralties: Operations of the 1st Cavalry Division, pp. 137–138.
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He recorded 61 points in 52 games that season before requesting a trade and subsequently being dealt 15 games into the 2000–01 season to the Windsor Spitfires. Spezza went on to record an OHL career-high 116 points in 66 games that season. Entering the 2001 NHL Entry Draft having been named the Top CHL Prospect, Spezza was drafted second overall by the Ottawa Senators, after Ilya Kovalchuk was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers.
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By October 1941, Rogers was assigned to No. 208 Squadron RAF in Egypt, where he flew Hurricanes and Spitfires in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Austria. He was shot down near Benghazi in 1942, but managed to escape capture. In August 1942, despite having a finger shot off, he fought off four Luftwaffe ME 109s. By December 1943, he had been promoted to lieutenant colonel and placed in command of No. 225 Squadron RAF.
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In 1938, the company bought the design of the Cygnet light aircraft from the foundering C.W. Aircraft Ltd and it was further developed as the GAL.42 Cygnet II. GAL also operated an RAF flying training school at Fairoaks aerodrome, Surrey. During World War II, GAL became an important designer and manufacturer of gliders. It was part of the Civilian Repair Organisation, to repair Supermarine Spitfires at Hanworth, and Beaufighters at Fairoaks.
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He joined the Royal Air Force in November 1935, after his graduation from university. He was commissioned in March 1936, and joined No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron flying Hawker Hinds, and later Hawker Harts. By 1939, 602 Squadron were flying Spitfires and MacLean flew with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain. He claimed two shared kills - a Heinkel He 111 on 22 December 1939 and a Junkers Ju 88 in July 1940.
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There were no pilot or ground crew casualties and new Spitfires were available the next day. From late February 1945 there was a temporary move to Cornwall where Typhoons were flown in preparation for a planned conversion to Tempests. A shortage of Tempests meant that this conversion didn't happen. Rweqiupped with Spitfire Mk XVIs (Spitfire XI powered by a Packard Merlin 266) 485 Sqn ended the war based at airfield B.109/Drope, Germany.
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Galland himself claimed two Spitfires on that date. Galland and JG 26 entertained Bader over the next few days. Owing to the significant stature of the prisoner, Galland permitted Bader, under escort, to sit in the cockpit of a Bf 109\. Apparently, despite having lost one of his tin legs in the aircraft, Bader, in a semi- serious way, asked if they wouldn't mind if he took it on a test flight around the airfield.
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The squadron returned to RAF Church Fenton in mid-January 1940 and continued on daylight patrols and night sorties. The squadron converted to Spitfires. As a gunner Sumner was now posted to No. 23 Squadron RAF at RAF Wittering on 20 May 1940 to continue air gunner duties in Blenheims, but with a change to night-fighting. He flew operational missions with a variety of pilots during his time on the squadron.
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For the next operation on 17 May, the Swordfish and Sea Hurricanes of 813 Squadron flew back on board to join the 17 Spitfires and six Fairey Albacore torpedo bombers destined for Malta. The fighters flew off without incident, but engine problems forced all of the Albacores to return.Nailer, p. 162 After they had landed, the ship was attacked by a half-dozen SM.79 torpedo bombers which failed to score any hits.
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At least 31 aircraft had bird strikes, some hit trees and several Venturas probably hit houses when bombing through smoke; light flak damaged some aircraft and possibly shot down others. The group had to stand down for ten days while aircraft were repaired and losses replaced. A B-17 and a B-24 were lost in the two diversionary raids, along with one of the escorting Spitfires; a Fw 190 was shot down.
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Spitfire tried to evade, but could not maneuver away fast enough, and the two ships collided. Nassau fired her forward 11-inch guns at the destroyer. They could not depress low enough for Nassau to be able to score a hit; nonetheless, the blast from the guns destroyed Spitfires bridge. At that point, Spitfire was able to disengage from Nassau, and took with her a 6 m (20 ft) portion of Nassaus side plating.
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For example, Kent became the 'Spitfires', Middlesex the 'Crusaders' and Lancashire the 'Lightning'. Starting the following season the Scotland Saltires took part in the League until 2005. In 2006, the National League was renamed the "NatWest Pro40" and was played in the later part of the season with the teams playing each other once. Also, two teams instead of three were promoted to the first division and two relegated to the second division.
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Air spot followed the operations at the landing beaches. Pairs of Spitfires, including pilots off the heavy ships, were to loiter 45 minutes over their target. Only half were able to reach the area, the others were driven off by flak, turned away with engine trouble, or could not navigate to the target assignment. Soon after, Texas was struck by a German shell which hit the top of the ship's armored conning tower.
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The system originates from the simplest visual stock replenishment signaling system, an empty box. This was first developed in the UK factories producing Spitfires during the Second World War, and was known as the “two bin system.” In the late 1940s, Toyota started studying supermarkets with the idea of applying shelf-stocking techniques to the factory floor. In a supermarket, customers generally retrieve what they need at the required time—no more, no less.
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One of the last major engagements of the year for Blake was in October. He led a wing of Spitfires that was one of five such formations covering a bombing raid on St. Omer mounted by Blenheims. By this time, German defensive operations was causing high casualties among the RAF, which subsequently saw a reduction in these missions over the winter months. At the end of the year, he was promoted to acting wing commander.
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To counter the prevalent dusty conditions, the Spitfires were fitted with a large Vokes air filter under the nose, which lowered the performance of the aircraft through increased drag. The Vb and Vc(trop) (fitted with large Vokes anti-sand air filters) would also equip units of the Desert Air Force during the North African campaign by August 1942. Spitfire Vc taking off from deck of USS Wasp, possibly during "Operation Bowery".
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On 22 May 1948, over Israel, a unique incident took place in the Spitfire's operational history when three Spitfire users came into conflict.Delve 2007, p. 166. On this date, five Egyptian Mk IXs attacked, by mistake, the RAF base at Ramat David, shared by 32 and 208 Squadrons. They destroyed a number of Mk XVIIIs on the ground, but the surviving Spitfires took off and shot down four of the Egyptian aircraft.
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In the Greek Civil War, Spitfires played a major role, being flown by the RAF and SAAF during October–December 1944, and by the Hellenic Air Force that received 242 Supermarine aircraft from 1946 to the end of the war in August 1949. Of the 77 Mk IXs sold to Czechoslovakia in 1945, and flown there until 1951, a large number had been sold to Israel in 1948–49.Glancey 2006, p. 134.
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I. Gruppe moved to France after its withdrawal from Africa. It was moved to Jagdfliegerführer 3 at Evreux from 2 January 1943. The formation was ordered to defend the Paris area but was still not at full combat effectiveness, in what was to become a demanding combat environment. The group experienced its first combat on 8 March and five days later its commander Hauptmann Heinrich Setz was killed in action with Spitfires.
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The BDTF consisted of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Martinets, the flight undertaking fighter affiliation against bombers. This unit stayed at the station until September 1944, when it moved to RAF Metheringham. It was replaced by 1687 BDTF which arrived in early December 1944, and departed for RAF Hemswell in April 1945. Two Lancaster squadrons, 153 Squadron (153 Squadron), and later 625 Squadron (625 Squadron), of No. 1 Group RAF also arrived at Scampton.
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There it formed part of the fighter defences, converting to Spitfires in February 1942. Fighter bomber missions over Sicily began in November 1942 and October 1943 the squadron moved to Italy. Sweeps were carried out over Albania and Yugoslavia and in September 1944, No. 249 converted to Mustangs. In April 1945, it moved to Northern Yugoslavia for a month and after a short period in northern Italy the squadron disbanded on 16 August 1945.
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Atcham was returned to the RAF Flying Training Command on 14 March 1945 becoming a satellite of RAF Ternhill. No. 5 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit RAF ((P)AFU) and No. 6 Service Flying Training School RAF (SFTS). No. 577 Squadron RAF target towing with Airspeed Oxfords, Spitfires and Vultee A-31 Vengeances used the airfield until the end of the war. Atcham was abandoned on 22 October 1946 and disposed of on 20 January 1958.
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On graduation, he was commissioned on 25 March 1941. Ash was assigned to Embarkation Depot on 3 April 1941 for the voyage to England where he completed a period with Operational Training Unit before joining No. 411 Squadron RCAF. He flew Spitfires in many defensive and offensive missions, including an attack on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. In 1942, he flew in "big wing" fighter sweeps over France with No. 411 Squadron RCAF.
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In his NHL career, Renaud appeared in 152 games scoring six goals and adding 50 assists. Mark's son Mickey (1988-2008), was the captain of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires and a Calgary Flames draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Since 2009, the OHL has presented a yearly award to the OHL captain who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership and work ethic while having fun in the game of hockey, that Mickey possessed.
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During November and December 1941, as part of Force H, Lightning had a mainly escort role. Escorting convoys that were from the UK, picking them up in the Bay of Biscay and often taking them through the western part of the Mediterranean Sea towards Malta. She also escorted aircraft carriers carrying Supermarine Spitfires. Lightning was one of the escorts of the aircraft carrier when she was sunk by a torpedo on 13 November 1941.
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In November II./JG 53 were relocated to Sicily for operations against Malta. Michalski was to become the most successful German fighter pilot in the Siege, claiming 26 victories against the island's defenders. Michalski became Gruppenkommandeur II./JG 53 in June 1942 and was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross () for 41 victories in September. On 15 October Michalski was shot down by No. 126 Squadron Spitfires, flown by F/L.
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Though none of the bombs that struck exploded Mohawk's commander was killed. Spitfires from 603 Squadron joined 602 Squadron, The Queen's "City of Glasgow" Squadron, in intercepting the raid. During one attack, the cockpit canopy of Hauptmann Helmut Pohl's Junkers Ju 88 released itself. Pohl was an experienced test pilot and Gruppenkommandeur (Group Commander) of KG 30\. He had helped develop the Ju 88 and had taken part in the Polish Campaign.
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Bob Parent would make 50 saves to cap off the historic victory. The "Spits" as they are commonly known, won their first Emms division title in 1980 and reached the OHL finals, but lost to the Peterborough Petes. Ernie Godden set an all-time OHL record in 1980–81 scoring 87 goals. In 1984 Peter Karmanos, the founder and CEO of Compuware, bought the team and renamed them the Windsor Compuware Spitfires.
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On 10 May 1946, 600 Sqn reformed at RAF Biggin Hill, as a day fighter squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force with Spitfires. It began to recruit during June and received its first operational aircraft in October. After receiving a De Havilland Vampire in October 1949 for jet conversion, it was allotted Meteors in March 1950 and flew these until the Royal Auxiliary Air Force disbanded this squadron and many others on 10 March 1957.
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By the time Second World War broke out in 1939 Bird was an experienced pilot. She was commissioned into the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) as Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in 1940 and remained there for a year until invited to join the ATA. Bird joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) on 1 August 1941 and soon qualified as a First Officer. The aircraft she ferried included: Hurricanes, Spitfires, Wellingtons, Beaufighters, Mosquitos and Dakotas.
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The VB became the main production version of the Mark Vs. Along with the new Merlin 45 series the B wing was fitted as standard. As production progressed changes were incorporated, some of which became standard on all later Spitfires. Production started with several Mk IBs which were converted to Mk VBs by Supermarine. Starting in early 1941 the round section exhaust stacks were changed to a fishtail type, marginally increasing exhaust thrust.
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These piped additional heated air into the gun bays. There was a short tubular intake on the front of the first stack and a narrow pipe led into the engine cowling from the rear exhaust. The VB series were the first Spitfires able to carry a range of specially designed slipper-type drop tanks which were fitted underneath the wing centre-section. Small hooks were fitted just forward of the inboard flaps.
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Even so, some Beaufighters belonging to the squadron were based at RAF Pembrey temporarily during 1943. The squadron was then withdrawn to Egypt for air defence duties and converted to Spitfires in September 1943. In March 1944, the squadron moved to Corsica for sweeps over Northern Italy and in August covered the Allied landings in Southern France. After moving there for two months, it was withdrawn to Naples and disbanded on 26 October 1944.
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Using the Spitfire's "stunning" climb performance, pilots were "easily" able to escape and evade the Mustangs.Thomas 2008, pp. 41–42. In December 1944, RAF Fighter Command lost 53 Spitfires on the western front to all causes. Just eight fell to enemy aircraft.Franks 2000, pp. 120–129. On 29 December Flt Lt R. J. Audet, a French Canadian on No. 411 Squadron RCAF, shot down three Fw 190s and two Bf 109s during one sortie.
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Wilfred Greville Clouston (15 January 1916 – 24 May 1980) was a New Zealand flying ace of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was credited with the destruction of nine enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of three more. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Clouston joined the RAF in 1936. He flew Supermarine Spitfires with No. 19 Squadron during the Battle of France and the subsequent Battle of Britain.
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Edward Jovanovski (born June 26, 1976) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He was born in Windsor, Ontario, and is of Macedonian descent. Jovanovski played major junior ice hockey for two seasons with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), earning First All-Star, Second All-Star and All-Rookie Team honours. He was then selected first overall in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers.
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A few weeks later Rudolf Hess defected to Scotland. Also in March 1941, 91 Squadron moved in, equipped with Spitfires. Additional dispersals and fighter pens as well as three new blister hangars were built during 1941. Typhoons were based at Lympne from March 1942 to February 1944 to counter the threat posed by the Luftwaffe's newly introduced Focke-Wulf Fw 190s and a runway was extended across Otterpool Lane to accommodate the Typhoons.
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113–114 Winston Churchill also took an interest in the wing's operations and sent a cable expressing satisfaction with its combat debut. On 7 March four No. 457 Squadron aircraft intercepted and shot down a Dinah about from Darwin.Gillison (1962), p. 652 The entire wing intercepted a force of over 40 Japanese bombers and fighters that attacked Darwin on 15 March, shooting down eight raiders but losing four Spitfires and three pilots.
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Alexander (2006), pp. 115–116 The Spitfires used dogfighting tactics during the battle, causing some to run dangerously low on fuel; the USAAF units previously based at Darwin had discovered that these tactics were not effective against the highly maneuverable Japanese fighters.Clayton (1986), p. 44 No. 1 Wing did not see action again during March and April, and its flying was limited to training exercises which usually lasted for less than an hour.Alexander (2006), p.
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In the subsequent 2009 Memorial Cup tournament, held in Rimouski, Quebec, Benn notched a four-goal game and added an assist in the second round-robin match against the Drummondville Voltigeurs, a 6–4 win, to secure the Rockets a berth in the tournament final. Although Benn's Rockets lost to the Windsor Spitfires 4–1 in the Final, Benn was named to the Tournament All-Star Team, along with teammate Tyler Myers.
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In 1941, he was posted to No. 602 Squadron RAF – formerly the City of Glasgow Squadron, which was initially stationed at Drem near Haddington. During the Battle of Britain, the squadron was relocated to Sussex where Kempe flew Spitfires. In May 1942, he was promoted to squadron leader and the following year was mentioned in despatches. From 1944 he flew, principally Mosquitos, in North Africa and acted as a convoy escort on the Malta run.
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An RAF Fighter Command unit used Spitfires against Ypenburg on March 20 and 23, while a RAF Second Tactical Air Force unit used Hawker Typhoons against Vlaardingen on March 23. Counterattacks on Holland's V-1 and V-2 sites ended on April 3, and all Crossbow countermeasures ended on May 2 with the end of World War II in Europe. A Spitfire tipping the wing of a V-1 to disrupt the missile's automatic pilot.
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Allison was drafted 7th overall in the 1991 OHL Priority Draft by the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. After his rookie season, he was traded to the Detroit Junior Red Wings.. He was named team captain for the 1994-95 OHL season and helped lead the team to the win the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions. They advanced to the 1995 Memorial Cup final, where they lost to the Kamloops Blazers.
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When Coastal Command took over all the meteorological units this became No. 1401 (Met) Flight and received a greater variety of aircraft. As well as Blenheims it operated Spitfires, Gloster Gladiator biplanes and Hawker Hurricanes. These aircraft were all used to take measurements of temperature and humidity; from 40,000 ft downwards in precise areas. In August 1942 the Flight was made into a Squadron - No. 521 - with Hudsons Hampdens, Mosquitos and Venturas.
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There, it joined No. 166 Wing RAF on 25 May 1942. In September 1943, the Squadron's Hurricanes were replaced with Supermarine Spitfires. This change in machine, made the squadron the first unit in South East Asia Command to operate such aircraft. It re-equipped with the Spitfire Mk.VIII in March 1944, and flew these in support of XIV Army, including the Imphal and Kohima actions, until disbanding on 19 August 1945 at Mingaladon in Burma.
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On 15 August 1940, a large formation of Heinkel He 111s of KG26, escorted by Bf 110s of I/ZG76, were detected approaching the east coast. The Hurricanes of 607 Squadron, now back at Usworth, encountered the German formation over Whitley Bay, and accounted for at least two He 111s. Spitfires from No. 72 squadron at Acklington had met them to the northeast of the Farne Islands, and although heavily outnumbered, claimed several destroyed.
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Machine guns, cannon, gun sight and original working radios are all installed."Spitfire." Fantasy of Flight.. Retrieved 6 March 2011. Two MK 1 Supermarine Spitfires, originally restored by the Aircraft Restoration Company, remain in flying condition at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, in Cambridgeshire, England. Both restored by American billionaire Thomas Kaplan, one has been donated to the Imperial War Museum and the second was auctioned in July 2015 at Christie's, London.
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The battered III./JG 54, which had lost at least 50 Fw 190s since December 1944, officially joined JG 26 as its IV. Gruppe. On 25 February, three claims [status unknown] were made in exchange for seven killed and one wounded—one in action with 41 Squadron Spitfires the rest in action with the US 36th Fighter Group. The entire wing flew against fighter-bombers supporting the American advance on München Gladbach on 28 February.
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However Japan attacked Pearl Harbor the next day. Training was accelerated when Nazi Germany declared War on the United States on 11 December. Part of the group left four days later and by February the within weeks the entire group was gone. By June they had deployed to England as part of VIII Fighter Command where they would be equipped with Supermarine Spitfires They entered combat in August 1942.Maurer, Maurer (1983).
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The squadron replaced its Hurricanes with Supermarine Spitfires in April 1941. In November the Squadron again relocated to RAF Gibraltar for support of Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. In a similar role it moved to Malta in June 1943 to support Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. No 111 moved through Italy with the advancing Allied ground forces and remained there until the end of the war, after which it moved to Austria.
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A fast, heavily armed monoplane that went into service in 1937, the Hurricane was effective against both German fighters and bombers and accounted for 70–75% of German losses during the battle of Britain. The Germans immediately pulled out their Stukas, which were no match against the Hurricanes and Spitfires. The Battle of Britain showed the world that Hitler's vaunted war machine could be defeated. Barley (2004) identifies numerous failures by the German high command.
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On 27 August, a force of 216 Halifax bombers, alongside smaller numbers of de Havilland Mosquitos and Lancasters and a sizable escort of Supermarine Spitfires, conducted the first major daylight operation by Bomber Command against a target inside Germany that year, attacking the oil refinery at Homberg on the Ruhr. In spite of heavy fire from anti-aircraft defenses, no bombers were downed and the refinery was severely damaged in places.Norris 1966, pp. 6, 8.
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27 were Spitfires, 14 four- engined bombers, 44 were scored on the Eastern Front and 9 in the Spanish Civil War. In recognition of his record, JG 1 received the title Oesau in honor of its fallen Geschwaderkommodore. Only Werner Mölders had a similar honor with JG 51 Mölders. Walter Oesau is buried in Meldorf, close to his birthplace and the town museum (Dithmarscher Landesmuseum) has documented his last journey in pictures.
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12px 15 August: 82nd Airborne is the first US airborne division. (the first combat jumps were 8 November 1942 by the 509th Parachute Battalion in the North Africa Operation Torch). 12px 17 August: 12 B-17s of the 97 BG (including one with Eaker aboard) escorted by RAF Spitfires bombed the Sotteville railyard South of Rouen, France, in the "first combat action" of the Eighth Air Force and the first B-17 bombing of Europe.
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Ambala Air Force Base is one of the oldest and largest airbases that were inherited from the British by the IAF. It was from this airbase that Spitfires and Harvards flown by Instructors of the Advanced Flying Training School took part in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948. Subsequently, Ambala was the front line airfield for many years. It was home to various aircraft that were inducted into the Indian Air Force.
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By this time the front line was beyond the range of the squadron's Spitfires, however, and it saw little combat. From 16 October, No. 451 Squadron was redeployed to Foggia in Italy. By the time the ground crew arrived at Naples on 23 October the headquarters of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces had decided that there was no need for the squadron in Italy and recommended that it be returned to Australia.
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