GROUND CREW

EACH Spitfire during the Battle of Britain had its own rigger and mechanic. Every squadron also had its own armoury and refuelling teams. The armourers were so skilled that in eight minutes, they could install 2,400 rounds in the eight .303 Browning guns, a task that required opening 22 separate panels in the thin wings. One Spitfire pilot recalled that, when the Battle was at its most intense, a plane could be rearmed and its 85 gallon tank refuelled in just 25 minutes.