New Spitfires on Parade!

Spring 1939 and the R.A.F.'s Spitfire strength grows. Shown here is a complete line-up of the aircraft of 65 Squadron at Hornchurch. 65 were the sixth squadron to be equipped with the type, the first five being Nos. 19 and 66 (Duxford), No. 41 (Catterick), and Nos. 74 and 54 (Hornchurch)
Take a look at the fellow far right of this picture, obviously the people are aware of the photographer but this guy is seen here stood to attention sort of posing for the picture.. Good on you old chap..

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By the outbreak of the Second World War, nine squadrons were equipped with the Spitfire. The aircraft saw its first combat in October 1939, shooting down a German bomber attacking shipping off Scotland.

Spitfire squadrons were not sent to France in 1939, but were kept at home to provide air defence. They became involved in heavy fighting over the Dunkirk area, during the dramatic evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force in June 1940, and were to prove vital in the contest for air superiority over England that followed.