For their next 'Squadrons' book, RAF-in-Combat has chosen the Spitfire VII. The Spit VII was a follow on to the other high altitude version, the Spitfire VI. This aircraft was also built in relatively small numbers of 140 aircraft and like the earlier version, was based on the Spitfire I/II/V/IX airframe. These planes were powered by later Merlin engines, developing 1,700 max horsepower. They can be distinguished from the earlier Mk VI by a retractable tail wheel.

The mk VII also had the later broad, pointed rudder, though intial production versions had the smaller one and had the later version retrofitted. It used the C wing and had additional fuel in the wing leading edges. Many of these planes served as standard fighters and so you could find them painted in standard camouflage instead of the high altitude light grey over PRU blue. Many also had the wingtips converted back to the smaller one.

The planes were not much more successful than the VI and accounted for only about two dozen victories during its years of operation. Four squadrons flew the Mk. VII, 124, 131, 154 and 616. While the plane was not much more successful than the earlier version, it was a much better aircraft and generally liked by its pilots. It was more of a timing thing as the Luftwaffe was on the decline by the time it entered service.

Overall, it is typical of the series in that it is a superbly researched and presented book that gives the background and unit operations of the type. There are also full stats of victories and losses. In addition to all the great photos, we have the usual large color profiles we have come to expect in this series. Available in both paper and electronic format. A book I found fascinating and one that is bound to be a valuable reference resource in the years to come.

January 2015

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them for other great titles

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