An excellent model of the Mk. IX Spitfire, to Corgi's high standards of casting, finshing and accuracy. This model is of MK392 flown by fighter ace Wing Commander James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson while commanding the Canadian wing of the 2nd tactical air force. Depicted here with D-day invasion stripes, to ensure rapid identifdication by allied ground forces. Flying MK392 he was credited with the destruction of 12 aircraft (Fw190's and Bf109's), 1 shared destroyed on the ground (Ju88) and one damaged. This was the aircraft in which he recorded the last of his 38 kills on September 27th 1944.
One of the most successful Spitfire versions the Mk IX was able to engage and destroy the new German Fw190's.
Model Wingspan 156mm

Retiring in 1966 as Air Officer Commanding, Air Forces Middle East in Aden, Air Vice Marshall James Edgar "Johnnie" Johnson was credited with destroying 38 Luftwaffe aircraft during WW2, becoming the British flying ace with the most kills during the war. 

Johnson missed most the the Battle of Britain due to an operation on his shoulder, but rapidly emerged as an outstanding fighter pilot and master of deflection shooting after joining 616 squadron. In September 1941 he took command of B flight as flight lieutenant, becoming squadron leader in 1942 and promotion to wing commander followed in March 1943, taking command of 610 squadron. The following year he took command of the Canadian wing of the new 2nd tactical air force.

By the end of the war with over 1,000 combat missions Johnson held a remarkable record, never being shot down and his Spitfire being damaged by enemy fire on only one occasion. He was been credited with 38 kills, officially the highest total of any RAF pilot, and being awarded the DSO (two bars), DFC (bar) Legion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre in recognition of his oustanding service.

"Johnnie" Johnson stayed with the RAF after the war, gaining the American DFC while serving with the USAF in the Korean war. Appointed the senior air staff officer in 3 Group, Bomber Command in 1960 and later as Air Officer Commanding, Air Forces Middle East in Aden.

James Edgar Johnson lived in Jersey before retiring to Buxton, Derbyshire, and passed away in January 2001.