Spitfire Mk Vb, S/L Lionel Gaunce, No 41 Squadron, Royal Air Force, August 1941

Text:

Supermarine Spitfire

Spitfire Mk Vb P8759
flown by S/L Lionel M. ‘Elmer’ Gaunce
No 41 Squadron, Royal Air Force
August 1941

Spitfire Vb, P8759, EB-J, was the first Spitfire Mk. V to make an operational sortie on 41 Squadron, when Sqn Ldr Don Finlay flew her on 30 July 1941. This was his preferred aircraft until his departure on 9 August, at which time Sqn Ldr Lionel M. ‘Elmer’ Gaunce assumed command of the Squadron and took over the aircraft as his own personal mount. Gaunce then continued to fly this aircraft on every operation until the end August 1941, and whilst doing so claimed one Me 109 shared probably destroyed with Sgt Plt Bill Brew, and two Me 109s damaged. Gaunce was hit by Flak and killed in action on 19 November 1941.

Artist: Gaëtan Marie

Misc:

This profile was created for the book "Blood, Sweat and Courage - 41 Squadron RAF 1939-1942" by Steve Brew (Fonthill Media, December 2014).

About the prints:

Print modifications (text or logo replacement, translation, layout modifications) are available upon request.

To commission a custom-made profile of this aircraft type, please contact us.