In reading the exploits of RAF 485 [NZ] Sqn.'s forays, who flew Spits' Mk.'s I, II, V, IX and XVI, they converted from Mk.IIA's to Mk.VB's in August 1941. They flew both the F Mk.VB and LF Mk.VB's, and their ORB indicates they tackled the 109F and Fw-190 with relative success....the latter of course was in ascendancy, but until the Mk.IX came on stream, a few were clobbered by Mk.VB's....
Alex Henshaw, the test-pilot, most enjoyed this model that was fitted with the Merlin 50M engine, and the A-type wing. This was a cropped blower or de-rated engine, designed to give max. power at 5500 ft. It had of course a big advantage at low level and with enormous increase in boost pressure, it was a joy to fly. In fact it was the only Spitfire during a demonstration that he felt able to take-off, lift the wheels up, pause and then pull-up firmly but smoothly into a vertical loop with a slow-roll off the top to finish over the centre of the airfield...He said if he had to make a choice of all the numerous Mk.'s of Spitfires- and there were 36 of them, this is the one he would have picked for a low-level display....something he was known for his indisputed brilliance at.....
I agree with Lunatic's summary, because ultimately it appears it was really a case of the individual pilots' as well........
- The most essential attribute of a Fighter Pilot is good marksmanship...He may be a remarkable navigator, a regular 'Braille' at blind-flying, an accomplished aerobat, but if he cannot shoot accurately when he gets into position, he may as well stay on the ground and save the petrol...All the work into his training, efforts of groundcrew, the valuable aircraft with whatever armament, and especially in protecting his companions in combat, are really paramount concerns...It's to be appreciated that on each sortie he gains experience, but that initial proficiency is most important...
It was an area of concern in Fighter Command that OTU's didn't give enough training here, more went into flying the machine than it's use as a gun platform....
In 485, attendance at the Sqn.'s shooting-range wasn't compulsory, but our serious marksmen, like Al Deere, 'Hawkeye' Wells and Johnny Checketts, spent many of their free hours together or alone walking the hills and valleys shooting rabbits, ducks and other game...During these sessions, apart from gaining deflection-shooting experience, they would discuss the finer points of air combat, and such 'field research' certainly served them well...There was especial attendance to 'fostering' the new pilots that came into the Sqn. and imparting to them the skills already gained by the more seasoned pilots....Evan 'Rosie' Mackie was an especially gifted pilot, receiving only one bullet in combat in his aircraft, due to his fighting technique, finishing the War with 15+ victories, 6th out of 25 New Zealand aces....
They converted to Mk.IXB's on the 1st July 1943, one of the first in Fighter Command to have them at the time....and unwittingly flew Mk.XVI's before their official arrival in May 1945, plonking Packard Merlins into Mk.IX's without realising the reclassification....
I still maintain the Spit V's were an essentially great aircraft, and even if they were caught off-foot by Luftwaffe developments, gave a bloody good account of themselves against the 109F, nonetheless........
Gemhorse