Mark 1 Spitfires of No.19 Squadron 1938

By the summer of 1938 No.19 Squadron's reputation was such that it became the first RAF squadron to re-equip with the new Supermarine Spitfire and the first Spitfire was flown into Duxford in August 1938 by Jeffrey Quill, Supermarine's test pilot.

The Gauntlet was by this time outdated but it was with this aircraft that 19 and 66 Squadrons stood by at readiness during the Munich crisis of September/October 1938, for re-equipment with Spitfires was not completed until the end of that year.

On 3 September 1939 Britain declared war on Germany and Duxford was poised to play a vital role in the difficult years ahead.