Spitfire L1004 was flown by Squadron Leader Alexander "Sandy" Johnstone, CO of No. 602 Squadron. Initially the squadron performed defensive duties in Scotland but in August 1940 moved south to join the Battle of Britain in the skies over Southern England. It went on to have a truly remarkable record during the battle - scoring the second highest toll of enemy aircraft! The performance was aptly summed up in a message from HQ11 Group 'Group Commander sends warmest congratulations to 602 Squadron on their magnificent combat at midday when they destroyed eight fighters and shot down two others without loss of pilots or aircraft' This created a record.