Hobby Master 1/48 HA7813 Spitfire Mk.I K9953/ZP-A, Flt. Lt. Adolph Sailor Malan, No. 74 Squadron, Hornchurch, May/June 1940

The Spitfire Mk.1 first became operational in July 1938 at Duxford, Cambridge. At the beginning of WWII 9 RAF squadrons were equipped with the Mk.1's with two others converting to the new aircraft. By June 1940 the Mk.1 was being replaced by the faster long-range Mk.II but not before the Mk.I had bore the brunt of the Battle of Britain. The Mk.I also flew protective cover over the evacuation of Dunkirk. The Mk.1A had 8 machine guns instead of 4, a bulged canopy, a 3-blade propeller, self-sealing fuel tanks, armored windscreen and armor plating in front of and behind the pilot.
South African born Adolph Gysbert Malan joined the merchant marines in 1928. In 1935 Malan joined the RAF and assigned to 74 Squadron on December 20, 1936 where he earned the nickname Sailor. In May 1940 Malan led 10 sorties over Northern France downing 2 aircraft with 3 probables earning him the DFC. In June 1940 he downed 2 He-111's during a night attack and earned a bar on the DFC ribbon. By the end of 1940 Malan had 18 victories with a total of 32 by wars end.