Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XII

Allied Wings No. 1
By Phil H. Listemann
RAF in Combat, ©2007
ISBN 978-295-26-3814-2
Softbound, 46 Pages
Available from RAF in Combat for 12 Euros

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

One of the iconic aircraft of the Second World War, the Supermarine Spitfire, like the Bf 109, was an airplane that was operational both at the beginning and the end of the war. Throughout those few years, though, the airframe underwent significant changes in both armament and powerplant, changing the performance and capabilities while retaining the distinctive shape of the Spitfire. One of the most significant changes was the replacement of the venerable Merlin engine with the more powerful Griffon engine. The first operational Griffon-engined Spitfire was the Mk. XII, and this book details the history of that aircraft.

While the Mk. XIV was the more well-known Griffon-engined Spitfire, the Mk. XII was quite impressive as well. Anticipated as an interim fighter aimed at filling the gap between the ageing Merlin Spitfires and the upcoming Mk. XIV and XVIII Spitfires, the Mk. XII was optimized for low level performance and managed to remain in frontline service until 1944, even though only 100 were produced. Operated by No. 41 and No. 91 Squadrons, the Spitfire Mk. XII had an impressive record for an interim aircraft.

This book provides a complete synopsis of the Spitfire Mk. XII, from its development through to its operational record. The book provides short histories of the two units that operated the type, along with sections on operational losses and victory lists. A daily sortie record is also included. While not as common as other Spitfire marks, there still are plenty of excellent photos, along with several color profiles, showing the Mk. XII in its operational guise.

This is a nice monograph on one of the lesser known Spitfire variants, and one well worth picking up if that Supermarine fighter is your favorite. My thanks to RAF in Combat for the review copy.