From Internet Modeler

Balkan Models 1/72 No. 352 RAF Squadron Partisan Spitfires Decals

Posted in: Aviation
By Matt Bittner
Dec 19, 2012 - 2:31:00 AM

Taken from the instructions:

"On 22 April 1944, the first Yugoslav fighter squadron (No. 352 RAF Squadron) was formed at Benina, Libya. At first it was equipped with Hurricanes. In June of the same year, the first Supermarine Spitfires were delivered. In August, the squadron moved to Italy to join the No.281 Wing. The squadron's main goal was to provide escort for fighter-bomber squadrons and engage in ground attack missions. For the rest of the war they were using the airport located on the island Vis.

"The basic organisation of 352th squadron was the same as in all RAF squadrons. The first combat operation was planned and executed on 18 August 1944. Captain Mileta Protić was assigned as the first squadron commander. During the combat operations the squadron lost 10 pilots. Among them was Franjo Kluz, the first partisan pilot and later a national hero of Yugoslavia. No. 352 Squadron RAF carried out 367 combat operations flying from Canne, Vis and Zemunik airports. The squadron was disbanded from RAF on 16 May 1945."

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There are eight Mk.V Spitfires, although there are only national markings for two. The following aircraft can be finished using this set of decals:

  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb ES257 "SLOVENEC"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb EP886 "HRVAT"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc JK831 "SLAVONAC"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc JK608 "MAKEDONAC"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc JG948 "GORIČAN"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc JK448 "OSVETNIK 5. OFANZIVE"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc LZ830 "POPOV"
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc JK790

All aircraft are Ocean Grey and Dark Green uppers, with Medium Sea Grey undersides. The instructions are very complete, showing which aircraft had which types of wheels, rear-view mirrors and exhausts (the instructions labeling them "Type A" and "Type B"). Kit recommendations are Tamiya and Special Hobby, but I bet these decals would work on the Sword and AZ Mk.Vs as well.

An excellent set of alternative markings for your Spitfire Mk.V, and all decals are very nicely printed and appear to be in register.

We definitely would like to thank Balkan Models for supplying the review decal set.


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