File talk:Royal Air Force Fighter Command, 1939-1945. CH18603.jpg

Date

1939-1945 is very vague. According to the article on No. 341 Squadron RAF they were based at Biggin Hill from 21 March to 11 October 1943. Also, the Mark IX Spitfire was not operational before mid 1942, which would rule out the years before. So, assuming that squadron, aircraft model and location are correct, the probability is that the photo was taken in 1943. Regards Guffydrawers (talk) 16:31, 2 September 2021 (UTC)

The article Supermarine Spitfire (late Merlin-powered variants) reinforces this dating:
"Production of the LF Mk IXs, frequently referred to as the Spitfire IXB, initially ran in parallel with the Merlin 63 powered Marks. This version first became operational in March 1943 with the Biggin Hill Wing, comprised at the time of 611 and 341 (Free French) Squadrons."
Regards Guffydrawers (talk)