HiRes Spitfire HF MkIXc 'DU*N' (ML296) with N°312 (Czech) Squadron in September 1944......

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Historic Significance of Spitfire 'ML296'

Piloted by Flt.Lt. Otto Smik of N°312 Czech Sqdn. Lympne, circa: September 1944.

Flt.Lt. Smik's Story

After Otto Smik had escaped from his homeland he flew with No.122 & 222 Squadrons in 1943,
scoring a number of victories during this time. In November 1944, now a member of No.312 Czech Sqdn.
he was downed by flak and killed. At that time his score then stood at eight aircraft destroyed, 
two shared destroyed, two probables and three damaged, plus three V1s destroyed.


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History of the No 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron 

Formed at Duxford on 29 August 1940 as a fighter unit composed of Czechoslovak personnel 
who had managed to escape from Nazi occupied Europe.  Initially sent to Speke, with Hurricanes, 
as part of Liverpool's defences, it moved to Kenley in May 1941 from where it joined in offensive sweeps 
over the continent.

A move to Scotland came in August 1941 and to the South-West in January 1942, 
remaining in the area until June 1943 when it moved to defend the Orkneys.  
On returning south in September it joined 2nd Tactical Air Force and 
began offensive operations against targets in Northern France in preparation for the forthcoming invasion.

In April 1944 its role was changed to that of fighter-bomber, supporting the invasion, 
but when other units of 2 TAF moved to France, it moved to East Anglia from where it carried out 
bomber escort duties until the end of the war. 

Following the end of the war 312 Squadron flew to Czechoslovakia, in August 1945, 
to form part of the newly reformed Czech Air Force, disbanding as a RAF unit 15 February 1946.

Motto:  Non Multi Sed Multa (Not many men but many deeds)



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This skin can be used for Emil's 9thUSAAF/2TAF Campaign if you so desire.... 

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Skin was developed from Nico's Spitfire 'PK*K' which in turn was
based on the HR skin by DeanH and the HR 3Dz model by Col. Gibbon
further modified by Ray Otton...
Other enhancements; Carl'Peregine'Ringvold's Adj. RAFMk3 Gunsight...
Dallas'Pathfinder'Parrot's Merlin engine 'Start-up' sound...
Jander's Merlin engine 'In-flight' sound...
John 'Col.Gibbon' Graham's HR Spitfire MkIX Spinner...
As usual I've tweaked some, but not all, of this skin's detailing...... 

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Cheers
Skylark  