The North African campaign of World War II took place in North Africa from 10 June 1940 to 13 May 1943, fought between the Allies and the Axis Powers. It included campaigns in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts (Western Desert campaign, Desert War), in Morocco and Algeria (Operation Torch), and in Tunisia (Tunisia campaign).

By the outbreak of the Second World War, there were 306 Spitfires in service with the RAF, 71 in reserve and 2,000 on order; 36 had been written off in accidents. [9]

No. 601 Squadron Spitfires over North Africa in 1943. For Operation Husky, No. 242 Group RAF, originally a component of NATAF in February 1943, was assigned to the Northwest African Coastal Air Force (NACAF). At the same time, Air Headquarters, Western Desert became known as Desert Air Force.

Apr 12, 2019 · On 15 November Carlson shot down a Ju88 bomber. Adding this to his four victories with 74 Squadron in 1941 it made Carlson one of the first Spitfire ‘aces’ over North Africa. In their first two weeks, 154 Squadron claimed nineteen Luftwaffe bombers shot down, and nine more at least hit and damaged.

Oct 7, 2024 · It’s been more than 75 years since the end of World War 2, yet the Spitfire remains an iconic symbol of aviation. The aircraft played a pivotal and vital role for allied countries during WW2. In this article, we look at some of the Spitfire’s most notorious battles during WW2 that gave the aircraft it’s legendary status.

Apr 12, 2019 · The Spitfires’ engagement with the Ju88s came a day after Allied landings in North-West Africa. At around midnight on 7/8 November 1942, Operation TORCH, the first major Allied operation of the Second World War invaded Morocco and Algeria.

A quick guide to the air war over North Africa in the Second World War. 1941-1942, the RAF provided essential battlefield support to ground forces When fighting commenced in North Africa in June 1940, the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Air Headquarters Egypt immediately mounted bombing missions against Italian targets in Libya and helped repel the ...

Formed during WW1, 222 Squadron was reformed at the onset of WW2 at Duxford on 5 October 1939 and in March 1940 the squadron re-equipped with Spitfires. It initially took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain.

The Spitfire Mk VIII was effectively the Mk VII airframe without the pressurised cockpit and standard wing tips. It had three different Merlin options for low, medium and high altitude requirements. Most if this mark were based in the Middle East and Far East.

Dec 8, 2016 · The 31st and 52nd FGs collected newly assembled Spitfire Vc at Gibraltar which they took to North Africa in Nov 1942. Just like the RAF squadrons in that theatre. The first Spitfire IX in NA turned up around March 1943, with MK.VIII a few months later.