Spitfire MkVb RAF Biggin Hill Wing RS-T, Pilot Robert Stanford Tuck, 1942
On completion of his pilot’s course, Pilot Officer Robert Stanford Tuck was posted to 65(F) Squadron to fly Gloster Gauntlets and Gladiators. He was promoted to Flying Officer during 1938 and was selected to represent 65SQN on the Spitfire conversion course to be held at Duxford. The first Mk Ia that he flew was K9796 and it is safe to say, that it made a lasting impression on the young aviator. He returned to 65SQN on January 9th 1939, as one of the RAF’s first qualified Spitfire pilots. Following the outbreak of the second world war, he was made a flight commander in that unit.
Photo by Steve Tinsley