‘Grey Nurse’

No. 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force became known as ‘Grey Nurse Squadron’ after repainting their newly arrived Spitfire Mk.VIII with distinctive shark mouths. Originally tasked with the air defence of Darwin, the squadron was soon moved northwards to Morotai and eventually Labuan to primarily conduct ground attack missions against the Japanese forces. The aircraft portrayed is that of 457’s commanding officer, Sqn. Ldr. Bruce Watson DFC.

452 Pieces  |  3 x Decal Options |  1:24 Mode

Decal Options included:

Includes Australian Decal - ‘Grey Nurse’ Scheme

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII

The Spitfire's design was remarkably adaptable, allowing it to be upgraded throughout WWII. Initially deployed in 1938, it faced a significant challenge in 1941 from the superior Focke Wulf Fw190. Although a new variant, the Mk.VIII, was in development, it wasn't ready for production. Instead, the hybrid Mk.IX was introduced as a stop-gap solution and proved highly effective against the Fw190. The Mk.VIII, once produced, featured advancements like a strengthened fuselage, retractable tail wheel, and new rudder, and it was used primarily by overseas RAF and RAAF units. Pilots often considered the Mk.VIII the best version of the Spitfire.