Spitfire PR of No. 541 Squadron RAF Desk Mat

Sale price$19.99 USD

Tax excluded.


A Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk XI of No. 541 Squadron RAF, based at Benson, Oxfordshire, in July 1944, flies overhead.  The aircraft, PL775, showcases the distinctive 'split-pair' camera ports located under the fuselage, just aft of the wing roots.

 

No. 541 Squadron RAF was a photo-reconnaissance (PR) unit formed during World War II, specialising in high-altitude, long-range missions to gather intelligence on enemy positions, infrastructure, and movements. The squadron operated Supermarine Spitfire PR variants, which were modified specifically for reconnaissance roles. These aircraft were stripped of armament to save weight and equipped with additional fuel tanks and cameras, enabling them to fly deep into enemy territory undetected.

Formed in October 1942, No. 541 Squadron played a vital role in providing detailed photographic intelligence that was crucial for planning Allied operations, including the Normandy invasion and bombing campaigns. Their Spitfires flew missions over occupied Europe, taking high-resolution images of German military installations, railways, and other strategic targets. The squadron's pilots faced immense risks, often flying alone and at extreme altitudes to avoid detection, making their missions some of the most dangerous of the war.