The Model The model has been built from an Italeri kit. It was a simple build and not complicated in any way. Little bit of filling at the wing roots but apart from that a good fit. It represents a Spitfire F Mk.IXc, MK329 JE-J JR, flown by the Canadian fighter ace W/Cdr. Johnnie Johnson who named his aircraft ‘Junior’ hence the Jr. addition to the serial number. It is an unusual subject as in its cargo. The aircraft is adorned with the D-day black and white stripes. However, after D-day supplies had to be flown and shipped in for the advancing troops. After some weeks the need for liquid refreshment amongst the British troops became apparent in the form of beer. Johnson would fly casks of beer slung under the wings in place of bombs with a central tank under the fuselage, also full of beer instead of fuel. These flights of mercy were carried out by several squadrons during the advance across Northern France. However, despite thorough cleansing the troops would complain of a slight fuel taste in their ale so the use of fuel tanks was stopped. The casks were fitted with cradles which attached to the bomb racks with cone shaped fairings facing frontways for aero dynamics and many casks were flown in from the UK.