Supermarine Spitfire X1 (PR) Photographic Reconnaissance from 1944 – EN654 This is a digital copy from an original Silver Chloride Photograph. The original photograph is in a very fragile condition (browning, scratches and curling). It has been scanned at a high resolution to produce this quality image. From notes, on the reverse of the photograph, the facts regarding this image are as follows:- Supermarine Spitfire X1 (PR) Photographic Reconnaissance from 1944 – EN654 The photograph was taken June/July 1944 and can be seen here on a test flight, being flown by Jeffrey Quill, Vickers-Supermarine's Chief Test Pilot. The PR Spitfires had the armaments removed and cameras were mounted in the fuselage. Their role was specific and highly dangerous - fly into enemy territory, at an operational height of 30,000 feet at speeds over 400 m.p.h, photograph enemy positions and rapidly head home. Spitfire EN 654 was attached to 16 Squadron. In June 1945 Spitfire EN 654 was specially modified as a mail carrier for service with the Fighter Command Communications Squadron. This is from my father’s collection of photographs. Unfortunately I have no other information about this image. Image size A3 Supplied on a Satin Photographic paper, SRA3 = Size 330mm x 483mm. (Please refer to “The Technical Bit”) Print Ref:- AIR-0013