This aptly named decal sheet is devoted to Spitfires of 457 Squadron RAAF. The release is available separately in both 1/72 and 1/48 scales.

It represents 4 aircraft that were based in the United Kingdom during the period 1941-42. Spitfire types covered are the Mk I, Mk IIA, and the Mk Vb. As a result, modellers should take care that their kit has the modifications necessary to portray the chosen subject.

There is also another point to consider. During mid-May 1941, revised national markings were introduced as the bright red of the roundel was deemed to attract the attention of the enemy gunners. As the subjects of this sheet were already in service around this time (and the changes would take some time to implement retrospectively), it has been assumed that the earlier red was still in use.

This appears to be backed up by photographs and therefore it is the brighter of the two that is found on this product.

The camouflage scheme consists of RAF Dark Green and Ocean Grey upper surfaces with Medium Sea Grey lower surfaces. The fuselage band and spinner were Sky as was the squadron codes. An Australian flag graced the cockpit door and what appears to be a white rabbit can be seen beneath the windscreen.

Once again we see the standard RAF Dark Green and Ocean Grey upper surfaces with Medium Sea Grey lower surfaces. Sky was used for the spinner and squadron code as well as the fuselage band.

This time we find the aircraft sporting the RAF Dark Green and Dark Earth combination with Sky Type S lower surfaces. This early war scheme also utilized Sky for the fuselage band and spinner, but with Medium Sea Grey being used for the squadron codes. Painted in white below the cockpit of this presentation aircraft, we find the town “Charleville” and a convincing map of Australia.

We are back to the standard RAF Dark Green, Ocean Grey and Medium Sea Grey combination for this machine. It was flown by the 14 victory ace Flight Lieutenant J.A.A. Gibson who was also “B” Flight Commander. Interestingly he is the only Allied pilot believed to have flown in the Battle of Britain, Battle of France, ETO and SWPA.