SPITFIRE | A Documentary

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  • čas přidán 29. 08. 2020
  • This documentary looks at one of the most iconic and beloved aircraft of all time, the Spitfire. Designed by R.J. Mitchell, this fighter was the pinnacle of aircraft design when it was built, and remained a legend when the age of jets took over. I take a look at its full story, from R.J. Mitchell's first steps as an aircraft designer, to the first Spitfires coming off the production line. Spitfires took part in all the major theatres during WWII, and I've hand-picked a few of its most notable experiences, detailing the role it had to play from shooting down He 111s during the Battle of Britain, to fighting Me 262 jets during the invasion.
    I've been especially careful to make sure every single fact, figure and story is checked to make sure I'm giving you the truth. However, given the scale of this project, and the fact it's only me doing the writing and research, mistakes are to be expected somewhere, so see below for what to do if you find any.
    Like I mentioned, this project was massive, probably the biggest thing I've ever done, and there was so much knowledge and information about the Spitfire and the events surrounding it that didn't make the cut, so if you have any questions, leave them below and I'll make sure to answer them as best I can. There are so many myths and lies that I've uncovered by just digging a little deeper, so clearing up any of those would be a pleasure.
    Twitter: / douglas33689714
    Ben G Thomas: / bengthomas
    Joe's Channel: / @joe_brennan_
    If you think I've got something incorrect, please leave a (pleasant) comment about it down below, I'll check it out. If you do so, make sure to use some sort of reliable source, in oppose to a generic website/CZcams video/Wikipedia. If I conclude that I was wrong, I'll pin a comment about it, or just pin your comment.
    Music attributions:
    Crusade Heavy Industry by Kevin MacLeod
    Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
    License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    Morgana Rides by Kevin MacLeod
    Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
    License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    Dark Times by Kevin MacLeod
    Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
    License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    Stay The Course by Kevin MacLeod
    Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
    License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    Thunderbird by Kevin MacLeod
    Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
    License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    Bittersweet by Kevin MacLeod
    Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
    License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
    Sources:
    McKinstry, Leo, Spitfire: Portrait of a Legend, (John Murray, 2007)
    March, Peter, The Spitfire Story, (Sutton Publishing Ltd., 2010)
    Keith, C.H., I Hold My Aim, (C. Tinling & Co., Ltd., 1946)
    Deere, Alan, Nine Lives, (Goodall Publications Ltd, 1999)
    Galland, Adolf, The First and the Last, (1954)
    Holland, James, Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege 1940-1943, (Miramax Books, 2003)
    www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeD...
    spitfiresite.com/2010/04/conci...
    Others

Komentáře • 875

  • @dougajames
    @dougajames  Před 3 lety +118

    Happy Birthday, Edward
    CORRECTION - at 22:17 I say 15,000 miles... it should be 1,500.
    Also, at 1:01:50 I say that all MkIVs were eventually fitted with the 'tear-drop' canopy as standard. 'fletsepopje' has claimed that this isn't true - F (fighter) variants were fitted with the 'bubble' canopy, and FR (fighter reconnaissance) were fitted with the 'tear-drop' ones. I cannot find anything to completely certify this but a quick google image search shows that this may well be true!
    Quick heads up, there may be mid-roll ads during the video, I plan to get rid of these once Audiomachine approves my request to remove their automatic claim on the video, which just take a day or two. (Edit: they were nice and quick and mid-roll ads have been removed)
    If you have any questions at all about the documentary or about the Spitfire itself (or even the events surrounding it), ask away and I'll do my best to answer.

    • @herbertkeithmiller
      @herbertkeithmiller Před 3 lety +13

      Wonderful documentary, when it started I thought ugg he's not going all the way back there. That lasted less than a minute though as ugg was quickly replaced by AAHH 😛.
      Your presentation was completely engaging.

    • @13mjunky
      @13mjunky Před 3 lety +5

      Thank you Ben and Doug. You two are a single prodigy!

    • @timkbirchico8542
      @timkbirchico8542 Před 3 lety +5

      Great vid, do a vid on operation Torch, as in how those Spitfires, and the fuel to run them, got to Malta.

    • @-TheRealChris
      @-TheRealChris Před 3 lety +11

      Magnificent documentary, I've devoured all the doco's on the spitfire i can get my hands on and this has to be the most complete in terms of start to finish history.Its detailed and emotional, obviously a huge amount of work, thank you.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +8

      @@-TheRealChris High praise indeed, thank you!

  • @alcoholfree6381
    @alcoholfree6381 Před rokem +8

    My father, who went to Heaven about 2.5 years ago, at age 93, was a bombardier in a B-17. He had lots of praise for the Spitfire: “Nothing could beat that plane and it’s pilots” He flew 25 missions starting on D-Day to 12/24/1944 at the Battle of the Bulge. He said there was very little Luftwaffe as the Spitfire has rid the sky of them. When he arrived in England they were told that the survival rate was 11%! The flak got most of them. Thank God for RJ Mitchell, the Spitfire and Britain. Without them I would not be here!! What a horrible war. My oldest son asks me why I study it so much? I just love the Brits and all they have done! Great study well done!! GOD bless you young man!

    • @walterkronkitesleftshoe6684
      @walterkronkitesleftshoe6684 Před rokem

      Thats great to hear "Alcohol", We thank your father and his compatriots for all they did in the fight against tyranny. Its so good to hear that there are still decent, intelligent Americans who think for themselves and don't fall for the nonsense of people who want our two countries at each others throats. Let the leaders kill one another, we "ordinary Joes in the street" need to be on the same side together. We're stronger like that, we always have been. All the best.

    • @hanknmosul
      @hanknmosul Před 4 měsíci

      I worked with Brits on attack helicopters (AH-64s) in Iraq and Afghanistan and I agree that they are a great group of guys. They never walk away from a job and give each other a hard time for any complaining. Great sense of humor too. A real pleasure to work with the Brits. God bless 'em.

  • @user-eq4on2ow6m
    @user-eq4on2ow6m Před 6 měsíci +4

    The word Spitfire has made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, ever since l was a child some 70 year ago! , it is an icon of British technology and a testament to the bravery and skill of pilots who flew them! Also never forget the words of another British hero Sir Winston Churchill! Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few!!! Thanks for such a brilliant video

  • @dsgp7835
    @dsgp7835 Před rokem +5

    My mother, an English war bride spoke fondly and with great pride about the Spitfire, and would quote Churchill's remark about the many owing to the few. I grew up hearing about warbirds from my father, a B17 mechanic. Very well done Douglas James!

  • @Dionaea_floridensis
    @Dionaea_floridensis Před 3 lety +81

    Dinosaur man is also a history man. This is good

    • @jesuschrist2284
      @jesuschrist2284 Před rokem

      He looks like a psychopath

    • @davidgladstone6588
      @davidgladstone6588 Před rokem +1

      Very good, and everyone can watch the movie about Mitchell with David Niven, which is very good watching . They of course did not reveal the nature of his disease. That he finished the Spit before he was finished himself is nothing but a miracle and his great courage is a living blessing to England forever.

    • @SuperMcmoo
      @SuperMcmoo Před rokem

      😊. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😅 M mx😅 😊

    • @SuperMcmoo
      @SuperMcmoo Před rokem

      😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

  • @ThrowerTimothy
    @ThrowerTimothy Před 3 lety +41

    This documentary truly is wunderbar

  • @JesusCruz-jo9ip
    @JesusCruz-jo9ip Před 3 lety +10

    Professional grade documentary. Ready for the BBC!

  • @Nibby12
    @Nibby12 Před 2 lety +34

    During the war my Grandfather singlehandedly destroyed 12 Me109's all in the one day. He was the worst mechanic in all of Germany!

    • @justrbloke
      @justrbloke Před rokem +2

      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @jackthebassman1
      @jackthebassman1 Před 6 měsíci

      That is soooooo funny 😂😂😂😂

    • @tinablack9510
      @tinablack9510 Před 6 měsíci +3

      We owe so much to so few

    • @steffk5878
      @steffk5878 Před 5 měsíci

      Wow, he was almost a triple ace in one day that history hasn't heard of. Incredible how there hasn't been a single documentary on him...what was his name and where did he come from??

    • @Nibby12
      @Nibby12 Před 5 měsíci

      @@steffk5878 it's a joke Steff 🤦

  • @asas-mb4wj
    @asas-mb4wj Před 3 lety +11

    im sending this to anyone i can think that would be interested. this will grow.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +3

      Thank you, I appreciate the shares!

  • @burtbackattack
    @burtbackattack Před 3 lety +156

    That really was fantastic, it still amazes me that small independent film makers can make such high quality documentaries without the backing of some television company and this really is one of the best I’ve seen. Thanks Ben for the heads up on this one, didn’t realise Doug even had his own channel. Subscribed.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +14

      Thank you!! I do try to make it feel as high-quality as possible so I'm glad it's paid off!

    • @kenster865
      @kenster865 Před 5 měsíci +1

      I'm just seeing this for the first time in Dec, 2023. I'm in violent agreement!! Just a fantastic production and presentation. I never realized that so many variants of the Spitfire were produced' I had seen a Griffin powered one at an airshow back in 2010 so I knew about that. Man, did I learn a lot from this. Thank you!! 👍👍

  • @HappyTrails1
    @HappyTrails1 Před 6 měsíci +4

    Glad I ran across this. This is the best documentary on the Spitfire I've ever seen. Mr. James handles the balance in data and story brilliantly (If I can say that as an American) and doesn't fall into the pitfall of rabbit holes of uninteresting data or lingering too long on some data points. I also enjoyed the balance of great supporting visuals vs all black and white seemingly from the same source as some do. Well done Chap. Subscribed.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 6 měsíci

      That's very, very kind of you to say! Thank you for watching and I'm very glad you enjoyed!

  • @BillHalliwell
    @BillHalliwell Před 2 lety +41

    G'day Doug, Firstly, let me say that this documentary shows a great talent for research and presentation as well as a strong on-screen presence. I'm ex-RAAF and later became involved in writing books, journalism and producing documentaries. In retirement I've spent around 15 years studying the history of WW2 and its air forces in particular.
    It is truly gratifying to see a member of the younger generation so passionate about WW2 history and, of course, about the amazing 'natural' engineering genius that R.J. Mitchell became.
    It is also great that you paid multiple tributes to George Smith who is usually 'written out' of the Spitfire story. Without Mr Smith there was a good chance that the Spitfire might not have had the continual improvements that kept it such a potent weapon for all of WW2.
    Also, you gave the Hawker Hurricane the credit that it so, rightly, deserved. Hurricanes did the 'heavy lifting' in the air war with the Nazis until, and even after the first Spitfires became operational.
    As you would know by now, the real heroes of the Battle of Britain were the young pilots from Britain and many Commonwealth countries who paid the ultimate price for keeping the Nazis from Britain's shores. The surviving pilots were just as heroic, yet I've never heard even one of them say so.
    The famous Churchill '...so few' comment; that later became part of a parliamentary statement and a radio broadcast, was probably the most heartfelt statement made by Churchill throughout the entire war, certainly up there with his admission that the only part of the Nazi campaign that truly frightened him was their U-boat offensive.
    I have all but two of the books you cite as your reference works for this video. So, you will know how much of the Spitfire story and the overall tale of the air war came down to simple coincidences, luck; both good and bad plus the phenomenal wartime spirit and work ethic of the people of the UK and her allies, in and out of uniform.
    Please keep making documentaries like this one. You have a real talent for them and loads of potential. As a first time effort, this video of yours is utterly outstanding!
    Cheers, and all the very best. BH

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 2 lety +8

      Thank you Bill, that's all very kind of you!
      It was a pleasure to make this documentary, and to learn (in a deeper way) about all the things you've talked about. History usually throws up incredible stories and the Spitfire's is no exception.
      It sounds like you have also led a fascinating life, and I'm chuffed that you enjoyed the documentary - thank you again!

    • @h.r.puffnstuff8705
      @h.r.puffnstuff8705 Před 4 měsíci

      Well said!

  • @protendi
    @protendi Před 3 lety +143

    The level of detail in this video is astounding! Well done Doug!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +5

      Thank you!

    • @davehiggins8083
      @davehiggins8083 Před 2 lety +8

      One of the best if not THE best accounts of a WW2 aircraft I've ever had the pleasure to view. Douglas James is an excellent writer, researcher and presenter. I'm looking forward to seeing more of his work.

  • @Kyle-gw6qp
    @Kyle-gw6qp Před 3 lety +4

    This video deserves to go viral

  • @filmdesigner
    @filmdesigner Před rokem +13

    You really should make a career of this. You are very clear to listen to. Your information is succinct and very professional.

  • @nightsazrael
    @nightsazrael Před 3 lety +21

    Best documentary on the Spitfire and the Battle of Britain, I have ever seen. Bravo

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +2

      High praise! I'm glad you enjoyed it :D

  • @jackthebassman1
    @jackthebassman1 Před 2 lety +8

    Thank you so much for making and posting this documentary, it is in my opinion the very best Spitfire documentary ever, enhanced by the superb and very realistic computer graphics and wonderful presentation.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 2 lety +1

      That's incredibly kind of you; thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

  • @nigelwinter8196
    @nigelwinter8196 Před rokem +5

    What a wonderful story of a great man and his legionary plane!
    Thank you so much for this excellent documentary!
    More of these types of programs please, love you to do a documentary of Sir Barnes Wallis.

  • @mbvoelker8448
    @mbvoelker8448 Před 3 lety +14

    This is amazing and I'm recommending to all the history buffs I know.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +4

      Thanks! I hope they enjoy it too!

  • @darthcheney7447
    @darthcheney7447 Před 3 lety +17

    But did the Spitfires have feathers? Asking for a friend. Great job as well

  • @jassonsw
    @jassonsw Před rokem +3

    Superb and very detailed documentary. Bravo.

  • @stephenpurton286
    @stephenpurton286 Před 2 lety +1

    1 hour, 11 minutes and 58 seconds very well spent. Brilliant.

  • @mrmaxi118
    @mrmaxi118 Před 3 lety +6

    I have been waiting for this for many moons. May gods praise be this day!

  • @kingdavewoody
    @kingdavewoody Před rokem +1

    my favourite spitfire documentary

  • @Vadjong
    @Vadjong Před 3 lety +6

    Spiffing show, laddy!

  • @welshparamedic
    @welshparamedic Před 3 lety +10

    Just discovered this brilliant and very comprehensive account on the Spitfire, it's history, deployment, development and legacy. I have watched countless Spitfire documentaries and have a dozen books on this, the most famous of all British military aircraft.
    Your Film is the best by far, I thankyou and thought I may add that the first time I saw one was as a boy growing up in the then British crown colony of Hong Kong. My father who himself had been in the RAF and then joined The Hong Kong Police, would regularly take myself and my brother to Kai-Tak airport as he always loved anything aviation related, something I have inherited from him. It was on those visits that dad showed me the Spitfires that were then Flown by the RAF's Hong Kong auxiliary squadron. Even as a young boy (this was in the 50's) I was captivated by it's sleek menacing lines. I have been a fan ever since.
    One incident not mentioned was the case when the RAF tested its English Electric Lightening Supersonic Jet fighters against a spitfire, I'm not which far east country this was but apparently intelligence stated that the potential combatants in some conflict may indeed use P51 mustangs against the RAF lightnings and the RAF used a spitfire to assess how a piston engine fighter would fare against the Jet. It came as no surprise that it would not have fared well but this, I believe was the very last time the RAF officially used the spitfire in an official operational role. I can find more information on the incident if required, It's in one of the many publications I have regarding this almost mythical airplane.
    Once again I pay tribute to your film. Many thanks.
    |PS New subscriber!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +2

      Thank you so much for your kind praise - and your story!
      I do think you're right actually - while I can't remember for sure whether or not it was the last time the RAF officially used the Spitfire operationally (although I think it was), I had heard that story of it being used against the Lightnings for tests - fascinating stuff!

  • @Newt2799
    @Newt2799 Před 3 lety +6

    Sent over from Ben G Thomas. This is a quality documentary man you should be proud.

  • @TheBurtonian
    @TheBurtonian Před 3 lety +34

    Great Documentary. I wonder how many Spitfire models ive built as a kid in the early 80ies. One of my favourite aircrafts indeed.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +5

      I've still got my Mk IX Spitfire that I made as my first Airfix model. It used to hang from the ceiling with a Bf 110, and it's nice to still see it around.

    • @Crosshatch1212
      @Crosshatch1212 Před rokem +2

      My mam built the real things ,aged 17 and her sister .riveter n wirer .heard some brilliant story’s from my mum and then when I went down Cornwall I found out that she had been up in one with a American she was seeing .I never knew that Americans had flown them and polish austrailian .etc etc , the work hours they put in was mad but they had some great times .dancing was what they all looked frwrd to on there days off .crazy times but wonderful times .I had a hard time getting my head round that ,lol .

  • @herrunsinn774
    @herrunsinn774 Před 3 lety +8

    Quite honestly, when the video first began, I wasn't expecting much from a presenter of such obvious youth. I ended up humbled that my initial skepticism could have been so far off the mark. The level of maturity and presentation skills of Mr. James were as good as (or better than) I have ever seen. Excellent!

  • @fury4539
    @fury4539 Před rokem

    What a great documentary!! Finally someone touched all the history of The Supermarine Spitfire, and not just the Battle of Britain.
    This is proof of downfall of conventional TV documentaries.
    Amazing!

  • @darrengiddings8229
    @darrengiddings8229 Před rokem +12

    A masterpiece of Spitfire history and chronology, told by an extraordinarily
    good host. Splendid !

  • @Nave4x4
    @Nave4x4 Před 3 lety +11

    One of the best documentaries I've seen, and I've seen a lot...
    Albeit not a Spitfire fan, this got me hooked to the screen.
    Also...
    War Thunder!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +3

      Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

  • @marekkocon7407
    @marekkocon7407 Před 2 lety +8

    I'm here because I've been reading an amazing diary of a WW2 French pilot of a Spitfire - Pierre Clostermann "The big show".
    I really recommend it. This superb documentary is a technically comprehensive and historically accurate gem! Keep up the good work guys

  • @rokasbalciunas8058
    @rokasbalciunas8058 Před 3 lety +20

    This documentary is so well built, that can even compete with the documentaries made by TV companies! Use of CGI, art, photos and actual footage looks so professional. Thank you, Dough 👍

  • @ulissessimondasilveira225

    The best documentary on spitfire and how Chamberlain and Dowding created the world's first early warning system

  • @jimsouthlondon7061
    @jimsouthlondon7061 Před rokem +1

    So many Spitfires have survived into heritage museums today shows just how good they are.

  • @serenityflies1462
    @serenityflies1462 Před 2 lety +2

    Thankyou R J Mitchell, your legacy lives on. You saved us, RIP in Our Fathers Eternal care 🙏🙏❤❤❤❤

  • @2ezee2011
    @2ezee2011 Před 3 lety +7

    in depth and done with passion. Thanks for that

  • @DavidWillisSLS
    @DavidWillisSLS Před 3 lety +6

    I clicked on this video after seeing it in the end card of Bens channel thinking “oh I’ll just watch the first few mins then go do other things”
    Now an hour later and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the entire video WAY more than I thought I would! Congratulations you’ve made a masterpiece!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you! I'm glad it was so engaging!

    • @DavidWillisSLS
      @DavidWillisSLS Před 3 lety

      Doug A James no problem! You’ve earned a new subscriber for sure!

  • @ianbutler1983
    @ianbutler1983 Před 2 lety +29

    Absolutely amazing Doug. I used to watch historical documentaries on the History Channel. Now it has idiots who build motorcycles engaged in manufactured drama and screaming at each other. Thanks to talented filmmakers such as yourself we can still enjoy wonderful programs. Thanks.

  • @dyslexiusmaximus
    @dyslexiusmaximus Před 3 lety +3

    omg the script is so great

  • @Nathan-ng1jt
    @Nathan-ng1jt Před 2 lety +7

    It gives me much hope seeing an intelligent young man with such passion and interest in the past. Great content thank you.

  • @caloricphlogistonandthelum4008

    One of the best documentaries about the Spitfire I've ever seen - brilliant.

  • @eamo106
    @eamo106 Před 3 lety +4

    The most complete history I have ever seen, followed for 30 years and impressive ! Your production should be vaunted History channel or other series , thank you , I never saw anything better ! I was born in Stoke on Trent, Mitchel's home town, glory for ever but a lie as Smith developed, it needed more people and force to follow through to the end! thank you for your research! Why can you not get this taken to a series on History or AHC ? Watched this video all the way though , 1952,,,15th February ... last words. Amazing !

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you!! That's some high praise!

    • @eamo106
      @eamo106 Před 3 lety

      @@dougajames sell this to a production company , excellent !

  • @paulmaidment1158
    @paulmaidment1158 Před 3 lety +5

    This is an excellent documentary and the best spitfire one I have watched.

  • @sil3ntsp3ct3r
    @sil3ntsp3ct3r Před 2 lety +1

    Phenomenal.
    Crazy how just some dude can make a better doc on his own than all these big networks.
    Keep it up!!!!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 2 lety +1

      Oh you're too kind! I do my best to make it look professional so I'm glad it looks good!

    • @sil3ntsp3ct3r
      @sil3ntsp3ct3r Před 2 lety

      @@dougajames War Thunder lol? Was actually a nice touch, a lot better than the clunky CG in other docs.

  • @johnnyx9892
    @johnnyx9892 Před rokem +1

    BRAVO! Excellent film. You did justice to Mr. Mitchell and his vision.

  • @alacrityaudiooffice7716
    @alacrityaudiooffice7716 Před rokem +1

    "He was the first of the Few". OMG [bursts into tears] So true. Keep fighting.

  • @IncogNito-gg6uh
    @IncogNito-gg6uh Před 7 měsíci +1

    You have risen the bar for aviation documentaries into the stratosphere.

  • @The_PokeSaurus
    @The_PokeSaurus Před 3 lety +2

    After so many months of having this in my Watch Later playlist, I finally got to it, and it is amazing.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Haha it's been a while - but I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you :D

  • @brambam
    @brambam Před 3 lety +15

    I've heard parts of the spitfire's story here and there being interested in aviation, but never in this much detail. Thanks for enlightening me on the complete story of this icon! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

  • @jerrybootneck1736
    @jerrybootneck1736 Před rokem +2

    Excellent documentary

  • @dungbeetle.
    @dungbeetle. Před rokem +1

    Have come back to watch this again several times now.
    Well done. An excellent video, sir.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před rokem

      I'm very glad to hear it was so entertaining - thank you so much for your kind words!

  • @George.Andrews.
    @George.Andrews. Před 7 měsíci +1

    This makes me so proud of our British engineers

  • @fifteenbyfive
    @fifteenbyfive Před rokem +1

    As a Yankee I'm partial to the P-51. I also overappreciate the underappreciated Japanese fighters like the Ki-84 Hayate and the A7M Reppu. But I have to admit, the Supermarine Spitfire is the King of WW2 fighters. Even today to fly such a craft with the giant Griffon thundering in front of you...it is alive. The power...you can hear its heartbeat. You can feel its breath. Designed to dominate in combat. The old beast, so visceral. It's fun to imagine the history and the perilous adventures of England, when the Mk Vs had to go up against the brand new Fw-190s. Drama! Modern propeller driven airplanes are on antidepressants by comparison.

    • @vumba1331
      @vumba1331 Před rokem

      An interesting point is that the group from England that visited North American avaiation looking for aircraft, included one of the Supermarine company's aerodynamics designer who was responsible for all of the fairing design for the Spitfire especially where the wing met the fuselage. When he and the others saw the design they were immediately concerned about the cross sectional area of the aircraft, in true American fashion it was big, so they narrowed the fuselage redicing the area and redsigned the wing filleting at the same time.
      If you look closely you can see the family resemblance and the careful work of the aerodynamic design and also appreciate that this fighter is the only American design that did not have a cockpit the size of a dance hall! The book written by this aerodynamics guy was most interesting.

    • @fifteenbyfive
      @fifteenbyfive Před rokem

      @@vumba1331 Sounds like the Spitfire was quite an influence on the Mustang's design. And of course just the engines themselves were a major contribution.

  • @butterflybud1
    @butterflybud1 Před rokem +1

    The best documentary on the spitfire and Mitchell that I have seen.Many thanks.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před rokem

      Thank you! I'm very glad you enjoyed!

  • @cpcattin
    @cpcattin Před 2 lety

    This documentary is a prime example of the extraordinary skill of the British at combining exquisite storytelling with sophisticated weaving of documentary facts and high quality cinematography that leaves the viewer educated and entertained. Bravo ! We Americans are grateful for British mastery of this important skill of mixing science and art to enthrall fortunate viewers today and forever. Congratulations !

  • @derekfromtauranga6012
    @derekfromtauranga6012 Před 2 lety +8

    Wow what an amazing history of the Spitfire. I never knew so many variants had been produced. It certainly was the right aircraft for the times.

  • @damwonstyx1169
    @damwonstyx1169 Před 2 lety +5

    Excellent documentary - huge amount of effort put it to this and it is clearly visible

  • @beachcomber2008
    @beachcomber2008 Před rokem +1

    Richer in historical detail than my memory. Thanks.

  • @vegascad
    @vegascad Před rokem +1

    The final sound is the one that remains in my heart...

  • @JohnSmith-fp9li
    @JohnSmith-fp9li Před 3 lety +6

    absolutly amazing! best spitfire documentary i have ever seen! flawless

  • @SuperMartimusPrime13
    @SuperMartimusPrime13 Před 3 lety +10

    Well done, hope the BBC documentary folks take notice... you deserve to be going places with this level of production quality on what I assume is a non existent budget. Well done indeed

  • @dalj4362
    @dalj4362 Před 3 měsíci

    The Spitfire just has an aura about it. A thing of beauty and that sound.....the best sound in the world!!!!!

  • @cdubsoptional7849
    @cdubsoptional7849 Před 3 lety +15

    I paused at 2mins 37secs to say that this documentary of yours is very impressive. I've never heard of the Schneider Trophy, and that's already something I've bookmarked to spend a few hours doing a deep dive on later. I always tell people that if they really want the nitty gritty, blood and guts details about pretty much anything, they have to read books and academic papers. In general, no other medium is capable of providing the high grade, uncut knowledge that the true history junkie craves. But if the first few minutes are any indication of the quality of the rest of this production, I'm probably going to have to revise that statement. Cheers and such.

    • @Spartanm333
      @Spartanm333 Před rokem +1

      If you haven't already, watch this - the original movie of the early Schneider Trophy / Spitfire story : czcams.com/video/VAwDhNJtzYo/video.html Directed and starring Leslie Howard as R J Mitchell

    • @cdubsoptional7849
      @cdubsoptional7849 Před rokem

      @@Spartanm333 I haven't, so thank you. This looks incredible, and I don't know how to repay you, other than with a clutch recommendation of my own. Have you ever seen GI Samurai, starring Sonny Chiba? If not, then I have repaid your favor tenfold.

  • @grego15
    @grego15 Před 2 lety +2

    My dad has a colostomy bag since the mid 90s . Our family gives him the highest praise for to endure such a disability is unimaginably difficult physically and psychologically . It changed him as a man. It limits everything you do. Imagine wherever you go, at all times, you have to be prepared for the most embarrassing event, because you have to constantly check(with hand pressure) whether the bag is full and you have a backup plan if it is full and overflows or merely falls off .It Can and has happened anywhere, dining out, the movies etc.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for sharing that. I've never known anyone with a colostomy bag, it must be such aggravating burden. My respect to your father!

  • @pvtsmith299
    @pvtsmith299 Před 3 lety +8

    Excellent video Doug. I didn't know Seafires shot down the last planes of the war. I visited that museum in Southampton a few years ago. It's wonderful.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Unfortuantely due to what we were doing I didn't get the chance to have a proper look around it, but in what I was able to see it really seems like a place packed full of interesting stuff, and the staff are all wonderful

    • @tonym480
      @tonym480 Před 3 lety +1

      I agree about Southampton. Although the museum is quite small there is a huge amount to see. It is worth the visit just to see the S6, an amazing aeroplane and engine.

  • @lauriecroad3186
    @lauriecroad3186 Před 2 lety +2

    I do like the eulogy... R.J.Mitchell - The First Of The Few... (Got me right in the feels...).

  • @gregmccartney5780
    @gregmccartney5780 Před rokem +1

    You’re a credit to your craft. Professional.

  • @thomasmarren2354
    @thomasmarren2354 Před 3 lety +12

    The Spitfire was the sexiest and badass fighter of World War 2.

    •  Před 3 lety

      *Laughs in focke wulf fw 190*

    • @MDzmitry
      @MDzmitry Před 3 lety

      @ personal tastes, mate. I'm not shoving Yaks up your face, you know.

    •  Před 3 lety

      @@MDzmitry well I am!! Nahahaha I'm so evil rn

    • @MDzmitry
      @MDzmitry Před 3 lety

      @Hoa Tattis I'd like to see the sources, without any sarcasm.
      If it really happened, I'll only feel more respect towards the Spitfire and its pilots

    • @MDzmitry
      @MDzmitry Před 3 lety

      @Hoa Tattis Thank you very much

  • @fenderfetish
    @fenderfetish Před rokem +6

    This is THE best non-commercial presentation I've yet seen on CZcams - and a great subject to boot! Thank you and I look forward to seeing more of the work on your channel =^)

  • @biteszadusto8854
    @biteszadusto8854 Před 3 lety +4

    holy shit this is going to be a one hour fun ride

  • @alcoholfree6381
    @alcoholfree6381 Před rokem +2

    Absolutely superb with all of the history tied into the narrator showing the various models that were made. R. J. Mitchell was a marvelous man that had rock-solid faith in his country and consequently designed and built the renowned Spitfire which ended up being instrumental in Britain defeating Germany in the Battle of Britain! What a story; what a man, he was dedicated to his mission in life. He’s a great role model for all of us. Thanks for making and posting this marvelous documentary!!

  • @axeltee1968
    @axeltee1968 Před 3 lety +4

    Very, very good!
    I just wanted to to take a short glimpse on it, with the intention to watch it piecemeal over the next days (because of its length).
    But i got caught, and watched in one go!

  • @dafyddllewellyn6636
    @dafyddllewellyn6636 Před rokem

    An outstanding documentary. A few details in the Spitfire's development that you might like to add are:
    (i) The introduction of 100 octane fuel; together with a revised combustion-chamber shape in the RR Merlin. This was applied to the Merlin II and III, and with variable-pitch propellers, substantially increased the climb performance in time for the Battle of Britain. The availability of 100 octane fuel was due to the pre-war work of Jimmy Doolittle (who later commanded the American daylight bombing effort). It was basically to counter the ME 109E
    (ii) The Mk V (to counter the ME 109F) was basically a Spitfire Mk II with the Merlin 45 engine.
    (iii) The Mk IX was a stop-gap upgrade because the Mk VIII was still in development, and the FW 190 was making mincemeat of the Spitfire MkV; it was essentially a Mk V airframe with a Merlin 61 with two-stage supercharger and intercooler; it also had two underwing radiators.
    The Mk VIII was the ultimate Merlin-engined Spitfire, having Merlin 60 engines, 3 sub-variants optimised for low, medium, or high altitude. The Mk IX had a fixed tailwheel, the Mk VIII had a retractable tailwheel. The Mk VIII was used in Burma and Australia
    The Mk 12 was a Mk V airframe with a Griffon III engine, and was an interim type introduced to deal with the FW 190 low-level bombing raids on the English coast.
    The Mk 14 was a Mk VIII airframe with a Griffon 61 engine
    (Data from "Spitfire - the history" ISBN 0 946219 10 9)

  • @nickrollings8839
    @nickrollings8839 Před rokem +4

    Fantastically well researched documentary and very well made by just 2x guys (going by the credits), just shows talent always shines through without needing large budgets.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před rokem

      That's very kind of you - thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed!

  • @Laura-S196
    @Laura-S196 Před 3 lety +5

    Wonderful indeed!. Outstanding documentary!

  • @oneshotme
    @oneshotme Před 3 lety +2

    Enjoyed your video I gave it a Thumbs Up

  • @Abahrelgazalia
    @Abahrelgazalia Před 3 lety +15

    This is really a fantastic piece of work. I'm amazed that you put together a feature length-and-quality documentary with two people and passion.

  • @toshibavoodoo
    @toshibavoodoo Před 3 lety +4

    So Excited to watch, Glad it is a long video. Will get it up on the big screen this week, and enjoy it. GREAT CHANNEL!!

  • @leno4920
    @leno4920 Před rokem +1

    Like its subject this documentary has been crafted with style, flair & attention to detail . My compliments.

  • @HSPGelton2
    @HSPGelton2 Před 3 lety +7

    Yep Blown away, Doug.
    This is outstanding in every respect! I fully believe you've got the potential to make it to television, if you wanted (BBC take note). Bravo, young man!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you! We'll see what the future holds but I just hope I have fun whatever I do

    • @topspeed250k5
      @topspeed250k5 Před rokem +1

      Fully agree! I really hope to see &hear you in a more public role, we need a successor to the great Attenborough and you have the voice for it. Educate the masses. I've offered my comment on correct grammar & hope you take it in the spirit that it's given.

  • @smitty1647
    @smitty1647 Před 3 lety +5

    so it turns out according to ben thomas that this channel exists. i'm happy to see i was not misled

  • @b.a.t..
    @b.a.t.. Před 3 lety +3

    This is an amazing video with the quality of the best documantarys

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you!

    • @b.a.t..
      @b.a.t.. Před 3 lety

      @@dougajames we thank you for this video

  • @jayfreedom
    @jayfreedom Před rokem +1

    Last 15 seconds. Full volume. Wunderbar!

  • @brentonclark6247
    @brentonclark6247 Před 2 lety +4

    I do believe that was the best documentary I have ever seen on the spitfire. Very impressive effort. Thank you.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 2 lety

      I'm sure there are plenty better, but thank you!! I'm very glad you enjoyed!

  • @gustavderkits8433
    @gustavderkits8433 Před 3 lety +6

    Excellent presentation. Very high production values compared with most CZcams work.

  • @alejandrofalconh
    @alejandrofalconh Před 3 lety +15

    Thanks for this great documentary. I can't imagine the amount of effort put into this... wonderful indeed.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +3

      Kind praise such as this always makes it worth it, I'm glad you enjoyed!

  • @HenrythePaleoGuy
    @HenrythePaleoGuy Před 3 lety +9

    Excellent work, Doug!

  • @andrewboulton5271
    @andrewboulton5271 Před 3 lety +5

    Forgot to say most the footage of the spit was from war thunder 😉 other then that best video about how it became so iconic

  • @omegadun66
    @omegadun66 Před rokem +3

    This was very well done, thank you for the insights to this amazing and beautiful machine. It looks so fast and nimble just sitting on the ground.

  • @jonwashburn7999
    @jonwashburn7999 Před 3 lety +3

    Thanks for the documentary.

  • @davethebeard2706
    @davethebeard2706 Před 3 lety +11

    That was a amazingly well done program! Doug much respect and honor to you! I truly look forward to whatever you have planned next.

  • @solospirit4212
    @solospirit4212 Před 3 lety +2

    That was one of the best Spitfire documentaries I have seen..thank you 👍😎

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you! I hope it's worthy of that praise!

  • @renemenard8155
    @renemenard8155 Před rokem +4

    Very happy I found this . You are a very talented man. This is the era of aircraft I’d love to be restoring ,I’ve been a aviation structural mech for 33 years .I am looking forward to more from u.Best of luck

  • @jonboy9912
    @jonboy9912 Před rokem

    My Father died over 30 years ago, he was groundcrew on these and many more British aircraft in the War. How I wished I could have say with him through this wonderful documentary so brilliantly researched, produced and presented. Wunderbar - indeed! RIP Dad.

    • @jonboy9912
      @jonboy9912 Před rokem +1

      Correction - meant sat not say!

  • @dalj4362
    @dalj4362 Před rokem +1

    It's one of the best fighters in WW2 if not the best. Beautiful plane with an awesome engine. Not many come close to the Spitfire.

  • @shanehebert3237
    @shanehebert3237 Před 3 lety +16

    Incredibly well done and well worth the wait. Was definitely not expecting an hour and ten minutes. Congratulations and I sincerely hope the CZcams recommends this to more people, because this deserves to be a million + view video.

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 3 lety +1

      I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank thank you for your continued support across our channels :D

  • @firevr
    @firevr Před 2 lety +7

    Excellent documentary guys! This aircraft always stirs emotion when I see it and I am reminded of what it achieved in the hands of the brave RAF pilots that flew it. Thank you.

  • @skyespye6053
    @skyespye6053 Před 2 lety +2

    Fantastic documentary excellent accuracy the timeline is perfect and what else can you say except this is about the best documentary that I have seen on any subject!

    • @dougajames
      @dougajames  Před 2 lety

      That's so kind of you - thank you!