interesting, i was reading 'The Spitfire Story' by Alfred Price page 78, also very good reading.
guess it took them a while to 'initiate'
thanks for the book suggestion, will check it out.
EDIT
wow, if this is the book, might have to shop around, £75 pounds is a bit steep!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Spitfire-His.../dp/0946219486