Once again, the pilot is more interesting than the plane, here the Spitfire Mk1A of "Sailor" Malan, with its narrow yellow ring on the fuselage roundels and extended "P."
Leader of No. 74 Squadron and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar, the South African was the most influential pilot in 11 Group and author of a set of tactical rules that were posted throughout the dispersal huts of Fighter Command.
1. Wait until you see the whites of his eyes. Fire short bursts of 1 to 2 seconds and only when your sights are definitely 'ON.'
2. Whilst shooting think of nothing else, brace the whole of the body, have both hands on the stick, concentrate on your ring sight.
3. Always keep a sharp lookout. "Keep your finger out!"
4. Height gives You the initiative.
5. Always turn and face the attack.
6. Make your decisions promptly. It is better to act quickly even though your tactics are not the best.
7. Never fly straight and level for more than 30 seconds in the combat area.
8. When diving to attack always leave a proportion of your formation above to act as top guard.
9. INITIATIVE, AGGRESSION, AIR DISCIPLINE, and TEAM WORK are words that MEAN something in Air Fighting.
10. Go in quickly--Punch hard--Get out!
"Sailor" Malan took his nickname from having been in the Mercantile Marine as a teenager, the sobriquet certainly preferable to his given name of "Adolf."
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