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Main article:Supermarine SpitfireTheSupermarine Spitfire, the only British fighter to be manufactured before, during and after theSecond World War, was designed as a short-range fighter capable of defending Britain from bomber attack[1]and achieved legendary status fulfilling this role during theBattle of Britain.[2]According to fighter aceJ.E. "Johnnie" Johnsonit was the best conventional defensive fighter of the war.[3]As the war continued, however, the fighter evolved into a multi-role aircraft capable of operating in different environments.[4]For example, the Spitfire was a pioneer in the role of the unarmed, photo reconnaissance (P.R) aircraft which relied on high speed and high altitude to avoid detection and avoid attack.[5]Post-war the Spitfire was to continue to serve as a front line fighter and in secondary roles for several air forces well into the 1950s.[6]The last offensive sorties made by RAF Spitfires were flown by 60 Squadron Mk XVIIIs overMalayaon 1 January 1951.[7]