Photo likely taken at Northolt were No 253 Sqn worked up on 'well-worn Hurricane Mk Is, fitted with two-bladed airscrews and fabric wings' from February 1940. They became operational in April. Defending Marcq airfield in Lille, L1674 was shot down by a Bf 109 of I./JG 3 on 19 May. Flt Lt Harry Anderson, the commander of the squadron's B Flight, was killed. Photo by: William Vandivert / Life

The B-24 prototype, first flown on 29 December 1939. It received a new serial, 39-560, when modified as the XB-24B. Photo by: Peter Stackpole / Life

Blenheim Mk.IF night fighters were the first aircraft equipped with radar. The unit is almost certainly No 604 Sqn. L6807 was one of the first IFs with this squadron in November 1939. The second aircraft, L6607, was at one time NG-A and appears to be wearing that 604 Sqn code. Photo by: William Vandivert / Life

The CW-21B lightweight fighter prototype framed with the CW-20 large airliner prototype NX19436, which first flew around the photo date on 26 March, initially with double tailfins, and was ordered by the US Army as the C-46 Commando. Photo by: Arthur Witman / State Historical Society of Missouri

Monospar shortly after impressment by the RAF for use by 110 (Anti-Aircraft Co-operation) Wing based at Ringway. It still wears G-ADLL on its new camouflage scheme, but quickly became X9341. Allocated to No. 7 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit in May 1940 and withdrawn in February 1943. Obtained from Manchester Airport over 40 years ago.