When people think about War World II Polish aces, many think of Francis Gabreski (28 victories), Stanislaw Skalski (21 victories), Witold Urbanowicz (18 victories) and Michal Gladych (17 victories). Most people forget Jan Zumbach was commander of the 303 Squadron from May 1942. Zumbach flew Spitfire RF-D BM144 during May of 1942 and was able to shoot down an Fw190 with this very aircraft. He scored 8 victories, 1 probable and 1 damaged in the Battle of Britain and ended his career with 12 1/3 confirmed victories.

I used Tamiya’s 1/48 Spitfire Mk. Vb to produce Jan Zumbach’s machine, adding an aftermarket seat to add realism to the cockpit. Artistically airbrushed original RAF colours were used, such as Dark Green and Ocean Grey over Medium Ocean Grey. The spinner was painted Sky and propeller blades were painted Flat Black with Yellow tips. Also note that the windshield rear mirror was raised in accordance to a photograph I was provided. I used Techmod’s decal sheet to apply exact markings including the Donald Duck and victory markings on the portside of the fuselage.

Above: Victory photo of Zumbach’s Spitfire. On the aircraft is the tail of a German JU88 with an inscription commemorating the 178th aircraft shot down by the Polish 303 squadron. Notice the raised rear view mirror on top of the front windshield.