Originally Posted by
treadigraph
Castle Bromwich production started with the Mk II!
Now there is a story that that needs 'exploring'. Despite a huge investment in the latest equipment and production space where were the Spitfires when needed in 1940.
JQ and AH books broach the subject, but it seems that considering we 'could' have needed the machines in 1939 how was this facility allowed to fall so far behind in its ability to produce such an important requirement. Luckily the Luftwaffe failed to knock out the Supermarine production in Southampton when it should have done, thereby confirming that battles are frequently won by making the least mistakes.