Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb, 1941. The iconic British Second World War fighter was designed by Reginald Mitchell. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, the Spitfire was integral to Britain's front-line air defences during the war and, together with the Hawker Hurricane fighter, played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. The Mk V was introduced in 1941. A print from British Fighters, by Lawrence Fairhall, London Robert Ross & Co Ltd, 1941. (Colorised black and white print).