Supermarine's Spitfire is undoubtedly one of the iconic fighters of WWII, and continues to garner support from warbird enthusiasts worldwide. 22 distinct major versions of the Spitfire were developed to meet the operational demands of the war. Australia's involvement with the Spitfire began in the United Kingdom, where around thirty Australian pilots served with Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. The Australian Air Force employed the Spitfire in the defense of Northern Australia with No. 1 Fighter Wing in 1943.