Which is proper?

[Wing Nut]

Anyone know what is the official way to write what is below?  

Spitfire MK Vb

Spitfire MkVb

Spitfire MkVB

Spitfire Mk 5b

Spitfire Mk5b

[C]

Anyone know what is the official way to write what is below?  

Spitfire MK Vb

Spitfire MkVb

Spitfire MkVB

Spitfire Mk 5b

Spitfire Mk5b

I would tend to err towards "Spitfire Mk VB". Of course, to throw a spanner in, it could be a Spitfire LF Mk VB!

Throughout Spitfire development the pattern was (for example) Mk IX, generally prefixed by LF (Low altitude - first used by the V, F meaning fighter), F, or HF ("High"). The final prefix would be PR. Roman numerals were used until the Mk XX, then the final two, the 22 and 24 used normal numbers.

[Hagar]

Of course, to throw a spanner in, it could be a Spitfire LF. Mk. Vb!

You & your blasted cropped wingtips.

I think it's usually written Spitfire Mk Vb etc. (without the full stop)
At least, it is in my special Spitfire 70 edition of Flypast magazine.

[C]

You & your blasted cropped wingtips.

I think it's usually written Spitfire Mk Vb etc. (without the full stop)
At least, it is in my special Spitfire 70 edition of Flypast magazine.

Mmm, I've seen both capitals and lower case for the "b" (and a and c). That was the only bit I was felling inconclusive about.

[Woodlouse2002]

Mmm, I've seen both capitals and lower case for the "b" (and a and c). That was the only bit I was felling inconclusive about.

While difficult with the upper or lower case B it has to be said that Mk 2A or Mk VA or Mk VC doesn't really look right. Therefore, lower case.

[C]

While difficult with the upper or lower case B it has to be said that Mk 2A or Mk VA or Mk VC doesn't really look right. Therefore, lower case.

Certainly a capital A doesn't look right. I'm tending to agree with Doug (and my original post, before I did the silly thing of checking my facts on the Spitfire Society website!).

A Mk 2A should indeed be a IIa

[Woodlouse2002]

Certainly a capital A doesn't look right. I'm tending to agree with Doug (and my original post, before I did the silly thing of checking my facts on the Spitfire Society website!).

A Mk 2A should indeed be a IIa

And therefore a Mk VB should be a Vb.

So thats that sorted.

Next!

[C]

Next!

" 'Ello, I wish to register a complaint..."

[Wing Nut]

Why do you guys in Britain keep calling each other 'governor?'  :)

[C]

Why do you guys in Britain keep calling each other 'governor?'  :)

Well...

Guv - short for 'guv'nor' (phonetic writing of governor), which is used to refer to someone of higher status, often the manager. Guv, however, is mostly used as a term of address rather than referring to someone.

Oi! Yanks! NO! Dictionary of English English Slang for the future referral of...

[Tweek]

Why do you guys in Britain keep calling each other 'governor?'  :)

You know, I've never actually heard anyone call someone that, apart from on TV. Perhaps it's just in areas like London.

[Hagar]

You know, I've never actually heard anyone call someone that, apart from on TV. Perhaps it's just in areas like London.

I've not only heard it but been called it many times over the years. Usually by people I don't know & either 'Guv'nor' or the shortened version 'Guv'. I suppose it depends on your working environment & the circles you move in.

Typical usage by delivery driver. "Where do you want this, Guv?"

[ozzy72]

Okay time to step in here, let Dr. Spit talk
Charlie is right about the numbering, only the very late models of Sea/Spitfire didn't use roman numerals for their model number.
However Doug is correct in the fact that the wing type letter (a, b or c normally) are written in lower case to show which type of armament the plane is carrying.
Everyone happy? If not I'll get the marmalade out
Oh and the reason some people write it VC is 'cos their ignorant gerbils bums! A VC is a Victoria Cross or Virtual Cockpit as we all know

[Woodlouse2002]

Okay time to step in here, let Dr. Spit talk
Charlie is right about the numbering, only the very late models of Sea/Spitfire didn't use roman numerals for their model number.
However Doug is correct in the fact that the wing type letter (a, b or c normally) are written in lower case to show which type of armament the plane is carrying.
Everyone happy? If not I'll get the marmalade out
Oh and the reason some people write it VC is 'cos their ignorant gerbils bums! A VC is a Victoria Cross or Virtual Cockpit as we all know

Ahem. The letter, a,b,c,d or e doesn't represent the armament but the type of wing. And the wing governs what armament goes in.

[ozzy72]

Err pardon?
a - 8 machine guns
b - 2 cannon and four machine guns
for the Mk V.
The c or universal wing could have its armament varied but was normally fitted with 4 cannons