- Primary role during the Battle of Britain
- High speed and maneuverability: intercept enemy aircraft and defend British airspace
- Armed with 8 .303 Browning machine guns
- Effective in "hit and run" tactics against German bombers and fighters
Tactical Reconnaissance:
- Equipped with cameras, undertook detailed observations of enemy territory
- Intelligence gathering, location of enemy assets, and assessing battle damage
- Provided valuable information for planning attacks and strategies
Ground-Attack Duties:
- Strafing enemy positions, runways, and vehicles.
- "Rhubarb" missions: low-altitude surprise attacks on enemy targets
- Armed with cannons, rockets, or bombs based on specific ground-attack requirements
Support for Coastal Operations:
- Conducting sweeps to maintain air dominance near coasts and support naval activities.
- Protecting British ships from enemy air attacks
- Worked in conjunction with ships and radar stations for coordinated defense
Espionage and Special Operations:
- Equipped with long-range fuel tanks for extended flight time
- Missions to drop agents or supplies behind enemy lines
- Conducting clandestine reconnaissance flights
- Providing essential support for resistance activities
