Tall RAF pilots?
 

Bob Jones (rest his soul), told me many years ago, that the reason early production Spitfire I machines changed from "flat" to "blown" canopies later in the series is that university reserve pilots training were taller than earlier regular pilots.

Any truth to this?

Re: Tall RAF pilots?
 

Maybe this is a more generalised description of a relaxation in the height percentiles given the need to accept more and more pilots? Just a suggestion, not informed in any way. I'd have thought that the prewar university reserve pilots would be coming from much the same social strata as the regulars, and the better fed/fitter strata anyway.

However, it's not something I've seen mentioned anywhere else, and given the low profile a more general need for head room would seem sufficient.

Re: Tall RAF pilots?
 

Bulged canopy not because the Oxbridge types were that tall, rather big-headed. :D

In August 1938, K9789 & K9792 were alloctad to 19 & 66 Sq for operational trials.
among the complaints
inadequate starter,
engine leaking oil,
u/c pumping and
low cockpit canopy (yes, because of taller pilots hitting their head).

On 4 May 1939 there was a Press Day at Duxford and there is some pics of a row of 19 Sq Spitfires
WZ° (no Sq letter) bulged canopy with unpainted frame
WZ°C low canopy
WZ°(I or L) bulged canopy
WZ°(H or U) bulged canopy
At this date UAS were probably flying open-cockpit aircrafts and their members were called-up for active service not earlier than September 1939.