Spitfire in Service - First and the Last in WW2
 

It is claimed that the Spitfire was the only RAF or Allied fighter that was in front line service right through WW2, all be it with modifications to its engine and airframe. Is this factually correct or were there others?

Surely, the Hurricane came close but I have not found a definitive end date.

Re: Spitfire in Service - First and the Last in WW2
 

Huricane was in frontline service also.
For example LB772 was in Palestine 46, first "silver" Hurricane of 6 Sqn, 11.5.46.

Re: Spitfire in Service - First and the Last in WW2
 

In fairness however, the Hurricane was not then employed as a fighter, but as a dedicated ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft.

Re: Spitfire in Service - First and the Last in WW2
 

How about the Wildcat?

F4F-3 in service on USS Enterprise the day the U.S. got in the war, FM-2s in service on escort carriers the day the war ended.

Re: Spitfire in Service - First and the Last in WW2
 

Have to define your dates, if you use Dec 41 as the start date quite a few a/c get in

01/09/39 to 02/09/45 would seem to be it

Dewoitine D.520 narrowly misses the start date, but used against Atlantic Pockets in 44/45
F4F Wildcat also misses as did not enter service until 1940
Hurricane yes
Spitfire yes

Cannot think of another Allied ac, but

Bf109 for Germany (until 5/45).
Also Bf110?

Russia - cannot think of anything
Finns are bound to have something odd that went on forever