Messerschmitt Bf 109 Fighters on RAF Manston Airfield, Kent (May 14, 1968), Imported from Spain for the Production of *The Battle of Britain* Film

This photograph depicts a line of Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft, the primary fighter plane of the German Luftwaffe during World War II, parked on a grassy airfield. The planes are easily identified by the swastikas emblazoned on their tails. The image's historical context is revealed on the back text: it was taken 28 years after the Battle of Britain, on May 14, 1968, at RAF Manston, Kent. The Messerschmitt 109s, which had just arrived from Spain, were lined up to be used for the epic screen version of *The Battle of Britain*, a Harry Saltzman production. The back text also provides historical background, noting that at the start of the Battle of Britain, Britain had just over 600 fighters while the Me 109s totalled nearly 1,000.