It is all in the mathematics. Prandtl and Lanchester both came up with the circulationary theory in Edwardian era and Prandtl published a diagram of a ‘Spitfire’ wing planform in 1918. Lanchester’s model aeroplanes had elliptical wings… here is a glider model from the 1890s which is preserved at NAL.
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There are interesting aerodynamic analyses of several WW” fighters carried out by David Lednicer that shows the superiority of Spitfire aerodynamics… it may not be much but it enabled the pilots of the Spitfire to survive and conquer when an odd percent or two meant the difference between life and death. The Sport Aviation ref is on the net somewhere but I could not find it again.
•Lednicer, David A. “Technical Note: A CFD Evaluation of Three Prominent World War II Fighter Aircraft.” Aeronautical Journal, Royal Aeronautical Society, June/July 1995.
•Lednicer, David A. “World War II Fighter Aerodynamics.” EAA Sport Aviation, January 1999.

And for the penultimate word on the subject try reading this!

W3850 finds home in Knutsford

The Spitfire has been bought by Mr. M. Oliver of Knutsford, local businessman and engineer. It is a philanthropic act swelling the British Legion coffers and still giving them access to the ‘plane for fundraising events. We should celebrate such useful acts and feel relieved it is not a real aircraft that could have an accident as it is moved around the country but still give the feel of the Few’s aircraft to the Many..well done sir!
link to details here:
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/general/legion-replica-spitfire-sold-by-bonhams-ahead-of-auction

Felixstowe 1952

My dad used to take me to Old Felixstowe mudflats in 1951 and 52 where he sat me aged 7, at a bench, bought me an enamel mug of shrimps and a bottle of pop whilst he went through the pub’s books.. I would go exploring and I can remember heaving on the mooring ropes of the two houseboats pictured above!
There is a description of the F5 in Flight 23rd Dec. 1955 (here).
I am researching the aviation career of Maurice Egerton of Tatton Park, Knutsford fame, transcribing his logbook (part here)
Just before WW1 he had his Short pusher modified to have a balanced rudder which he observed made the aeroplane much more responsive and light to control. In WW1 he acted as AID inspector at Curtiss and apparently sent much correspondence back to Murray Sueter in London. It is interesting to read Flight and trace the introduction of balanced control surfaces during ME’s time out there. Is it a coincidence or did ME assist in improving the control design? I might eventually come across the documentation as we riffle through shelves of his papers… and then there are Sueter’s to go at!
Has any more information on the surviving hull pieces come to light?