Boulton Paul Defiant Mark I

The Defiant introduced a new tactical concept in two-seat RAF fighter design by concentrating all armament in a four-gun turret behind the cockpit. During the Battle of Britain, it proved no match for German fighters and was quickly withdrawn from daylight operations and moved to a night-fighter role.

Defiants were later adapted to serve with air-sea rescue squadrons, anti-aircraft co-operation units, air observer and air gunnery training schools and for target towing duties. From 1942, they were employed on radar countermeasure duties to support RAF night bombing raids. The only surviving example of its type, this Defiant, manufactured in Wolverhampton, served as a night-fighter with No. 307 Polish Squadron in the final months of the Battle.