Behind the seat there is a two-segment armoured plate protecting the pilot from behind. The plates and the seat are attached to the fuselage frame no. 11. Mounted to the top plate is the circular headrest cushion.
Like in all Spitfires flying today, the Sutton harness is of modern variety to meet the contemporary safety standards.
Just now reading Geoffrey Wellum’s fine book, First Light, and these photos I was lucky to find (using a bit of diligent searching). They help me greatly to picture his flying experiences in the Mk 1. Thanks indeed.
Thomas A. Latta
Sausalito, CA