Indeed, it's said there was never a shortage of aircraft in the battle of Britain, only pilots. Pranged one day, a replacement would arrive next day usually courtesy of ladies of the ATA. The psychological effect of 'buying a Spitfire' was similar to the request for donations of surplus pots and pans, and the wholesale removal of iron railings It was said to make little if any difference (most was just dumped apparently) but it made people feel involved.
