Spitfire Scramble

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In fighter Command the code-word Scramble meant to get air-borne as soon as possible. When pilots received the order they ran as if their lives depended on it (well it actually did depend on it). Each 30-second delay in getting airborne meant 1,000 feet (305m) less altitude they had when they met the enemy. Everyone knew that a caught in the climb was easy meat for a Messerschmitt attacking in a dive. Squadron Leader Donald MacDonnell explained the procedure for getting airborne:

The orderly answering the telephone would shout “SCRAMBLE!” and each pilot would dash for his aircraft. One mechanic would already have started the engine; the other would be holding the parachute and would help me strap it on. Then I would climb into the cockpit and he would pass my seat straps over my shoulders and help me fasten them. When I gave the thumbs-up he would slam shut the side door and I would pull tight the various straps. I would pull on my helmet, plug in the R/T lead and check that the engine was running properly. If all was well I would wave to the ground crew to pull away the chocks, open the throttle, and move forward across the grass to the take-off position. There I would line up, open the throttle wide and begin my take-off run with the rest of my pilots following as fast as they could. The whole thing, from the scramble order to the last aircraft leaving the ground, took about a minute and a half.