Quote:
WWII era fighters were a lot smaller than many people realize

Having sat in the prototype Spitfire replica at Duxford a few years ago I can confirm this.
I'm 6'1" and sat in the cockpit there is only just enough room for your arms either side. Also at my height, with a parachute strapped on, I would have had difficulty getting the canopy closed. As it was, minus parachute, the top of my head was touching the top of the canopy. Because of this I think there were size restrictions in place when choosing fighter pilots back in WWII.