Anyone out there that has flown or been in the cockpit of a
Supermarine Spitfire? I am wondering about the circular control
"handle" particular to the British fighter and how it seems to me that
it would have been quite awkward or uncomfortable to use (compared to
a conventional fighter stick) especially in a dogfighting situation

Never flew a Spit (Dammmit), but I can tell you that "especially in a
dogfighting situation," being able to move the stick with both hands
would be an advantage. After a few minutes of trying to get on the
other guy's six it's hard manual labor, even with trim tabs. I
imagine that was the reason for the circular top on the stick.

It was not a "wheel." It didn't turn. It operated just like an
ordinary stick except that it was hinged part-way down and "bent" left
or right when aileron was applied.

vince norris