Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
HURRICANE
J
Hawker
HURRICANE
Peter Jacobs
B 1861261268
4
5
Foreword CHAPTER ONE
A one who had a will affair with the ervice in Malta and then on to orth Peter Jacobs has covered the most impor-
Hurricane it is a great privilege to be
invited to write the foreword to this book.
Africa for the war in the desert. My final
flight was from Malta back to Tunisia after
tant aspects about this most famous
aircraft. The fact that the Hurricane flew
Design and DevelopDlent
The Hurricane wa built in several marks, attacking searchlights in icily which operationally on every day of the war, and
some of which little is known of, and took were causing problems to the airborne in every theatre, is well made and he has
part in air battles on every front, even the forces during that invasion. spent much time researching the lesser- than for any other purpose. After all, the flight to the concept of vertical take-off
Battle of the Atlantic from the end of a An exceptionally sturdy aircraft, the known marks and ha covered the les
very existence of the newly formed Royal and landing. He was born in 1 88 and
catapult. It seems that every operational Hurricane never ever let me down (except documented theatres in which the Hurri- Air Force was still being questioned.
task was pos ible in a Hurricane and I from battle damage) and how my aircraft cane operated; the Battle of France, Malta, bought his first aeroplane in 1910. Within
In order to understand the Hurricane a couple of years he had proved himself as
believe that had the radiator not been stayed together after Adolf Galland's Russia, the Desert and the Far East are all and how it came about, it is important to one of the country's finest pilot, before
where it was then she could have succe s- assault on me in 1940, with 132 machine- covered as well as some detailed appen- under tand the people and the company turning his attentions to the manufacture
fully carried a torpedo! gun round and 64 cannon shells, is a dices which conclude his work. Most that made this success story pos ible. of aeroplanes.
My first flight was in June 1940, having my tery to me. Incidentally, I only ever importantly, his work is well illustrated by
spent the previous eight days at a fighter had one mid-air collision. Whilst flying a some excellent photographs, many of One member of Sopwith' successful
OT on pitfires! There was little time to Curtiss Mohawk at an OTU in the Middle which have not been seen before. I salute team during the early years was Harry
learn during the summer of 1940 but East a pupil flying a Hurricane collided Peter Jacobs for writing such an excellent Origins Hawker, who became the company' te t
fortunat Iy I survived and went on to with me; the Mohawk was a wreck, but the book on this most famous and well-loved pilot. Born in Australia, Hawkerwasju ta
The Hurricane wa built by Hawker year younger than Thomas opwith. He
complete nearly 300 operations on Mark [s Hurricane went on to complete the aeroplane. Aircraft Limited. The company had moved to England to find work, and joined
and [Is; these included the Battle of exercise' its origins in the Sopwith Aviation the SoplVith Company when it first
Britain, fighter sweeps over northern Much has been written about the Hurri-
Company, first formed by Thomas formed, in 1912. He saved his money to
France, flying off HM Ark Royal for cane over the years, but I believe that Squadron Leader Pat Well DSO opwith at Kingston-upon-Thames, just fund flying les ons, and earned his flying
outside London, in 1912. In common with licence within a couple of years. As the
many new companies at the time, they had Sopwith ompany's test pilot, he was
plenty of new ideas, but their facilities involved in the design of every opwith
Thomas Sopwith, one of the first manufacturers of during the early days were rather prim itive aircraft during the First World War.
aeroplanes; he formed the Sopwith Aviation - its first building had formerly housed
Company in 1912, from which developed Hawker King ton's ice-skating rink. The Tabloid
Aircraft Limited.
The Sopwith ompany's first aircraft was
Introduction Sopwith and Hawker
As with any classic aircraft, the Hawker The life of Thomas Octave Murdoch
Hurricane did not simply appear Sopwith spanned many generations of air-
the single-seat biplane, the opwith
Tabloid, which made an impre sive public
debut at Hendon in 1913. The following
overnight. The origins of all the famous craft design, from the fir t days of powered
year the company achieved remarkable
aircraft that made their name during the
For as long a I can remember, my interest hours away) has stopped me writing more! Many others cover one particular theatre econd World War tend to go back to the
in the RAF's fighter pilots has had a major The Hurricane is one of the classic fight- of operations or one specific campaign; first day of powered flight, and to the
influence on my life: in my opinion, the ers of all time. It was designed and built for excellent examples are Twelve Days in May development of the aeroplane as a weapon
heroics of the 'Few' during the summer of war and it played as big a part as any other by Brian Cull, Bruce Lander and Heinrich during the First World War. The Hurri-
1940 are second to none. I have always aircraft in achieving final victory in 1945. Weiss, and The Battle of Britain by Richard cane is no exception. It was developed
been equally fascinated by the Hurricane A remarkable total of 14,533 Hurricanes Townsend Bickers. This book covers the from a number of well-known aircraft built
and pitfire aircraft in which they flew. were built and the aircraft served opera- Hurricane' eighty years, from the origins by Hawker Aircraft Limited during the
When I wa younger, I could never have tionally on every day throughout hostili- of the single-seat fighter to the display of late 1920s and early 1930s, but it true ori-
imagined how this fascination and admira- ties. It was at the forefront of Britain's the Hurricane at air shows today. In gins can be traced way back, to the Sop-
tion would prove to be so much more than defence in 1939, and it helped to ensure between, it focuse mainly on the with Tabloid single-seat aircraft which
just a passing interest. final victory in the Far East in 1945. In campaigns in which it fought, from the first arrived on the aviation scene in 191 .
[ joined the RAF straight from college between, it erved in every operational well-documented Battles of France and The reason for beginning the story of the
and have been lucky enough to erve on theatre, and in every possible role, and this Britain, to the lesser-covered arenas, such Hawker Hurricane 0 far back is because
some of the most famous fighter squadrons. is covered in some detail in the book. as Malta and Russia. It also includes tech- this most famous aircraft was the product
My interest in the history of those Many words have been written about nical information about the aircraft, its of a famous designer who worked for a
squadrons led me to writing and, when I the Hurricane; ixty year could hardly systems and it armament, as well as details famou company during a period of post-
was given the chance to write about the have passed without that happening' One about some of the men who flew it. Finally, war apathy following the end of the 'war to
Hurricane, I jumped at the opportunity to of the most complete works on the subject detailed Appendices cover specifi aspect end all wars'. Although the First World
learn more about this c1as ic fighter. The is The Hawker Hunicane by Francis K of the aircraft and the quadrons and men War had seen the rapid progress of the
experience has proved to be compelling; Mason, while other excellent works who flew it. Enjoy the book' aeroplane as a weapon of war, post-war
only the size of the book {and the include the Hllrricane at War Parts 1 and 2 Britain saw the aeroplane as more likely to
The Sopwith Camel proved to be one of the most successful fighters on the Western Front during the final
inevitable deadline, now less than twelve by Chaz Bowyer and orman Franks. Peter Jacobs succeed as a form of transportation rather period of the First World War.
6 7
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
the Tabloid entered ervice with the Royal voluntary liquidation and was re-formed Vickers machine-guns and had enough
Flying Corps and the Royal aval Air under the name of H.G. Hawker Engi- fuel to operate up to a range of 300 mile
ervice. However, the Tabloid had not neering Company Limited. adly, Harry (4 km).
been built for war and it soon demonstrated Hawker never saw the benefits of the com- As a result of the satisfactory exercises,
that it had little potential in that role. pany. While practi ing for an air display at forty-eight more aircraft were ordered, and
Hendon in July 1921, his aircraft crashed, two more squadron - I quadron, also at
Sopwith Fighter Aircraft and the talented young aviator was killed. Tangmere, and 25 quadron, at Hawkinge
The company adapted successfully to the The following year saw Captain - were both equipped during February
new requirement of building aircraft for 'Tommy' Thompson appointed as the 1932.
military use, developing its first true Chief Designer at Hawker's but, after a
single-seat fighter, the Sopwith Pup, couple of unsuccessful designs, he was soon
which entered service in 1916. It then replaced by W. George Carter. In ovem- The Prototype
found fame with one of the most success- bel' 1923 a young draughtsman, Sydney
ful fighters of the war, the opwith Camel, Camm, arrived at the company, and began The H.G. Hawker Engineering Company
which arrived on the Western Front dur- an association with the company that Limited became Hawker Air raft Limited
ing the following year. After the Camel would last for forty-three years! in 1933. In the ame year, Camm d cided
came the Sopwith Dolphin, a heavily that the future of aviation lay in a mono-
Sydney Camm plane design and proposed the building of
armed single-seat fighter of high perfor-
mance for that time. The Dolphin was Undoubtedly one of the greatest aircraft a low-wing monoplane fighter. This
followed by the Sopwith Snipe, a fighter de igners of all time, Sydney Camm was proposal was received with uncertainty hy
that remained in service with the newly born in Windsor in 1893. In common with the Air Ministry (as were a number of
Sir Sydney Camm, the chief designer of the Hawker
formed Royal Air Force after the war, and almost all the early aircraft designers, his other new ideas at the time). The situation
Hurricane, one of the best-known aircraft
is remembered as the last of the great fight- initial interest was in building model in Europe wa, still stable, and many people
The structure of the Hurricane's fuselage was a complicated arrangement of longerons, zig-zag
designers. aircraft. He became an apprentice at felt there wa no point in risking large
ers built by the opwith ompany. construction struts and tie-rods.
Martinsyde at the outbreak of the Fir I' sums of money on new and uncertain
success by winning the coveted Schneider
Hawker Engineering World War and was employed there for the draught man at Hawker, he became to 43 quadron at Tangmere. deSigns. Fortunately, the fore ight of the
Trophy with a converted version of the
next nine years, working his way up immediately involved in the de ign of the Flying exercises carried out during 1931 private aircraft indu try, and in particular
Tabloid, which was fitted a a seaplane to The end of the war in Europe put a stop to
the demand for so many aircraft. In 1920, through the design department. In 1923, Cygnet two-seat project. Two years later proved that the Fury was uperior in people like ydney Camm and Thomas
me t the conte t's requirements. Ju t a few
the Sopwith Company went into having been appointed as the head he was appointed a Hawker's chief performance to the Bulldog. Powered by a opwith at Hawker, led to the project
month later, war broke out in Europe, and
designer, a remarkable achievement after 525 hp Roll -Royce Ke trelll 'engine, the being funded hy the comp<lny itself.
just two years with the company. Fury had a top speed of over 200mph
The Hawker Fury, forerunner of the Hurricane, showing the familiar shape of the Hurricane's The design of military aircraft became (320kph) at 14,000 feet (4200m) and an The Fury Monoplane
fuselage and tailplane. The Hurricane project, initially known as the Fury Monoplane, was the prime task of Sydney Camm. He started operating ceiling of nearly 30,000 feet The project for the Hawker Hurri ane
developed from this inter-war fighter. with the Danecock, an adapted version of (9000m). It was armed with two .303in effectively began during the spring of
the Woodcock, for export to Denmark,
and followed this with the Heron, the
Horsley, the Hawfinch and the Harrier.
None of these designs was particularly suc-
cessful, but they all helped Camm build up
his knowledge of aircraft de ign. In June
1928, the Hawker I art light-bomber first
<lppeared; this design proved to be an
immediate success. It was the start of a new
world in aircraft design and led to a similar
de~ign I uilt as a fighter - this became the
Hawker Fury, adopted by the RAF in 1930.
Hawker Fury
The pecification for the Hawker Fury,
originally named the Hornet, wa issued in
March 193. II' was designed as a
competitor to the Bristol Bulldog, which
had effectively been chosen as the RAF'-
tandard fighter for the 193 s. Although
the Fury proved to be more expensive than
the Bulldog, it was faster. limited
number of twenty-four aircraft were
ordered by the RAF, with the idea of
equipping just one fighter squadron. In Flown by Fit Lt 'George' Bulman, the Hurricane prototype (K5083) made its maiden flight from Brooklands on
May 1931, the first aircraft were delivered 6 November 1935
8 9
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
10 11
DESIGI A '0 DEVELOPMENT
should pre ent a series of expan ion plans fuselage, was made of Iight metal sheeting.
for rearming the armed force, to assure the This wa the area walked on by the pilot or
security of Britain's world-wide commit- ground crew. The rest of the wing was cov-
ments. The first, Expansion Scheme ered in fabric, except for the leading edges,
approved in July 1934, proposed a wh ich were metal. The spl it flaps were a Iso
maximum front-line strength, stated that made of Iight metal and were built on the
the RAF would be ready for war in eight underside of the wing, running from the
years' time, and identified Germany as the radiator casing to the ailerons; the
mo t likely opponent. The most important ailerons, however, were fabric-covered.
plan, cheme F, approved in February The extreme tip of the outer wing section
1936, indicated an overall increase in air- was detachable, a de ign feature which
Early production aircraft were fitted with fabric The large glycol radiator and oil cooler can clearly be
craft strength, and propo cd that the RAF would help enormously when Hurricane
wings and ailerons. although these had been seen housed in a duct under the centre fuselage.
replaced by metal-clad wings by the outbreak of war. should have in service 500 Hurricanes and were crated up and shipped to other oper-
300 Spitfires by March 1939. By coin- ational theatres. Aircraft lighting in the
Lt PoW.S. 'George' Bulman and, according cidence, the scheme was announced in the wing consi ted of the landing lamps in the
to his report, initial fears about the air- same year as the RAF changed its struc- central area of the leading edge, and the
craft's handling qualities proved to be ture. These changes led to the formation of aircraft's navigation lights located in the
unfounded. In many ways, flying the low Fighter ommand, under Air Marshal Sir forward wing-tips.
wing loading of the monoplane design was Hugh Dowding.
de cribed as not dissimilar to flying the During 1934, Hawker A ircraft Limited
single- eat biplane fighters of the time. bought Gloster Aircraft Company, which
More fl ights of K50 3 proved successful, had one of the largest aircraft factorie in Airframe Dimensions, Hurricane Mkl
with the aircraft achieving a top peed of the country, at Brockworth, near Glouces-
LENGTH 31ft Oin
325mph (520kph) at 16,500 feet (4950m). ter. By June 1936, the name Hurricane had
In February 1936, K50 3 was delivered WINGSPAN 40ft Oin
formally been given to the Hawker F.36/34
to the Aeroplane and Armament Experi- project. The company received an order HEIGHT 13ft 1in
The carburettor air intake. located under the 11 It 0 in
mental Establishment (A&AEE) at for 600 Hurricanes and production began PROPELLER DIAMETER
forward fuselage.
Martlesham Heath, where it went through immediately. However, the decision to use WING AREA (TOTAL) 257 sq ft
more trials before the Hurricane could be an improved Merlin engine delayed the TAILPLANE 20 sq ft
Balance tabs fitted to the rudder and elevators. leaving a smooth surface free of drag. accepted into RAF service. final completion of the first production offer as much protection as possible. There
This inwardly retracting undercarriage There was only a handful of difference aircraft (L1547) until the following year. was also a reinforced section of the upper
was unl ike that of the Hurricane's coun- between K5083 and the airframe that fuselage immediately behind the cockpit,
First Production Airframe
terparts, the pitfire and the Messer- would soon become the standard produc- to help protect the pilot in the event of a The Engine
schmitt Bf 109. Thi design feature meant tion variant. K5083 had tail strut fitted a Completed during late 1937, Ll547 wa crash landing. Behind this, on the upper
that the Hurricane had a wide wheel track a precaution against anticipated buffeting fir t flown by Hawker' test pilot Philip surface of the fuselage, was the distinctive The Roll -Royce Merlin II engine and,
- the distance between the two main of the tail, but these were soon removed. It Lucas on 12 October 1937. This first aerial installation, which carried the later, the improved Merl in III engi ne,
wheels was wider than on others - and this al 0 had an early development of wheel production airframe differed only very aerial from just behind the cockpit to the became the standard powerplant for the
made the Hurri ane stable but easy to fairings for the retractable main undercar- slightly from the prototype; the main top of the tail-plane. Hurricane Mkl. Originally known as the
manoeuvre on the ground. The under- riage, a retractable tail-wheel, and a slightly modification was to the engine - it was The rear part of the fuselage included Merlin G, the Merlin II engine was
carriage was hydraulically operated, and different cockpit hood design. It was pow- powered by the Merlin II engine in place the tail section, but housed little or no designed in 1937 and built at Derby. It was
there was a secondary method - a ered by the Merlin engine and had a twin- of the Merlin C. equipment. The tail section consisted of a 12-cylinder, upright-vee, ethylene
hydraulic hand pump - to lower the under- bladed fixed-pitch wooden propeller, which The Hurricane Mklwadl feet (930cm) the tail it elf, the rudder and the elevators. glycol-cooled engine that produced 1,030
carriage in the event of an emergency. would later be modified to a controllable in length, just over 13 feet (390cm) in The rudder effectively took up the rear hp at 16,000 feet (4 OOm), at 3, 00 rpm.
The outer wing sections were also built pitch design and, later, to a three-bladed height and had a wingspan of 40 feet half of the tail section, with a rudder post The installation of this modified Merlin
on two spar, similar in construction to the design (with some variations being made of (12m). The fu elage had three parts, as pas ing vertically through the middle. The nece sitated a few changes to the de ign of
centre ection. Ailerons fitted on the trail- metal, and some of wood). The engine follows: leading edges of the tail section were all the engine mounting (which led to a mod-
ing edge had a metal framework but were exhausts were al 0 different on K50 3, with The forward part of the fuselage - from metal, but the rudder was fabric; the tail- ification in the shape of the cowling), and
fabric-covered. The canti lever tail section more of a stub design; the production aircraft the leading edge of the wing to the pro- light was mounted half way up the rudder. also to the design of the radiator. The
also had a metal framework with fabric would later have flame-trap exhausts or ejec- peller - was purely the engine compart- There were various fixed and balanced starting magnetos were fitted on the lower
covering. The fin was built integral to the tor exhausts. Gentle dives showed that the ment that housed the Rolls-Royce Merlin. trim tabs, as well as a built-in mass balance side of the engine, and the carburettor air
rear fuselage, and the original design pro- aircraft was capable of 310mph (495kph) or The central part of the fuselage (essen- at the top of the tail. Although the intake was centrally mounted beneath the
vided for the tail-wheel to retract into a 3,150 rpm, whichever came first. tially, the area above the wing) was all Hurricane was originally de igned with a forward part of the fuselage. The large gly-
casing in the rear section of the fuselage. cockpit and equipment. The cockpit hood retractable tail-wheel, the production col radiator and oil cooler were housed in
was a sliding arrangement of 'rectangular' Mkls were fitted with a fixed Dowty tail- a duct under the central part of the fuse-
First Flights and Trials appearance, providing one easy way of dis- wheel. lage; the oil cooler was sandwiched
The Hurricane MKI
By late 1935, the prototype was finished. tinguishing the Hurricane from the pit- The wing section can be viewed as an between the two elements of the glycol
The fir t flight of K50 3 was made from fire. The front windscreen was bullet-proof outer section on each side, and a centre radiator.
Brooklands on 6 ovember 1935; the Scheme F The first propeller fitted to the early
and on top of the hood was a rear-view section that housed the retractable under-
The tail section consisted of the tail. fabric-covered overall silver appearance of the aircraft The lack of stability in Europe led the mirror. Immediately in front of the pilot, carriage. The upper surface of the inner Hurricanes was fixed-pitch, twin-bladed
rudder and elevators. was a spectacular sight. The pilot was Fit Government to suggest that the military and behind his scat, was armour-plating, to part of the wing, which joined the and made of wood. In addition, stream-
12 13
identical to that of the Mkll, but the mod- plating to protect the pilot. The coolant
ified engine proved to be more reliable. ystem was thermostatically controlled,
One of the main differences was in the the radiator being by-pas ed until the
design of the propeller shaft, which meant coolant reached the required temperature.
that either a Rotol or a de Havilland pro- Coolant temperature ranged between 140
peller could be fitted. The engines were degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees
built by Rolls-Royce at Derby and Crewe. centigrade), the minimum for take-off,
and 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees
centigrade), the maximum during combat.
The Controls The airflow through the radiator was
controlled by a flap lever on the left ide of
The throttle lever was situated on the left the cockpit.
side of the cockpit. The airflow through
the coolant radiator and oil cooler was
controlled by a lever on the left side of the Aircraft Systems
Production Hurricanes were soon fitted with a
pilot's seat. The carburettor was controlled
fixed Dowty tail-wheel.
by a slow-running cut-out, operated by The Hurricane Mkl used 100 octane fuel
pulling out a knob on the right side of the and was built with two main self-sealing
cockpit. An external power supply for the fuel tanks, one on either side of the centre
tarter motor was connected through a section of the fuselage, each holding 33
panel on the starboard engine cowling. gallons (150 lin·es). In addition, there was
Alternatively, two handles for hand-start- a reserve tank of 2 gallons (127 litres)
ing the engine were stowed in the under- fitted between the fire-proof bulkhead and
carriage recess. Engine-starting was carried the instrument panel in the front section
out by switching on the two ignition of the aircraft. These three tank gave the
switches on the left side of the main instru- l urricane a total of94 gallon (427 litre)
ment panel and using a starter push button of fuel. The fuel feed to the engine was by
and booster coil push button, both located an engine-driven fuel pump. Normal
next to the ignition switches. operation was to use fuel from the main
The engine self-sealing oil tank, with a tanks before changing over to the reserve,
capacity of9 gallons (40.5 litre ), was built although it was possible to use the fuel
into the forward part of the port wing, just from the reserve tank first. An early Hurricane Mkl. showing the two-bladed propeller and machine-gun ports. the bottom of the cockpit. There was also
inboard from the fuselage, and protected For the pilot, the operation of the fuel a red undercarriage warning light on the
by armour-plating. Oil was fed to the sy tem wa quite simple. The main fuel was fitted to the rear of the left side of the carriage selector and flap lever was in trument panel; this came on whenever
engine through a filter and cooler. Oi I cock control was situated on the left side cockpit and there was a red power failure sufficient to operate it. The lever was situ- the throttle was less than one-third open,
pressure and temperature gauges were of the cockpit and was fitted with a spring- warning light on the left side of the main ated on the right side of the cockpit and and the wheels were not down and locked.
fitted on the right side of the main instru- loaded safety plate, which prevented the instrument panel, marked 'POWER FAIL- had a neutral position for both undercar- The emergency undercarriage-lowering
ment panel. Oil pressure was normally 60- fuel inadvertently being turned off. The URE', which came on when the generator riage and flaps. To operate the flaps, the system was activated by selecting 'under-
80 p.s.i., with a minimum of 45 p.s.i. Oil fuel contents gauge was located on the was not charging the accumulator. selector lever was moved to the outboard carriage down' in the normal way, and
temperature ranged between 59 degrees right side of the instrument panel, above Apart from the various aircraft instru- position and the flap indicator, situated then by operating the hydraulic hand
Fahrenheit (15 degrees centigrade), which which was a gauge selector switch marked ments, gauges and aircraft services selec- below the selector lever, showed the posi- pump. If this did not work, the pilot could
was the minimum temperature for take- 'PORTCE TRE-STBD'. By selecting tors, electrical power was provided to tion of the flaps, marked 'UP' and operate a red-painted foot pedal; this
Hydraulically operated, the design of the main released the wheel lock, and the under-
off, and 221 degrees Fahrenheit (105 any of the main or re erve tank the pilot many different switches. Working around 'DOW'. ext to the lever was an under-
undercarriage later proved to be one of the
degrees centigrade), the maximum permit- could see how much fuel remained in the cockpit, from left to right, electrical carriage elector safety catch, designed to carriage could fall and lock down under it
Hurricane's strengths when operating from rugged
airstrips overseas. ted in combat. each. ext to the content gauge was a power was provided to the following: radio prevent inadvertent election of 'wheels own weight.
Immediately behind the engine was fuel-pressure warning light. The normal master switch, cockpit lighting, landing up' while the aircraft was on the ground. The wheel brakes and the gun-firing
lined exhaust were fitted, and other mod- located the header tank for the engine operating pressure for the fuel system was lamps, weapon switches, heated clothing The catch had to be turned clockwise mechanism were operated pneumatically.
ifications to the airframe made, including oolant, containing two gallons of glycol 8-10 p.s.i. If the fuel-pressure warning light socket, navigation lights, windscreen de- before the selector lever could be moved Air was stored in a cylinder, at a maximum
a change to the undercarriage leg fairings, and air. Behind the header tank, and came on when operating at high altitude, icing pump, and IFF ('identification into the wheels up position. pressure of 300 p.s.i., and provided to the
and a more rounded windscreen. immediately in front of the cockpit, were a nominally above 20,000 feet (6000m), friend-or-foe') switches. The under arriage position indicator services by an engine-driven compressor.
The performance of the improved fire-proof bulkhead (for obvious reasons), showing that the pressure was below 6 Hydraulic pressure wa used to operate was located on the top left part of the main The wheel brake lever was located on the
lerlin III, developed in 1939, was almost the reserve fuel tank, and some armour- p.s.i., the pilot wa able to pre surize the the Hurricane's undercarriage and flaps; an instrument panel. It was electrically pow- control column, with a catch to retain the
main and reserve tanks by operating a fuel engine-driven hydraulic pump provided ered and consisted of two pairs of light: brakes on for parking. A triple pressure
tank pressurizing cock, fitted to the left the correct operating pressure. A hand green to show that each main wheelwa in gauge forward of the control column
Performance figures for Merlin II/III Engines
side of the cockpit and marked 'ATMO - pump was located on the right side of the the down and locked position, and red to showed the air pressure in the pneumatic
Merlin II Merlin III Merlin II Merlin III Merlin II Merlin III PHERE' and 'PRE S RE'. how that the main wheels were up and y tem and at each brake.
cockpit for use in an emergency should the
RPM 3,000 3,000 2,600 2,600 2,200 2,200 The aircraft was fitted with a 12-volt hydraulic system pressure fail (in the case locked. There wa a dimmer switch in the The Hurricane was fitted with oxygen,
BH'P 1,225 1,100 980 960 700 690 generator that supplied the electrical of an engine failure or a hydraulic pump centre of the indicator for night flying. which allowed it to operate at all altitudes.
BOOST +10 +9.8 +6.2 +5.9 +2.5 +2.1 services. The generator switch was fitted failure). For the pilot the ystem was easy When the wheels were up, the pilot could The oxygen bottle was located just aft of
to the left side of the cockpit. voltmeter - straightforward operation of the under- see them through two small windows in the pilot's position on the st8rho8rd side of
14 15
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN A D DEVELOPMENT
this was never a problem. As soon as the Best range and speeds at various altitudes, Hurricane Mkl
aircraft was off the ground, the undercar-
HEIGHT (FT/Ml RANGE IN MILES/KM SPEED (MPH/KPH)
riage was raised. In order to carry out this
slightly awkward technique, the pilot's left 5.000/1500 830/1330 168/269
hand would have to come off the throttle 10,000/3000 800/1280 180/288
to hold the control column, while the 15,000/4500 775/1240 196/314
right hand transferred to the undercarriage 20,000/6000 730/1170 213/341
selector lever. To avoid any chance of too 25,000/7500 695/1112 232/371
many revs in fine pitch, the preferred
technique was to throttle back while
maintaining a slightly steep climb before panel the hood had to be fully opened and
the release lever, located on the right side Time to altitude, Hurricane Mkl
raising the undercarriage, after which the
hands could once again swap position, to of the cockpit, moved aft and upwards. If FROM TAKE-OFF TO
change the pitch and reduce the boost. For it was necessary to jettison the hood, there ALTITUDE (FT/Ml TIME
some pilots on their first solo, and for a few was a hood lever on the left side of the 5.000/1500 2 mins
trips after, the undercarriage safety catch cockpit; this had to be operated sharply 10,000/3000 4 mins 30 sees
certainly caused problems, and it was not forwards and upwards. If necessary, the 15,000/4500 6 mins 30 sees
unusual to see the aircraft 'dip' down at pilot could further assist the hood by push-
20,000/6000 9 mins 30 sees
this point! (This slightly complicated ing it upwards. The pilot's notes for the
25,000/7500 13 mins
technique was not necessary on the later Hurricane also advise the pilot to lower his
variants of Hurricane, which had head in the case of hood jettisoning, to
constan t-speed propellers; the rpm was set, avoid any possible injuryl
and left during the selection of 'under- If the pilot had to make a forced landing Ceilings and rate of climb, Hurricane Mkl
carriage up'.) on the ground, the recommended proce- SERVICE CEILING 35,OOOfl/10500m
After take-off, the hood was closed and dure was to move the propeller speed con- ABSOLUTE CEILING 36,000ft/10800m
the seat re-positioned once again. The all- trol fully aft and gliding at about 130mph MAX RATE OF CLIMB 2,420ft/min at 11 ,000ft/
round view out of the cockpit was (208kph). With the undercarriage and 125m/min at 3300m
described as extremely good. At cruising flaps up the gliding speed was between
speed the controls felt comfortable and 120-140mph (l90-225kph) ,with a very
stable; the ailerons remained light and flat glide angle. Over the sea it was recom- flaps lowered to reduce the speed as much
very responsive. During hard manoeu- mended that the pilot should abandon the as possible; the undercarriage, however,
vring, however, it was easy for the pilot to aircraft rather than trying to ditch. How- should remain up. The attitude of the air-
be too aggressive and pull more 'G' either ever, if ditching was the only answer, the craft on ditching should be tail-clown in a
than he was used to, or was comfortably cockpit hood should be jettisoned and the bankecl turn, to prevent the radiator filling
able to take.
11582 was one of the first batch of 600 Mkls built by Hawker, and entered service during 1938. wheel on the left side of the cockpit, with For landing, the speed was initially
an associated indicator next to it. Rudder reduced to 150mph (240kph) when the
the aircraft. The oxygen supply cock was a combat-capable Mkl increased to balance was controlled by a small control wheels were lowered. The final approach
situated on the left side of the cockpit and 6,6001b (3000kg). wheel, also situated on the left side of the was carried out at about 90mph (l45kph),
the oxygen regulator just to the left side of cockpit. The flying controls could be with the propeller in fine pitch and the
the main instrument panel. locked by attaching a bracket to the flaps selected 'down'. Although the
The prototype Hurricane had been Flying the Hurricane control column - just below the spade grip, stalling speed was not much less than the
designed with an all-up weight of 5,700lb for locking the aileron controls, and two approach speed, typically about 70mph
(2590kg). The bare weight of the produc- The main instrument panel on the Hurri- struts, for locking the rudder bar and (llOkph), the Hurricane was described by
tion Hurricane Mkl was just over 4,9001b cane Mkl was located centrally and control column. some as relatively simple to land, although
(2230kg), and more than 650lb (295kg) of consisted of the six basic flight instru- As with any tail-wheeled aircraft, in care had to be taken not to lose too much
equipment gave the basic weight of the ments, three on top and three beneath. order to tax i the pilot needed to he able to speed during the final approach, due to the
aircraft at nearly 5,6001b (2545kg). Armed The top row included (from left to right): see around the nose of the aircraft, so the drag of the aircraft.
with eight OJ03in Browning machine- an airspeed indicator, artificial horizon, seat of the Hurricane had to be as high as If the pilot had to abandon the aircraft
guns (see Chapter 4), the all-up weight of and a climb and descent indicator. The pOSSible. As little time as possible was in flight, the recommended procedure was
bottom row (from left to right) included: spent on the ground, particularly in hot to decrease speed and then dive over the
Weights of the Hurricane Mkl (in Ib/kgl an altimeter, direction indicator (com- climates, to avoid any chance of the side. It was important for the pilot not to
pass), and a turn and slip indicator. engine over-heating. stand on the seat before jumping, as this
BARE WEIGHT (EMPTY) 4,910/2232
The Hurricane was designed as a longi- Once the aircraft was ready, the seat was would result in him hitting the aircraft's
EQUIPMENT 670/305 tudinally stable aircraft. The control re-positioned, the trim set, the fuel tail-plane. Of course, it was not always
PILOT AND FLYING EQUIPMENT 200/90 column was a spade-like design and incor- mixture set to rich, the throttle friction possible for the pilot to follow this recom-
AMMUNITION 160/73 porated the gun-firing push button and the tightened, the pitch set to fine, the flaps mended procedure!
FUEL AND OIL 660/300 parking-brake lever. The rudder bar was tested, and the radiator half-closed. For a rapid ground exit, there was an
TOTAL WEIGHT 6,600/3000 standard and adjustable. The elevator- During the first part of the take-off run, emergency detachable panel on the star- Hurricanes of 56 Squadron before the war. At that time, the aircraft's identification letter was not painted
trimming tab was controlled by a hand the aircraft would occasionally swing, but board side of the cockpit. To jettison the on the rear fuselage, but is just visible under the exhaust manifold.
16 17
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT DESIG AND DEVELOPMENT
Into Service
The first Hurricanes to enter service with
the RAF were delivered to III Squadron
at Northolt; the first four airframes
(Ll548-Ll551) arrived just before
Christmas 1937, with the remainder
being delivered during early 1938. On 10 Overseas Contracts need for more capable combat aircraft. W9232, another Gloster-built Mkl.
February 1938, the squadron's Belgium ordered twenty Hurricanes in
commanding officer, Sqn Ldr John Gillan, Canada March 1939, the first aircraft being deliv- speed of 345mph (552kph) at 15,000 feet
flew the 325 miles (520kph) from ered the following month. [n addition, a (4500m).
Turnhouse, Edinburgh, back to ortholt The initial order for 600 Hurricanes had contract was set up for a further eighty air- The second half of 1939 was spent
in 48 minutes - a most impressive average saturated the Hawker production lines at craft to be built under licence by Avions equipping as many of Fighter Command's
ground speed of 410mph (655kph)! The Pilots of 87 Squadron carrying out a 'briefing' for the camera. Kingston-upon-Thames, Brooklands and Fairey in Belgium. squadrons as possible with the Hurricane
squadron's Gloster Gauntlets were soon Langley. When another order came in [n 1938, Yugoslavia had placed an initial and Spitfire, in preparation for war with
replaced, and within a couple of months taken place. The tail-wheel had been The most significant modification to during 1938, for a further 1,000 Hurri- order with Hawker for twelve Hurricane Germany. By the end of September 1939,
'Treble One' Squadron was fully equipped fixed, having originally been designed to the structural design of the aircraft was canes, Hawker sub-contracted the work Mkls, with the first two aircraft (Ll751 the last aircraft of the first batch of 600
with sixteen Hurricanes. The second retract. Th is was to ease the design of to replace the fabric-covered wings with out to its other company, Gloster Aircraft and Ll752) being delivered to Belgrade in Hurricanes ordered had been completed,
squadron to be equipped with the new the aircraft and remove the risk of the all-metal ones. The first Hurricane to be Company at Brockworth, near Gloucester. December 1938. This was followed by a although only some 300 had been deliv-
Hurricane was 3 Squadron at Kenley, tail-wheel failing to lower; the main fitted with metal-clad wings was U877, Hurricanes were also built in Canada by second order for improved Mk[s to be ered to the seventeen Fighter Command
under the command of Sqn Ldr undercarriage legs, for example, could which first flew on 28 April 1938 The the Canadian Car and Foundry Company delivered during 1940. In addition, some squadrons so far equipped. The others had
Hugh Lester, with the first lower under gravity if the hydraulic new wing was not only stronger than the of Montreal. Twenty Hurricanes from the fifteen Hurricanes were built under either been delivered overseas or were at
aircraft arriving during March. The third system had completely failed. There was original but also lighter. first batch of aircraft built by Hawker were licence in Belgrade and Zemun, giving the various training and maintenance units in
squadron to equip was 56 Squadron at also the add ition of the fin to the lower These modifications improved the shipped to Canada, some for use as pattern Yugoslav Air Force about forty Hurricanes the UK. Although Fighter Command was
North Weald, under the command of Sqn side of the fuselage at the rear, designed overall performance of the Mk[, aircraft for the production variant, and the by the time it entered the war. sti II some way from its preferred strength,
Ldr Charles Lea-Cox, which began to take to prevent the aircraft from spinning. increasing its top speed to 335mph at others as trainers for the RCAF the effort made by the production lines in
The first aircraft built in Canada was Further Afield meeting the demand for the Hurricane
delivery of its first Hurricanes just a few The engine exhausts were also further 17,500 feet. However, it would be some
weeks later. modified and, eventually, the two- time before many production aircraft P5170, wh ich began construction in Feb- Hawker also received orders for Hurricanes represented a remarkable achievement.
By the time the third squadron had bladed propeller was replaced by a were fitted with the new wings, and most ruary [939 and was completed by the end from the Eastern Mediterranean and the
been equipped, some fifty Hurricanes three-bladed constant-speed propeller, of the early aircraft were completed with of the year. It made its fi rst fligh t from St Middle East. Persia ordered eighteen air- RAF Hurricane Squadrons and locations
had been delivered to the RAF and a II feet in diameter, built by either Rotol fabric wings. Hubert airport on 10 January 1940. The craft, to be modified with tropical air fil- 1 September 1939
number of changes to the basic Mkl had or de Havilland. production rate in Canada was most ters. However, the filter modification had
SQUADRON LOCATION
impressi ve, and a total of more than 1,400 not been fully adapted by the outbreak of
Hurricanes were built in Canada before the war, and only one aircraft (L2079) was 1 Squadron Tangmere
When the order for Hurricanes increased, work was sub- delivered before the end of [939. Turkey 3 Squadron 8iggin Hill
end of the war. [n common with other
contracted to the Gloster Aircraft Company at Brockworth. 17 Squadron North Weald
British aircraft built under licence in received fifteen unmodified Hurricanes in
This Mkl (V6635) was built at Brockworth. and served with
Canada, the Canadian-built Hurricanes September 1939. Hurricanes were also sent 32 Squadron Biggin Hill
249 Squadron during the Battle of Britain.
were designated as Hurricane MkXs. These to Finland, Romania and South Africa, 43 Squadron Henlow
aircraft were powered by Merlins built although few of these early examples saw 46 Squadron Digby
under licence in the United States by the action during the war. Poland ordered one 56 Squadron North Weald
Packard Motor Corporation; the engines Hurricane for evaluation; this aircraft was 73 Squadron Digby
were sent both to Britain and Canada for delivered just before the German invasion. Biggin Hill
79 Squadron
installation in various aircraft, including [n February 1939, George Bulman had
85 Squadron Debden
the Hurricane and the Lancaster. (Packard establ ished a new speed record for the
87 Squadron Debden
had been granted a licence to produce Mer- Hurricane in U606. This aircraft carried
lins in anticipation of a likely shortage of the civil registration of G-AFKX and had 111 Squadron Northoll
capacity at Rolls-Royce, although, in the been fitted with an improved Merlin [[I 151 Squadron North Weald
event, this never proved to be a problem.) engine (with a constant speed unit and 213 Squadron Wittering
Rotol constant-speed propeller). Fitted 501 Squadron FilIon
Europe with ballast to represent a full weapon 504 Squadron Digby
As the Second World War approached, load, the aircraft had an all-up weight of 605 Squadron Tangmere
many European countries recognized the 6,4001b (291Okg) and achieved a level
78 79
THE FALL OF FRANCE
20 21
THE FALL OF FRA CE THE FALL OF FRANCE
Pilots of 73 Squadron were among the first involved in the air fighting over France towards the end of 1939,
All three of these pilots achieved fame during the campaign: (left to right) Fg Off 'Ginger' Paul, Fg Off
'Fanny' Orton. and the legendary Fg Off 'Cobber' Kain.
Sgt 'Dinky' Howell suffered from early political Vassincourt a few days later. The two fields during the winter months,
problems, when he force-landed his Hurricane in squadrons initially based at Rouen, 85 and There was a general wish not to risk too
Belgium in December 1939, and had to retreat 87 Squadrons, were both re-Iocated to many front-line Hurricane squadrons in
hastily across the French border. Mervi Ile at the end of September, and France, so the four Hurricane squadrons
then on to Lille at the beginning of were supplemented by two squadrons of
Dickie Lee destroyed a He III near November. Gladiator Mkls (607 and 615 Squadrons), Hurricanes of 87 Squadron at Lille Seclin, March 1940. during a practice air attack. LK an aircraft of 87 Squadron. The third
Boulogne, Educated at Charterhouse, Accommodation and working con- which moved to Merville on 15 November letter, painted on the right side of the
Richard Hugh Anthony Lee had always ditions for the pilots and ground crews to reinforce the Air Component of the of the 'Phoney War' proved politically the ground had been unsure of an aircraft's roundel, identified an individual aircraft of
been destined for a career in the RAF, serving in France varied from extremely BEE A month later, both squadrons 'petty' to the military. RAF bomber crews identity and had taken shots at it anyway. that squadron. The Hurricane squadrons
having Lord Trenchard as a godfather l He lavish to very basic (wooden huts), moved to Vitry-en-Artois, where they were not allowed to bomb targets on This had also happened in the air, with in France also had unit markings on th
joined the RAF in 1935 at the age of just depending on the location. Most of the would remain until re-equipping with German soil, for fear of reprisals against nervous pilots mis-identifying aircraft. In tai I; an aircraft of 85 Squadron had a white
eighteen and was among the first to arrive airfields were of poor quality, and Hurricanes during March and April 1940. the French. In addition, neighbouring fact, this problem was not just associated hexagon, and an aircraft of 87 Squadron a
in France in September. The number of deteriorated to noth ing more than muddy As the year came to an end, the period countries such as Belgium, still neutral at with France; it would continue to be a white arrow.
kills achieved by Lee over France is un that stage, did not want to be seen to be problem during the early stages of the
certain, but is believed to have been nine; involving themselves; in one incident, Battle of Britain, and, indeed, would never
L1767 at Martlesham Heath during the 'Phoney War'.
he was awarded the DFC in March 1940, Sqn Ldr W. Coope of 87 Squadron had to go away throughout the war (and never The Battle of France,
followed by a Distinguished ervice Order force-land his Hurricane on a main road in really has!). However, painting the
Belgium early in November, and the rudders seemed to put the Hurricane pilots May 1940
(DSO) in May, Sadly, for Lee, the war
proved to be a relatively short one; he was aircraft was interned by the Belgians. This more at their ease.
last seen chasing three Bf 110s out to sea turned out to be the first of many examples The other ways of identifying the indi- 10 May 1940
on 18 August 1940. of Hurricanes being interned. (Of course, vidual Hurricane squadrons was by the For the RAF in France the situation
the situation was later to change! Indeed, code letters painted on the fuselage to the changed on 10 May 1940, when the main
Conditions in France Britain supplied the Belgian Air Force left of the roundel; for example, VY air war began.
For the pi lots and ground crews of the with some Hurricanes early in the war, and identified an aircraft of 85 Squadron and With hindsight, the 'Phoney War' could
Hurricane squadrons the first few months more - eventually about forty in total - have been better used with respect to the
were busy, not because of extensive air were built under licence in Belgium.) RAF Hurricane Squadrons and locations in
reinforcement of Hurricanes to France.
activity but because of the number of Vital information gained from reconnais-
Identifying Aircraft France, February 1940
moves the squadrons made, For 73 sance sorties and intelligence during the
There had been increasing problems of SQUADRON LOCATION first week of May had failed to convince
Squadron, after its first arrival in France at
identification during the early months of 1 Squadron Vassincourt certain powers that a German invasion of
Le Havre, there were moves to Octeville,
to Norrent Fontes at the end of September, the war, so the rudders of the RAF 73 Squadron Rouvres the Low Countries was imminent. The
and then to Rouvres on 9 October. At the Hurricanes were painted in full red, white 85 Squadron Lille/Seclin 'sudden' German advance during the first
same time, 1 Squadron also left Octeville and blue vertical stripes. There had been 87 Squadron Lille/Seclin hours of daylight on Friday, 10 May
for Norrent Fontes, before moving on to several occasions when French gunners on seemed to catch many by surprise. On
22 23
THE FALL OF FRANCE THE FALL OF FRANCE
paper, the French Armee de l'Air Hurricanes of 5 Squadron and 607 Thionville. The same bombers were also Belgium. More patrols were flown, by
numbered some 600 fighters, many of Squadron had also been scrambled to meet intercepted by four Hurricane of 7 Hurricanes of 56 quadron, which had
which were almost obsolete. evertheless, the first wave of attack. The former scram- Squadron; one Do 17 wa shot down by been moved from its base at North Weald
tho e that were not obsolete looked to be bled from Lille to meet a group of Hs 126s Harry Mitchell, bringing the second kill of to Gravesend, and of 17 quadron, which
a capable force, when combined with the and Jus. Leadi ng Red ection was FI t Lt the morning, both for the quadron and for had been detached from Debden to
RAF reinforcements. As part of the Bob Boothby, who de troyed a Ju near Mitchell. Martlesham Heath. Although a 0 II
French 2nd Regiment, Escadrille 2/1/2 had Mons. Also scrambled, to patrol the sector Group asset, and not formally assigned to
on it trength eleven Hurricane that of the Maginot Line, was 1 quadron at Northern France either the AA F or Air Component, the
were the survivors from Belgium. Vassincourt; they had to wait an hour The same air battle over northern France Hurricane pilot' of 17 Squadron were very
before ighting the enemy. Leading the during the early hours of 10 May saw five much in the thick of the action, particu-
The Low Countries ection, Fit Lt Prosser Hanks shot down a Hurricanes of 1 quadron scrambled from larly during the late afternoon, when they
The main German advance through the Do 17. At the same time, another section Vassincourt to patrol the Metz area. They became caught up with Bf 109s patrolling
Low ountries began at about 4.00 a.m. of 73 Squadron had been scrambled to soon encountered a lone Do 17 on a the Dutch sector. The result of the fierce
On that day there were six Hurricane meet more Do 17s approaching Rouvres. reconnaissance sortie, and promptly shot air hattie which followed was three Bf I09s
squadrons available to meet the onslaught: Temporarily based at Senon, 87 it down near Dun-sur-Meuse. At Vitry-en- and two HS 126s destroyed; the Bf 109
1 Squadron was based at Vassincourt to Squadron was also in action during the Artois the story had been similar for 607 kills were credited to Sqn Ldr George
the west of Nancy, 73 Squadron at Rou- first two hours of the battle. The Squadron; operating in sections of three, Tomlinson, Fg Off Dickie Meredith and
vres, 85 Squadron at Lille, 87 Squadron at squadron's first victory of the day was cred- the pilots met anything from a single Sgt Charles Pavey, with the two HS I26s
Senon, 607 Squadron at Vitl'y-en- rtois, ited to Fg Off Harry Mitchell, who shot reconnais ance aircraft to a force of forty being destroyed by Fg Off Jel"l'ard Jeffries
and 615 quadron was operating in two down a Do 17 to the south-west of Senon bombers. Down to the south-east, near the and Sgt Wynn. The quadron also suffered,
flights from Merville and Abbeville. at 4.30 a.m. Less than half an hour later, border with Luxembourg, two sections of however, with four Hurricanes shot down;
As dawn broke, and the German two more Hurri anes of73 quadron were Hurricanes, one each from 87 Squadron two pilots, Fit Lt Michael Donne and Pit
advance began, Hurricanes were immedi- scrambled from Rouvres. Fg Off 'Cobber' and 607 Squadron, had joined forces to South African ace Pit Off Albert Lewis. of 85 Squadron. who achieved seven kills in France during the Off George Slee, were killed, and the other
ately scrambled to meet the air threat over Kain destroyed a Do 17 to the east ofMetz, attack two reconnaissance HS 126s; week 12-19 May. two were taken as pri oners of war.
Belgium and northern France. The first his sixth confirmed kill of the war. hortly during the following few minute both Throughout I 1 May the Luftwaffe had
Hurricanes to engage the enemy were afterwards, the squadron achieved its ec- were hot down, both were credited to gt with much confu ion and uncertainty. All de troyed. More than 200 Hurricane continued attacks against French airfields
those of 73 quadron, which had been ond kill of the morning when it com- Gareth owell. across northern France, as far as the orties had be n flown; forty-two enemy from first Iight, and across the lorder in
scrambled from Rouvres to meet a group of manding officer, Sqn Ldr J.W.c. More, The fin hours of daylight had been a Belgian and Luxembourg border, Hurri- aircraft were confirmed a de troyed, for Belgium the story wa much the same. For
enemy bombers attacking the airfield. de troyed a reconnai ance He III near frantic period for the Hurricane quad ron , canes from each squadron had been the loss of seven Hurricane. the Hurricane pilots the day progressed in
cram bled to meet the first waves of the very much the ame way a the previou
German attack. By .00 a.m. things had II May 1940 day. This time, however, there 'eellled to
Pilots of 56 Squadron at North Weald during spring 1940. Pictured left to right are Fg Off Holden. SIL
Knowles (OC 56 Squadron I. FIL Coghlan. Pit Off Wicks. Pit Off Sutton and Pit Off Dryden. This squadron
become relatively quiet and the Air Staff The following day, more Hurricanes be no particular pattern to the waves.
was heavily involved in the air fighting over France and detached across the Channel on a regular back in England began to put into action a became involved in the air battle. Twelve Unlike the first day, which had 'een a lull
basis. reinforcement plan. Three more lurri- Hurricanes of 32 Squadron, based at following the dawn attack, there was no
cane squadrons were immediately sent to Biggin Hill, were sent to Ypenburg in rest on II May, with attacks hy Dol7s and
France. During the early afternoon, 67
Wing was strengthened at Betheniville by
the arrival of sixteen Hurricanes of 50 I
Squadron from Tangmere. The squadron
wa immediately in action and by the late
afternoon had claimed its first kill - a Do
I 7 north of Vouziers, shot down by Fg Off
Derrick Pickup. The other two squadron,
3 and 79 Squadrons, were sent to reinforce
Merville. In addition, flight were also
moved around within the sector, I
quadron providing aircraft to Berry-au-
Bac, and 7 quadron moving to Lille to
reinforce the central area.
The pattern during the afternoon of 10
May was very much the ame as during the
fir t hours; Hurricanes being cram bled,
engaging the enemy and then landing,
refuelling and scrambling again. It had, in
fact, also been a bitter day of fighting for
th French, Belgian and Dutch pilots. For
the Hurricane pilots, darkness brought to
an end a day that none would ever forget.
Large ections of the French, Dutch and
Belgian air forces had already been Hurricane operating bases. northern France.
24 25
THE FALL OF FRA CE THE FALL OF FRANCE
aircraft for the e patrols - it was only a Although two Do 17s were shot down, the
short distance to the area, and the Hurri- squadron lost it econd pilot of the day
cane's fuel economy meant that it was able when Fg Off Michael mith was killed,
to patrol for some con iderable time. shot down by a Bf 110 to the north of
There wa no threat to the pilot once they Sedan.
were on the ground, and they were able to
re t undi turbed before returning across Hurricane Losses
the Channel. The day had een several air battles
Orders were issued to reinforce the RAF between the RAF Hurricane and a
contingent in France further, with four continued onslaught from the Luftwaffe.
more Hurricane squadrons. The plan was The increasing number of enemy fighters
for the first unit to arrive that same day, entering the orbat shows how difficult the
and 504 quadron was sent immediately to RAF Hurricanes and the orher European
Vitry-en- rtois. Three more squadrons air force pilots were making it for the Ger-
would follow across the Channel during mans. A far as the Hurricane pilots were
the following six days -151 Squadron al 0 concerned they were doing as much as
to Vitry-en-Artois, and 213 and 601 could possibly be expected. The increasing
Squadrons to Merville. With the German number of Mes erschmitts wa starting to
advance reaching new heights, these extra tell. During the next two day, thirty-three
reinforcements brought the total number Hurricanes were shot down by enemy
of Hurricane squadrons based on French fighters. Although more than fifty enemy
soil to nineteen, the highest number of aircraft had been shot down by the Hurri-
Hurricane squadrons in France at anyone canes, the Luftwaffe could afford to lose a
time during this first period of the war. The few bombers and fighters; the RAF could
squadrons were not all located together, a not. More Hurricanes and pilot were sent
detachments and flight were operated acros the hannel in an attempt to help
from different bases on everal occasion. the situation, but the Luftwaffe' superior
This served two purpose: it split the as ets numbers would eventually win the day.
across a larger area, and also reduced There was an increasing number of
losses resulting from the frequent heroic actions by the Hurricane pilots in
attacks by the German on those French Fg Off Roland Beamont served with 87 Squadron Pit Off Ken Tait, a New Zealander serving with No France. In one battle during the morning
airfields from which the Hurricanes were during the Battle of France and later became chief 87 Sqn, was successful in France and later during of 14 May, Hurricanes of 6 7 Squadron
operating. test pilot with English Electric, where he flew the the Battle of Britain before he was killed in action came acro s an attacking force of fifteen
Pit Off K. Dryden with parachute at Dover rail station. he had destroyed twelve enemy aircraft Canberra, lightning, TSR 2 and Tornado prototypes. during August 1941. HS 123 escorted by more than forty Bf
during the week. It ha' become impossible Other Contributions l09s near Louvain. During the air battle
He liis throughout the day. This time, to confirm or deny this claim - some of the The Hurricanes of the AASF and Air attempt to halt advancing units of the Hurricanes of 1 Squadron did not fare that followed, ten enemy aircraft were hot
there was more figh ter escort evident, wi th successes were probably shared with other Component undoubtedly bore the brunt German Army. Led by Sqn Ldr 'Bull' much better. Pit Off Ray Lewis managed to down, including four by Fg ff Ian Rus ell,
the bombers being backed up by Bf I lOs, pilots - but owell's was undoubtedly a of the battle in May 1940 - the pilots had Halahan, eight Hurricanes of 1 quadron, bale out, having been shot down by one of an Austral ian pi lot attached to the
with Bf 109s carrying out various sector remarkable achievement, and such num- little or no reaction time before meeting based at Berry-au-Bac, provided fighter the Bf 109s. Sqn Ldr Halahan and Sgt squadron from 245 Squadron. However,
patrols. The d",y ended with the Hurri ane bers also emphasize the ferocity of the air any number of enemy aircraft, and were cover for the attack. The opposition Frank Soper had to force-land their four of the squadron's Hurricanes were also
pilots claiming more than fifty enemy air- war over France. given little or no rest between orties - but encountered by the attacking force was Hurricanes, having also been overcome by shot down, with all four pilots killed.
craft destroyed during the day, for the loss Nowell was later seriously wounded and many more squadrons were involved from fierce, with a large number of Bf l09s in the superior numbers of the Bf 109 . Of the Another gallant young Australian
of thirt en Hurricanes. burnt during an engagement in June. After across the hannel. Many sorties were the air and heavy ground fire in the target other five Hurricanes, two were severely fighter pilot lost as a result of the action on
a long period of recovery, he returned to flown across the Channel by other Hurri- area. Despite the heroic action of the damaged, although both pilots recovered 14 May was Fg Off Leslie Cli by of 1
Sgt Gareth Nowell operational flying ami wa' eventually cane units, as well as by Spitfires, Battles pilot of I Squadron in helping the Battle their "'ircr",ft to base and were unhurt. quad ron. As in many cases, the exact
It had been a busy day for the pi lots of 7 credited with ten individual kills, and Blenheims. There was also the contri- crews get to the target area, the two With 1 quadron providing fighter circum tances of his death, and the
quad ron, and in particular for gt Gareth although this figure may have been as high bution by squadron from Bomber Com- Battles in the first section were soon hot cover for the Battle attack during the number of kill he achieved, are unclear.
owell. Born in Cheshire, 27-year-old as sixteen. mand, both in France and at home, with down by Bf l09s. Led by Fg Off Donald morning, the pilots of 501 quadron at He wa heavily involved with the air
Nowell wa one of the quadron's older night bombing of German position car- Garland, the three Battles in the econd Betheniville bore the brunt of 67 Wing's fighting during April and the first two
pilots. He had already claimed his first vic- 12 May 1940
ried out by Whitleys and Hampdens. This ection carried out their atta k, but, involvement in the air fighting over week of May, achieving up to sixteen
tim two day earlier when he shot down a By 12 May the German advance wa contribution from other unit towards the against overwhelming odd, two were hot northern France. For 50 1 quadron, the confirmed kills, all but two of which he
Bf II 0 near Longwy, followed the next day beginning to make significant progres defence of the Low Countries and north- down by ground fire and one was forced first main encounter of the day had been at shot down during the five-day period lead-
by two H 126s and a Do 17 confi rmed, into Holland and through Belgium. Hurri- ern France cannot be underestimated. down oon after. The attack by Garlan I's 7.00 a.m., when it had been scrambled to ing up to his death. During the morning of
and a further Do 17 shared. The quadron canes of 151 quad ron had also entered The first two Victoria Crosses of the aircraft had caused significant damage to intercept a force of He Ills being 14 May, six aircraft were scrambled to
records were subsequently lost during the the arena, having detached from North Second World War were won in France the we tern end of the Veldwezelt bridge; escorted by Bf Il . In the hard fight that intercept a large formation of Bf Il Os near
later evacuation from France, but he is Weald to Martlesham Heath. It made during the morning of 12 May. Five Fairey as a result, both he and his observer, followed, four of the He Ills were shot the airfield of Berry-au-Bac. During the
bel ieved to have shot down at least four sense to carry out patrols from bases in Battles of 12 quad ron based at Ami- gt Thomas Gray, were posthumously down. The squadron was in action following action, three of 1 quadron's
more Do 17s on 11 May. He was awarded southern England, as the erman air effort fontaine were tasked with attacking vital awarded the Victoria Cross. again later during the day when more Hurricanes were shot down, including
an immediate Distinguished Flying Medal was very much against French and Belgian road bridges over the Albert Canal at The mission proved suicidal, with fighting took place to the north-east of Leslie Clisby, who was seen on fire
(DFM) and bar, with a citation stating that airfields. The lurricane was an ideal Vroenhaven and Veldwezelt, in an none of the five Battles surviving. The Betheniville, in the area of Sedan. spirallin to earth to the south of Sedan.
26 27
THE FALL OF FRA CE THE FALL OF FRA CE
28 29
THE FALL OF FRANCE THE FALL OF FRA CE
northern France during 17 and 18 May fighter pilots from the AASF, Air Com-
Fg Off 'Cobber' Kain of 73 resulted in the British withdrawing further RAF Hurricane squadrons and locations, June 1940 ponent and Fighter Command were either
Squadron was the RAFs first ace
toward~ the coast. SQUAORON LOCATION DATE killed or taken prisoner of war during just
of the war, and achieved
seventeen confirmed kills before
By the end of 18 May, the German forces 1 Squadron Chateaudun 3-14 June a few weeks.
his death on 6 June 1940. had reached the areas of Cambrai and Nantes/Chateau Bougon 14-17 June
beyond, and little stood between them and The Remaining Squadrons
St Nazaire 17-18 June
the vital ports. This area, which had wit- ot all the RAF Hurricanes were with-
17 Squadron Le Mans 8-17 June
nessed such terrible fighting little more drawn across the Channel. Three
73 Squadron Echemines 3-7 June
than twenty years before, was once again squadrons remained in France following
Raudin 7-15June
to be the scene of devastation. Thi time, the evacuation from French airfields on 20
however, there was no chance of defend- Nantes 15-18 June
May - the two original Hurricane units of
ing towns such as St Quentin and Arras, as 242 Squadron (detachment) Chateaudun 8-14 June the AASF, 1 and 73 Squadrons, based at
the Germans rolled through the Somme. Ancenis 14-16 June Anglure and Gaye respectively - with 501
The airfields at Lille were abandoned, as Chateau Bougon 16 June quadron, also based at Anglure,
the Hurricane squadrons moved to what 501 Squadron Le Mans 2-11 June continuing to fight a rearguard action
was left of the French airfields and the DinaI'd 11-17 June until mid-June.
coa t. The squadrons moved daily, some- Thi move to keep Hurricanes in France
times two or three times in the same day, France in any available aircraft. One contribution from the fighter squadrons right up to the bitter end was political,
as the surviving Hurricane pilots in France remarkable incident involved Pit Off has often come under criticism, the pilots rather than representing a significant
made a last stand. Although no more air- Louis Strange, DSO M DFC, a former did all that wa possible considering the contribution to the effort. For France, the
craft were to be sent to France, Hurricanes pilot with the Royal Flying Corps, who operating range from their home airfield situation became more impossible with
of 0 11 Group based across the Channel was ent to Merville to organize the and the overwhelming numbers of the every day that passed. As the German
did take part in some of the desperate air recovery of straggling Hurricanes. He Luftwaffe bombers. The loss of Hurricanes advance continued during early June, the
battles in the skies over northern France. found himself with just one partly service- and Spitfires during May was devastating three squadrons withdrew to airfields near-
The air fighting during the three days of able Hurricane left, with no one to fly it in terms of the forthcoming defence of er the coast. They were briefly reinforced
17 -19 May resulted in about 150 enemy back to England. Just short of his fiftieth Britain, and the loss of experienced pilots by the arrival of 17 Squadron from
aircraft destroyed, for the loss of about birthday, and never having flown a Hurri- was even more disastrous; nearly 100 England, and a detachment of 242
eighty Hurricanes; fifteen Hurricane pi lots cane before, he considered that he had no
Fg Off 'Cobber' Kain. DFC (73 Squadron) were killed, with a further twenty or more alternative but to take the controls. The Pit Off (later Gp Capt) Dennis David. CBE
either wounded or taken prisoner of war. journey home was hectic; he was attacked
One young Hurricane pilot who made an early impact in France was 21-year-old Fg Off 'Cobber' Kain. Born in New DFC and bar AFC - 87 Squadron
and chased by a number of Bf 109s, which
Zealand, Edgar James Kain joined the RAF in 1936. After training 11e was posted to 73 Squadron, and flew Gladia- Born in Surrey on 25 July 1918. Dennis David joined
tors before converting to the Hurricane in the summer of 1938. In September 1939 he accompanied the squadron to
he managed to shake off, before finally
the RAFVR in 1937. After training he was posted to
France. He claimed his first victory, a Dornier Do 17 near Metz, on 8 November. followed by a second Do 17 later in Evacuation landing at Manston. For this remarkable
87 Squadron, and was among the first to be sent to
the month. He was awarded the DFC in January 1940 and by the end of March he was the RAF's first ace of the war. action Louis Strange was awarded a well-
By 20 May, the situation in France had France following the outbreak of war. Although he did
having claimed three Messerschmitt Bf 109Es during the month; two in one combat near Saarlautern on 26 March. deserved bar to his First World War DFC. not achieve his first confirmed kill until 10 May 1940
Kain sel\ied with 73 Squadron throughout the Battle of France, the only squadron pilot to do so. During the main become impossible. The airfields at
(an He 111 in the area of Senonl. he enjoyed
air battles over northern France between 10-21 May 1940, he shot down eight aircraft, including three in one day, Merville, Moorsele and Norrent-Fontes Operation Dynamo
remarkable success throughout the following nine
on 19 May. Three more confirmed kills between 25-27 May brought his total to seventeen. Kain's squadron remained were evacuated, and all the Hurricanes The RAF ground crews were left to get days of intense air fighting. He destroyed a Do 17 on
in France after the main withdrawal of Hurricane squadrons on 20 May. but he was ordered back to England for a capable of flying returned across the back to England by any possible means. the same day, another Do 17 and a Ju 87 during the
rest. On 6June, he took off from Echemines and began a low slow roll. The wing-tip of his Hurricane hit the ground Channel, leaving just three squadrons They joined the thousands of retreating following day, and a He 111 on 12 May, making him
and the aircraft crashed, killing the courageous young 'Cobber'. assigned to the AASF remaining in an ace in just three days. By 19 May, his personal
British and French forces towards the
No pilot contributed more than Fg Off 'Cobber' Kain during the Battle of France, and he will be remembered as the France: 1 and 501 Squadrons at Anglure, score had risen to eight. although the citation to his
RAF's first ace of the war. With seventeen kills and the experience gained in France, who knows what he might have
coast and the eventual evacuation port at
and 73 Squadron at Gaye. Dunkirk. Although the majority of the DFC and bar credits him with eleven kills.
achieved during the Battle of Britain? Sadly, we will never know. David enjoyed more success with 87 Squadron
Hurricanes had withdrawn to England, it
Returning the Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain and, by the end, brought
was still necessary to provide vital air his total to fifteen; the last kill was with 213
The evacuation of the RAF from France in cover over the Channel ports if the Squadron after his posting as a flight commander in
France the higher will be the wastage and the Dowding's letter was too late to stop the May 1940 brought many tales of heroics evacuation of the men was to be possible. mid-October. After a brief spell flying Spitfires with
more insistent the demands for reinforcements. arrival of 213 and 601 Squadrons at and improvisation. The serviceable This vital air support was flown from the 152 Squadron he was rested from operational flying
I must therefore request that on a matter of Merville on 17 May, or the arrival of J 51 Hurricanes had flown back across the fighter airfields in southern England and and became an instructor, during which time he was
paramount urgency the Air Ministry will con- Squadron at Vitry-en-Artois less than Channel, but it had not been po sible to amounted to some 200 sorties per day. awarded the AFC and promoted to the rank of
sider and decide what level of strength is to be twenty-four hours later. It did, however, recover all the ground equipm nt and Under Operation Dynamo, the evacua- Squadron Leader.
left to Fighter Command for the defence of this bring to an end the sending to France of spares; this resulted in much being lost tion of the British forces at Dunkirk began After a period in the Middle East, David was
country, and will ensure me that when this level Hurricane squadrons, although a number during the retreat. More importantly, on 26 May, and during the following week promoted to the rank of Wing Commander in July
has been reached, not one fighter will be sent of aircraft did fly across the Channel dur- however, every Hurricane would become 1943 and given command of 89 Squadron in Ceylon,
nearly 350,000 troops were evacuated
across the Channel however urgent and insis- ing the day, returning at night; examples of vital to the defence of Britain in the air where he flew Beaufighters. The following year he Pit Off Dennis David was one of the most
from the beaches and port. RAF fighters commanded Minneriya and Kankesanteran. after successful pilots to have served with 87 Squadron;
tent the arreals for help may be. If the Home this 'compromise' were contributions from battle that was to follow. Where possible, flew nearly 3,000 sorties in support of the which he was promoted to the rank of Group Captain. he achieved at least eight kills during the Battle of
Defence Force is drained away in desperate 56 and I JJ Squadrons, which detached the remaining Hurricanes were fixed up evacuation during the period, most in the At the end of the war he remained in the Far East until France and was eventually credited with fifteen
attempts to remedy the situation in France, Hurricanes from their home base to Lille just enough to enable them to get back area of Dunkirk itself, destroying nearly returning to the UK in 1946. Dennis David remained kills. for which he was awarded the DFC and bar.
defeat in France will involve the final, complete and Abbeville respectively. The German across the Channel. 200 enemy aircraft, for the loss of more in the post-war RAF, retiring from the service in 1967. David remained in the RAF after the war and retired
and irremediable defeat of this country. advance through the centre sector of Engineering support was sent hastily to than 100 RAF fighters Although this as a group captain in 1967.
30 37
THE FALL OF FRA CE
32 33
BRITAIN ALO E - THE SUMMER OF 1940 BRITAIN ALONE - THE SUMMER OF 1940
34 35
BRITAIN ALONE - THE SUMMER OF 1940 BRITAIN ALONE - THE SUMMER OF 1940
Hurricanes of 56 Squadron also enjoyed The following few days saw a similar fighter pilot scored his first success in a a Hurricane, of 87 Squadron. However, a
success. One of the flight commanders, Fit pattern to the opening day; it would be Hurricane on II July; leading 242 number of ships in the convoy were either
Lt 'Jumbo' Gracie, destroyed a Bf 110 near some time before the Battle of Britain Squadron from Coltishall, Sqn Ldr lost or severely damaged. It was a similar
Dover, while Sgt Clifford Whitehead reached its height. There were several rea- Douglas Bader destroyed a reconnaissance story three days later, when more attacks
scored his fourth kill when he also sons for this. First, the weather was gener- Do 17 near Cromer on the orfolk coast. were made against shipping off Dover, and
destroyed a Bf 110 in the same area. ally unfavourable; early-morning fog and The next week resulted in twenty-eight the same again the following day. By now,
The Hurricanes of III Squadron, led by low cloud made targeting for the German enemy aircraft destroyed, for the loss of the good weather was proving favourable
Sqn Ldr John Thompson, became engaged bombers difficult. Second, the Luftwaffe eighteen RAF fighters (twelve Hurri- to the RAF, with the pilots able to use the
with Messerschmitt Bf 109s of JG3 and bomber force was not quite ready for an canes), and the following week fifty enemy sun and height to gain the advantage. In
JG51 escorting Dornier Do 17s of KG2 to all-out assault against the RAE The prob- aircraft for the loss of twenty-seven RAF the last four days ofJuly the RAF destroyed
the south of Folkestone. Fg Off Henry lem of attacking well-defended targets in fighters (eighteen Hurricanes). With the thirty-five enemy aircraft for the loss of
Ferris, already an ace with six victories, daylight, over a prolong d period, against exception of the opening two days, when just eleven, including seven Hurricanes.
claimed his seventh victim when he a well-trained and most determined oppo- the RAF had enjoyed undisputed success, Although the Hurricanes damaged in
destroyed a Bf 109 over Folkestone and sition was an entirely different challenge these first two weeks of the battle had seen the air could land back at base (or almost
shared in the destruction of a Do 17. to the quick defeats of Poland, France and both sides locked in a stalemate. Although anywhere, if necessary), where they could
Another of the first Hurricane successes of the Low Countries. The third, and most the overall score was in favour of the RAF, be repaired and put back into the air in a
the battle was achieved in sad circum- important, reason was that Hitler had not the Luftwaffe could afford to lose aircraft relatively short period of time, th loss of
stances, when Fg Off Tom Higgs lost a wing yet decided on exactly when and how he at the current ratio of three to two. pilots could not be so readily accepted. It
after colliding with a Do 17 at 6,000 feet would finally attempt to defeat Britain. The air battle had started to take shape took time to train young pilots and the
(1800m), ending both aircraft into the sea. The Luftwaffe's main target during the and many early lessons had been learnt on training units struggled to turn out new
There were a number of early successes opening two weeks of the battle was ship- both sides of the Channel, mainly that air pilots at the rate at which the RAF was
and the RAF's advantage in operating ping in the Channel, off the ports of Port- combat was hard and that the superior starting to lose them. By the end of July,
close to home, and in the role of defence land and Dover. The weather had been aircraft generally won each engagement. Pilots of 249 Squadron at Boscombe Down relax after just three weeks of the battle,
rather than attack, was evident from the variable, with rain showers precluding The previously successful Junkers Ju 87 with 'pipes various' during August. Pictured left to twenty-five Hurricane pilots had lost their
very first day. Further along the coast, a much air interaction, although there were Stuka was completely outclassed by the right are: Pit Off George Barclay, Pit Off Percy lives, with many more recovering from
Burton, Fg Off Pat Wells, and Pit Off Bryan Meaker. wounds or injuries.
One of many Australian airmen to distinguish large number of German bombers had inevitably clashes between the two sides, Hurricane and Spitfire; similarly, although
himself was Fg Off John Cock of 87 Squadron, who Tragically, of those pictured, only Pat Wells would
made further attacks with limited success with associated losses. The first two days of much had been expected of the RAF's By the beginning of August, the good
destroyed two aircraft during the fighting over survive the war.
in Cornwall and South Wales. The overall the phase, 10-11 July, had resulted in more Boulton Paul Defiant, it soon became weather had become settled, although it
Portland on 11 August. By the end of the Battle of was cloudy at times. Whenever possible,
result at the end of the first day was than thirty enemy aircraft destroyed, for obvious that it was no match for the The Luftwaffe continued its attacks
Britain, his personal score was ten, for which he
thirteen enemy aircraft destroyed, for the the loss of just ten RAF fighters, including Messerschmitt Bf 109. In one encounter, against the Channel convoys throughout the Luftwaffe continued its attacks against
was awarded the DFC.
loss of six RAF fighters. six Hurricanes. Probably the most famous on 19 July, six Defiants from 14J Squadron the rest of the month. One of the heaviest shipping in the Channel, extending its
were shot down over the Channel by Bf attacks was made against a large convoy off area of operations by night to the Mid-
109s of JG5l. in a matter of minutes, ten Dover on 25 July. The weather had been lands, the north of England, outh Wales
Fit It Ian Gleed and ground crew of 87 Squadron.
of the squadron's pilots and gunners were fine all day and many attacks were carried and Norfolk. There were few exchanges
dead. Only the arrival of the Hurricanes of out by Ju 87s, escorted by Bf 109s. Despite during the first week of August, but this all
11 J Squadron prevented a total massacre, being heavily outnumbered, the RAF changed on the 8th, when the convoy
enabling three Defiants to recover to destroyed twenty enemy aircraft, for the CW9, codenamed Peewit, was attacked
Hawkinge. loss of nine fighters, just one of which was several times during the day off the Isle of
During July, 302 and 303 Squadrons were
formed, at Leconfield and Northolt respec-
tively, both made up of Polish
personnel evacuated from France. The
experience level of 303 Squadron was such
that it became operational before the end of
the month, when it was literally thrown into
battle, with little preparation. It was several
weeks before 302 Squadron moved south to
join the battle. The vital contribution of
such units cannot be under-
estimated - many Polish, Czech and other
overseas personnel would give their life
before the battle was over. Another new
Hurricane squadron was 232 Squadron,
which formed during July at Sumburgh,
where its Hurricanes flew on defensive
duties in the north of Scotland. These three
squadrons were the only additions to the
Hurricane orbat, bringing the maximum
number of operational Hurricane units at
anyone time during the battle to thirty-four. Hurricanes of 'A' Flight of No 87 Squadron.
36 37
BRITAI ALONE - THE SUM 1ER OF 1940 BRITAIN ALa E - TilE SUMMER OF 1940
;'-.
briefed his commanders about the nature
of hi expected victory with a new offen-
ive, Adlertag ('Eagle Day'), beginning on
13 August. With the new offensive ju t
twenty-four hours away, the Luftwaf/;
changed tactics with attacks again t the
four radar stations at Dover, Dunkirk, Rye
and Ventnor in an attempt to take the
early-warning 'eyes' away from the RAF
These were followed by attacks against the
airfields at Manston, Lympne and
Hawkinge resulting in some of the heavi-
est air fighting to date. Honours were
ahout even at the end of the day, with each
side losing more than twenty aircraft.
38 39
BRITAIN ALONE - THE SUMMER OF 1940 BRITAI ALa E - THE SUMMER OF 1940
fighting which would take place. Hitler down another Ju 87; fortunately, he did so Hurricanes and Spitfires of 10 and II
had dictated that the destruction of the successfully. Groups carried out patrols and were
RAF wa to be completed by 15 eptem- Early in the afternoon, LufrfIotte 5 scrambled to meet the ever-increasing
bel', so an all-out effort by the Luftwaffe carried out attacks from bases in Scandi- numbers of German aircraft; some 150
was made, with LufrfIocce 5 also taking part, navia again t targets in the north-east of RAF fighters were involved, the largest
operating from ba e in candinavia. England. The main targets were airfields in number to date. In the south-east, there
The basic plan was for the Luftwaffe to north Yorkshire and the industrial areas of were further raids at about 3.00 p.m.
carry out an attack over a wide front, with ewcastle and und rland. The raid was against airfields at Martlesham Heath and
the main targets being the radar stations detected well out to sea, giving the RAF Hawkinge, as well as attacks against
and airfields of Fighter Command. The fighters time to intercept. Lacking any Rochester and Eastchurch. Among the
fir t raids were carried out during the late fighter cover, and underestimating the fighters meeting these raids were Hurri-
morning by Ju 87s and Bf l1Os, escorted by numbers ofRAF fighters in the north, sev- canes from 1 Squadron at Northolt, 17
Bf 109 , and were directed against the eral German bombers were shot down. Squadron from Debden, 32 Squadron from
radar ites at Dover and the fighter Hurricanes of 605 Squadron from Drem Biggin Hill, III Squadron from Croydon
Fit Lt Jumbo Gracie. 56 Squadron, destroyed five airfields in Kent. Hurricane of 615 were among the fighters scrambled; they and 151 Squadron from North Weald.
aircraft during the Battle of Britain, including a Bf quadron at Kenley and 501 Squadron at intercepted more than 60 He Ills from Leading III Squadron from the front,
110 on the opening day and another over Ashford on Sqn Ldr John Thompson shot down two of
18 August
the raiders, a Do 17 over the Thames and
a Bf 110 attacking Croydon airfield. His
not reach all units and, shortly after 5.00 The ground crews proved to be the unsung heroes of the battle. efforts were matched by Sgt Tom Wallace,
a.m., Do 17s of KG2, escorted by Bf II0s a South African who had travelled to the
of ZG26, took off to attack targets at Goering was furious at the confusion identified by German intelligence as a UK to join the RAF and had just arrived
Sheerness and Eastchurch. The Bf II0s and, anticipating an improvement in the Fighter Command operating airfield. on the squadron; he shot down two Bf 11 Os
received the message to cancel the opera- weather, ordered Adlertag to commence Although there were a number of casual- for his first kills of the war. Throughout the
tion soon after and turned back, but the properly during the mid-afternoon. The ties on the ground, Detling was not consid- afternoon there were other successes for
Do 17s did not, and pressed on alone. Due first mass raid, some 300 aircraft, crossed ered to be a priority ailfield, and Fighter the other squadron pilots, including two
to the weather over the targets, the attack the Channel at 3.30 p.m. weeping ahead Command escaped relatively un cathed. kills each for Fit Lt Stanley Connors
had to be carried out below the cloud, at of the main force were Bf 109s of JG53, The opening day of Adlertag had ended (bringing his personal score to eleven),
heights of little more than 1,000 feet followed by more Bf 109 from JG27 and in favour of the RAE The'day had tarted and for Sgt Bill Dymond (bringing his
(300m). For the Luftwaffe, the result of the Bf I lOs, escorting Ju of KG54 and in confusion and ended with the los of total number of kills to eight). Sadly, nei-
attack was good, but several of the Do 17s LGI,withJu 7sfrom tG2and tGn. another new record of forty-five enemy ther of these young men would survive the
were shot down after being intercepted One of the targets was the port of aircraft, for the loss of just thirteen RAF Battle of Britain: Connors was shot down
over the Thames Estuary by Hurricanes of Southampton and it was over the olent fighters, twelve of which were Hurricanes. and killed over Kenley just three days
111 and 151 Squadrons and Spitfires of 74 that the Hurricanes of 43 and 257 As the day ended, the night offensive later; Dymond was shot down over the
Squadron at 7.00 a.m. One of the Squadrons first encountered the enemy. began, with a number of raids against Thames on 2 September, at the age of just
Hurricanes of 151 Squadron was a 20mm Heavily outnumbered, distracting the targets all over the country. twen ty-th ree.
cannon-armed experimental variant, bomb-aimers was about as much as the Further to the west, there were raids
flown on this 0 casion by Fit Lt Rod lurricane pilots could do. A section of 87 Squadron relaxing between sorties at Exeter, late August 1940. Pictured left to right are Fg against airfields at Middle Wallop and
Smith. Although this aircraft was An hour later, more Ju 87s, escorted by Thursday, 15 August Off Roddy Rayner, Pit Off Roger Malengreau and S/L Johnnie Dewar. Belgian Malengreau escaped to Worthy Down, as well as further raids
described by the pilot as less manoeu- Bf 11 Os, were detailed to attack Rochester Two days later, on 15 August, the story was England after the fall of France, and joined the squadron just before this picture was taken; sadly, Dewar against Portland. The two Exeter-based
vrable, the firepower was significantly but were successfully turned back by much the same. As dawn broke, it was was killed on a routine sortie days later. Hurricane squadrons, 87 and 213, were
better, and this was soon proved when Hurricanes of 56 Squadron. There were obvious to the defending pilots that a fine scrambled. Just before 5.00 p.m., they
Smith shot down one of the Do 17s at a further attacks by Ju 87s on the airfield at day was in store; no one, however, could Gravesend weI' crambled to int rcept KG26 to the south-east of Newcastle just found themselves in the thick of the
range of some 300 yards. Detling, which had mi takenly, been have foreca I' the ferocity of the air the raid. The re ult was successful for the after 2.00 p.m. One of the flight comman- action again, after intercepting Ju 87s,
raiders, with the radar stations at Dover, ders, Fit Lt Archie McKellar, claimed four e corted by Bf 11 Os, a I' 15,000 feet
Rye and Forene s being put out of action Heinkel He Ills, shot down into the sea (4500m), south of Portland. In the mass
Hurricane squadrons and locations, Adlertag, 13 August 1940
for several hour. However, the pilots of to the south-east of Newcastle, although combat that followed, four of 213
501 quad ron had a particularly successful only one of them could be verified; two Squadron's pilots each shot down three
10 GROUP 11 GROUP 12 GROUP 13 GROUP morning after intercepting Ju 87s attack- more He Ills were shot down by Pit Off enemy aircraft; Sgt Reg Llewellyn and Pit
Exeter - 87, 213 Biggin Hill· 32 Church Fenton· 73, 249 Acklington . 79 ing the airfield at Hawkinge. gts Donald 'Bunny' Currant. lightly further down Off Jacque Philippart each de troyed
Middle Wallop - 238 Croydon ·111. 1lRCAFI Coltishall . 242 Aldergrove· 245 McKay and Paul Fames each hot down the coast, 79 Squadron from Acklington three Bf l1Os, while FIt LtJackie Sing and
Debden -17, 85 Digby· 46 Castletown - 504 two Ju 7s, bringing their personal cores intercepted more He Ills off Middles- Pit Off Joseph Laricheliere each destroyed
Gravesend· 501 Duxford·310 Drem·605 to four and five respectively. Tw Pole borough, three of which were promptly two Bf 110s and a Ju 87. These kills
Kenley - 615 Leconfield . 302 Grangemouth . 263 who had both ju I' joined the quadron hot down by Pit Off Bill Millington. brought Laricheliere's personal total to
after evacuating Europe also scored their In ju I' ten minutes of combat, the RAF six, all of which were achieved in two days
Northolt - 1. 257, 303 Witlering . 229 Sumburgh . 232
first successes: Fg Off Stefan Witorzenc had shot down more than twenty bombers. of action. Sadly, the Canadian was killed
North Weald - 56, 151 Turnhouse . 253
shot down two Ju 87s, while Sgt Toni The losses uffered by Luftflotte 5 were too in action over the Isle of Wight the
Tangmere· 43, 601 Usworth·607
Glowacki destroyed another. Fit Lt great and it would make no further mass following day. There were also two further
Westhampnett . 145 Wick-3 daylight raids during the battle. kills each for Fg Off James Strickland
Johnny Gibson was forced to bale out of
his damaged Hurricane after shooting Throughout the long afternoon, the and Pit Off Bill Sizer.
40 47
BRITAIN ALONE - THE S 1 1ER OF 1940 BRITAI ALO E - THE SUMMER OF 1940
42 43
BRITAI ALONE - THE S MMER OF 1940 BRITAIN ALONE - THE SUMMER OF 1940
to attack the airfields at Thomey Island, trying to attack the bombers heading for Fit Lt 'Hammy' Hamilton, but the
Gosport and Ford, and the radar station at Hornchurch, but large numbers of Bf l09s squadron was saddened by the loss of one
Poling along the ussex coast. Having made the task almo t impossible. Two of of it most popular members, Fg Off
detected the raid, the ground controllers the Bf 109s were hot down by two Polish Dickie Lee who was last seen chasing three
believed that the target would once again pilots serving with SOL quadron - Fg Off Bf llOs out to sea. The cloud over outh-
be the airfields. Hurricane of 601 tefan Witorzenc and Pit Off Pawel ea t England had made it impos ible for
quad ron were patrolling their base at Zenker. The pilot of 32 Squadron were the Germans to bomb the airfields and
Tangmere, 43 quad ron was patrolling also heavily involved in the dogfight, many ditched their bomb over towns
Thomey Island and 213 quad ron was where honours seemed to turn out even. instead; among the worst hit were
patrolling over St Catherine's Point. In Sqn Ldr Michael Crossley shot down a Bf Shoeburyne s and Deal.
addition, there were four squadrons of 109 before successfully baling out, having unday I August had proved to be a
Spitfires covering the area from been shot down by another. Two others hectic day. The Luftwaffe had launched
Port mouth to the south of the Isle of were shot down by Pit Off Alan Eckford 1,000 sorties and had lost eventyaircraft.
Wight, and the airfields at Westhampnett and by another Polish pilot, Pit Off Karol Fighter ommand had flown 900 sorties
and Middle Wallop. Pniak. and had lost about thirty aircraft, twenty-
The attack began at about 2.30 p.m. Back up to the north, over the orth six of which were Hurricanes, plus three
Before the Stukas could reach Thomey Weald area, the Hurricanes of 46,85 151 more destroyed on the ground. Most
Island they were attacked by the and 257 Squadrons had all joined the importantly, from the twenty-six Hurri-
Hurricanes of 43 and 60 I Squadrons. fight. The following a tivity was chaotic canes shot down, seventeen pilots were
Leading 43 quad ron was Fit Lt Frank and many ki lis were claimed by either side. saved. For the time being it was probably
arey, already one of the RAF's leading Leading 5 Squadron was qn Ldr Peter
aces with eighteen confirmed kills. He Townsend, who destroyed two Bf 109s.
promptly shot down a Ju 87 and was However, there were mixed fortunes for
attacking a second when he was hit by an the other pilots of 5 quadron. One of
e corting Bf 109, and forced to crash-land the He III was hot down by Canadian
near Pulborough. Three more Ju 7 were
shot down by gt 'Darkie' Hallowes of 43 Right: A former schoolmaster, Fg Off Richard
Squadron, who thereby achieved hi Brooker served with 56 Squadron during the Battle
Phase 3 opened on 7 September, with a devastating squadron managed to tie up the escort long sea before he was 'jumped' by a Bf 109 and
eighth kill of the week, making hi of Britain. He later served in the Far East and
attack against London. enough to allow the Hurricanes of 32 had to turn for home.
Europe lfor which he was awarded the OSO and
quadron to attack the main force. Lead- The Hurricanes of 17 quad ron had also personal total fifteen, and won a bar to hi'
bar, and DFC and bar), but was killed just two
fighters were airborne to meet the raid, ing the front section was Sqn Ldr Mike been waiting for the egressing bombers DFM. It had been a devastating blow for
weeks from the end of the war.
and two-thirds of them were Hurricanes. Crossley, who destroyed a Ju near Ash- and had joined the fight from the east. the tukas of I Gruppe, with some ten
The main bomber force passed to the west ford. Another Ju was shot down, by Pit Leading the attack was Sqn Ldr edric aircraft shot down. However, despite the Below: It was not uncommon for pilots to fly up to
of the patrol at 1.00 p.m., directed towards Off Bole law Wlasnowolski, to the south- Williams, who claimed his fir t victim of suc ess of 43 and 601 Squadrons, the six or seven sorties a day during the height of the
the airfields of Biggin Hill and Kenley. The east of Biggin Iili. Leading the second the war, a Do l7 to the south-east of majority of the Stukas reached their battle; in between, they had to take every possible
only squadron to become engaged initially fl igh t wa FI t Lt Peter Brothers, who Dover. H is section was then attacked by a targets and carried out a number of suc- opportunty to relax and share a joke.
was SOL Squadron, which was bounced by destroyed a Do 17 attacking Biggin Hill. group of Bf 109s making their way back ces ful attacks. The naval airfield at Ford
Bf 109s of JG26 over Canterbury. The As the force began to withdraw south- across the Channel, and all three had been virtually destroyed, there was
following combat was devastating and wards towards the Channel it was the turn Hurricanes scattered for home; Pit Off significant damage to the radar station at
resulted in four Hurricanes being shot of the Hurricanes of 56 Squadron to Neville olomon was not seen again. Poling, and serious damage had been
down in just two minutes by Oberleutnant engage the enemy. verhead Ashford, the Sadly, Williams too was killed in action, caused to the airfields at Thomey Island
Gerhard choepfel. squadron first intercepted a group of Bf just a week later. and Gosport. There had also been a
A beam attack was executed on a group IIOs of ZG26. Fg Off Percy Weaver shot The attack was over; the raid had lasted number of casualties on the ground.
of Do 17s heading towards Kenley airfield down one, another was destroyed by FIt Lt less than an hour. The airfield at Kenley There then followed a couple of hour of
by III quadron, which had al 0 been 'Jumbo' Gracie, while Fg Off Innes West- had been heavily hit, with a number of calm before the third ma raid cro ed the
cram bled from Croydon to intercept the macott, Pit Off Maurice Mounsdon and aircraft destroyed on the ground and Channel at about 5.00 p.m. This time,
raid. For several minute the Hurricane Sgt lifford Whitehead each hared in the significant damage to all the hangars. about 1 0 enemy bombers, escorted by 150
chased the Dorniers but, one by one, they destruction of others. Meanwhile, the Biggin Hill had, however, uffered little Bf 1 9 and Bf I10s, were detailed to
either ran out of fuel or ammunition and Hurricanes of I Squadron had been damage and all aircraft had managed to get attack the airfields at North Weald and
had to turn for home. It wa a costly waiting between Ashford and Dover when off the ground before the attack took Homchurch. To meet the attack were
encounter. everal claim were made, but they caught ight of the Bf llO . PIt Off place. West Mailing had uffered damage about l50 fighters, two-thirds of which
the Hurricane squadron 10 t three aircraft George Goodman was still only nineteen, to the hangars, and a group of Bf I lOs had were Hurricanes from 32, 46, 56, 5, 15l,
in the five minutes of combat. but was already an experienced combat attacked Manston on the way home, 257 and 5 I quadrons. The first unit to
Kenley was home to 615 Squadron; pilot, having erved with the squadron destroying a number of pitfires on the engage was 56 Squadron, which intercepted
some of it Hurricanes were not able to get during the campaign in France. He sighted ground. the He Ills just off the Essex coast head-
off the ground before the attack struck, a straggling Do 17, which he and his No sooner had the aircraft landed from ing for orth Weald. While half the
and three aircraft were destroyed on the section finished off over Dungeness. He the fir t mass raid than the second wa squadron became engaged with the fighter
ground. High above the airfields, the then spotted one of the Bf 110s coasting starting to build. This time it wa the turn escort, two sections were able to atta k the
Hurricanes of 615 Squadron were heavily out at low level, and immediately carried of the Stukas, with more than lOO Ju 87s bombers. Meanwhile, to the south, the
engaged with the Bf 109 escort. The out his attack, shooting it down into the ofStG77, escorted by l50 Bf 109s, detailed Hurricanes of 32 and 501 Squadrons were
44 45
BRITAI ALONE - TilE S MMER OF 1940 BRITAIN ALONE - THE S MMER OF 1940
conditions over the following days. It the Hurricane were being made locally at failed as the RAF fighters were ordered to
would not be until 24 August that the the quadrons. The fitting of armoured keep clear. This apparent avoidance of air
weather became fine enough for the Luft- plate behind the seat, and the addition of combat suggested to the Germans that the
waffe to launch another large attack. The a rear-view mirror were examples of impro- Luftwaffe now had air superiority over the
raids against the airfields of North Weald, visation intended to help increase the hannel. This led to another ignificant
Hornchurch and Manston continued, a pilot's chance of survival. The ground German attack again t the airfields on 30
well as attacks again t Dover, Ramsgate crews were undoubtedly the unsung heroes August; Fighter ommand flew more than
and Portsmouth. Among the succe sful of the battle, working all hours to repair 1,000 sorties and proved that it was by no
Hurricane pilots on that day was gt Toni damaged aircraft and to refuel and rearm means beaten.
Glowacki, who destroyed three Bf 109s and each Hurricane, despite the airfield being The raids during the last two days of
two]u 8 s in his four sorties during the day, under attack. August had, however, stretched 0 11
earning the award of the Virtuti Militari. lowever, the decrease in the number of Group to the limit. The system of air
The heavy attacks of 24 August marked pilots was beginning to tell. It is true that defence worked because of the overall
the start of a new and more determined many were escaping with their life, but a effort and co-ordination shown by all per-
series of raids against Fighter Command's high proportion of the survivors were sonnel, ommunicating from the radar
airfields, which tretched the pilots and either badly burned or wounded, and sites and the observation posts of the
ground crews of No II Group to the lim- unable to return immediately to the front Observer Corps to the Sector Operations
its. That night, the first large number of line. They were replaced by more young Centres, and then from the Unit Opera-
Sgt Josef Frantisek of 303 Squadron. This gallant bombs fell on London, which led to a men, with very few flying hours in single- tions to the squadrons. Unsurprisingly, the
Czech pilot destroyed seventeen aircraft during revenge attack on Berlin by Bomber Com- engine fighter, who were thrown straight ever-increasing number of attacks and the
September, before being killed on 8 October. mand the following night. The following into the 'lion's den'. Until now, Dowding subsequent damage had led to a reduction
days were much the ame, with honours had been able to send squadrons and crews in the effectiveness of this system.
as much as the Germans could take. In the ending almo t even. north for a well-earned rest from battle Throughout the first week of September, One of the most successful fighter pilots of the war was Sqn Ldr Bob Stanford Tuck, who commanded 257
past eleven days, the Luftwaffe had lost It wa during this period that Dowding but, as the losses mounted, this was the weather remained fine. Large numbers Squadron at North Weald during the Battle of Britain. He was eventually credited with twenty-seven kills
more than 360 aircraft, while the RAF had and hi group commanders began to feel becoming less of an option. The only new of aircraft carried out daylight attacks (mostly while flying Spitfires), for which he was awarded the DSO and the DFC with two bars.
lost half that number. Although the Battle drained. True, the gallant young fighter Hurricane unit to form during this period against the airfields, while maintaining
of Britain was far from over, the 10 e pilots were shooting down large numbers was 312 quadron at Duxford, made up of the night offensive against cities in the was too late to stop them. The fighters one, which blew up and took out two more
suffered by the Luftwaffe during the two of German air raft, but RAF losses were Czech personnel. As soon as it received it Midlands and the orth. The attacks then headed for the bombers, but the on either ide of it.
day of fighting on l5 and I Augu t were also high and there had been ignificant Hurricanes, it was ent to Speke to defend against the airfields were proving most escorting Bf 109s and Bf llOs did a good The German invasion date had been
far greater than had been anticipated. damage to the airfields of 0 II Group. Mer eyside. costly and, had they continued for much job of intercepting them, and the bombing fixed for 20 eptember and time was now
Although the fighter production line In the afternoon of 29 August, the longer, the only option for Dowding would attack proved 0 successful that a second running short. Hitler decided that he
19 August - 6 September were working hard to maintain the Luftwaffe massed a raid of more than 60 have been to withdraw the fighter further attack that evening saw London burning would delay until the following week the
The build-up of weather seen on I balance between aircraft hot down and fighters in an attempt to tempt the RAF north. He wished to avoid this at all costs from many miles away. A total of forty announ ement as to whether or not the
August led to some cloudy and wet new aircraft produced, improvements to into a fighter-fighter battle, but the plan - in the event of an invasion, his fighters German aircraft were lost during the day, invasion would take place. The increasing
would be too far away from the fight and of which just fourteen were bombers. The number in fighter escort meant that it wa
the RAF would suffer the disadvantages RAF lost thirty fighters, ixteen of which becoming increasingly harder for Fighter
Fit It (later Wg Cdr) Ian 'The Widge' Gleed, currently being suffered by the Luftwaffe. were Hurricanes. Despite the losses, this Command to stop the bombers reaching
DSO DFC - 87 Squadron
Fighter Command needed a break from turn against London gave the airfields of London. On 11 September the RAF
Ian Richard Gleed was born in London on 3July 1916. the attack against the airfields and, as if Fighter Command the rest they so scrambled late and, caught out during the
He joined the RAF in 1936 and after training was by a miracle, that much-needed rest soon desperately needed. climb, suffered higher losses than the
posted to 46 Squadron, where he flew Gauntlets and came. Although the weather was fine during Luftwaffe; nineteen Hurricanes were lost
then Hurricanes. Known as 'The Widge' (due to his the next couple of days, it was a relatively during the day, with the loss of eight pilots.
size!. he was flying Spitfires with 266 Squadron at quiet period by daylight, although the It was a bad day for Fighter Command.
the outbreak of war. In May 1940, he was posted as
Phase Three, 7-30 September offensive against London by night contin-
a flight commander to 87 Squadron in France and Sunday, 15 September
within his first week had destroyed five enemy
ued. Having taken over command of 253
aircraft. The opening day of this new phase started Squadron at Kenley on 5 eptember, Sqn Bad weather over the next three days
During the Battle of Britain, Gleed led the quietly, with no mass raid detected before Ldr Gerry Edge made an immediate meant little air activity. This gave Fighter
squadron on numerous occasions, during which time mid-afternoon. This raid, consisting of impact. During fighting over the Thames ommand a bit of a rest before the next
he destroyed a further four enemy aircraft, for which nearly 1,000 aircraft, proved to be the on 7 eptember, he hot down two He major onslaught, which wa launched on
he was awarded the DFC. In December 1940, he was largest ever by the Luftwaffe. Ills; he followed this up on the 9th by l5 eptember, the day which subsequently
promoted to the rank of squadron leader and given At first, the ground controllers assumed shooting down four]u 8s ju t out ide became known as Battle of Britain Day.
command of the squadron, then based at Charmy that it was an all-out effort to destroy No London. He then shot down two more He Although this date saw the largest number
Down. In November 1941, he was promoted to the 11 Group, and twenty squadrons of Ills and a Bf l09 on the 1 Yth, bringing hi of enemy aircraft attacking London, it wa
rank of wing commander and returned to the Spitfire,
fighters were scrambled to defend the air- total for his first week in command of the not the mo t uccessful day in term of
leading the Middle Wallop and Ibsley Wings on
numerous occasions, for which he was awarded the
fields. It was then that the main force quad ron to nine. Fit Lt Archie McKellar enemy aircraft ·hot down. However, the
DSO. In January 1943, Gleed was posted to North unexpectedly turned for London. The fact of 605 quad ron was also in the thick of RAF' famou victory in the air on 15
Africa where he commanded No 244 Wing. On 16 that the RAF were defending the airfields the action on 9 eptember when he shot September did mark the beginning of the
April. he led a patrol over the Cap Bon area. and The extensive damage to the tail section of this Hurricane shows the skill of Fg Off John Cock in force- meant that the German bombers reached down three He Ills and a Bf 109 over end of the Battle of Britain.
failed to return. landing his aircraft following a mid-air collision with Pit Off Dudley Jay on 24 October; sadly, Jay was not London unscathed; by the time the ground Farnborough. It appears that his three He The day started quietly, but a mass raid
so lucky, and went down with his aircraft. controllers realized what was happening, it J 11 kills came about from shooting down destined for London started building up
46 47
BRITAIN AlOE - TilE SUMMER OF 1940
BRITAI ALO E - TilE SUMMER OF 1940
Fit Lt James Nicolson, 249 Squadron, following the brought hi personal total to eighteen, for
reached the capital, the fighter escort was heigh t of the battle, and the h ighest-
Sgt (later Sqn ldr) 'Ginger' lacey, DFM and award of the Victoria Cross. which he was awarded a bar to his DFC.
already on its way home. Thi gave the scoring zech fighter pilot of the war.
bar - 501 Squadron These proved to be Lewis" final kills of the
RAF fighter the chance to wait and adly, Frantisek's amazing uccess was
James Harry Lacey was born in Wetherby, Yorkshire choose their areas of interception. The short-lived, as he was killed during a ro "md in a cornfield at Kilmington near war, as he was shot down the next day.
on 1 February 1917. Following a period as an RAF also enjoyed the advantage of larger routine patrol on October. Axminster. The damage to the cornfield Although he managed to bale out, he
apprentice pharmacist. Lacey joined the RAFVR in numbers and wa able to get ready in At the end of the day, both sides were clearly upset the farm labourer, and Haw suffered erious burns and did not return to
1937. He was called up following the outbreak of war was sent on hi way carrying his parachute. flying until the following May. He was
formation in good time; this gave them the left to count the cost. The RAF believed
and posted as a sergeant pilot to 501 Squadron at He caught a Iift to Taunton, where the dri- then sent to serve in the Far East, in
further advantage of extra height. The that it had shot down more aircraft than
Filton to fly Hurricanes. He went to France in May ver bought him lunch. They were soon command of 261 quadron in Ceylon, but
1940 for a few hectic weeks of action before the overall result was success for the RAF on any other day, and the BBC announced
fighters, with many of the German the total for the 24-hour period to be more joined by ome grateful onlookers, and all was shot down and wounded again, after
squadron was withdrawn back across the Channel.
bombers being shot down. Many ditched than 1 0 German aircraft destroyed. In enjoyed a beer together before Haw caught which he returned to the UK and took part
During his time in France, Lacey destroyed five
enemy aircraft, for which the French awarded him the their bombs, resulting in widespread fact, the real number was just one-third of a train back to Bristol and his squadron! in no further operational flying.
Croix de Guerre; he went on to became famous as the damage across the south-east, but nothing that. The exaggerated total was not un- The action over Filton had seen 504 Overall, the Luftwaffe lost more than
top-scoring RAF fighter pilot during the Banle of of significance was destroyed. Within typical; the scores for both sides were Squadron destroy six Bf 110s, with only fifty aircraft on Z7 September; thirteen
Britain. By the end of August 1940, his personal score minutes, the German force was running usually inflated. This is particularly Haw's aircraft damaged. In appreciation, Hurricanes were lost during the day, with
had reached eleven and he had been awarded the for home. understandable, considering the confusion the workforce at Filton presented the the loss of nine pi lots.
DFM. During September and October, Lacey squadron with a commemorative ashtray Although any thoughts of a German
Just two hours later, a second raid on 15 September, when several pilots
destroyed a further twelve enemy aircraft, bringing machined out of a highly polished cylinder invasion had gone, the Battle of Britain
against London took place. No sooner had made claims which, with the benefit of
his score during the Banle of Britain to eighteen, and head, and treated them to lunch I was not yet over, and the last few days of
his overall total to twenty-three, for which he was the Hurricanes landed, refuelled and more than fifty years of analysis and
rearmed than they were scrambled again. research, have often proved to be against The most remarkable effort on 27 September saw several losses, particularly
awarded a bar to his DFM.
There were two other raids, against the same aircraft. September wa by a young South African, for the Hurricane squadrons. The last
Commissioned in January 1941, Lacey remained
with 501 Squadron converting to Spitfires soon after. Portland and Woolston. The scene over The importance of the RAF's victory on Pit Off 'Day' Lewis of 249 Squadron at major daylight raids, involving more than
As a flight commander he gained his first kill while southern England during the afternoon of 15 September cannot be over-emphasized. orth Weald, who destroyed six aircraft in 200 air raft, took place on 3 eptember,
flying a Spitfire on 10 July 1941, followed soon after 15 eptember appears to have been total However, it was not without cost. Twenty- four sorties during the day. First, he with attacks against London and the
by three more kills. He was rested from operations confusion. Many Hurricane pilots enjoyed three Hurricanes and seven Spitfire were destroyed two Bf II0s and claimed We t1and factory at Yeovil. During the
the following month and posted to instructional success during the day and the mass raids destroyed during the day, with, sadly, nine 16-30 September another as 'probable' near Redhill. He lay, Fg Off Wi told rbanowicz of 303
duties. He briefly returned to operational flying in then destroyed a Bf 109 ncar Canterbury quadron at ortholt destroyed four
meant that many of the ace were able to Hurricane pilots killed. The battle of 15
March 1942 with 602 Squadron, before returning to The weather turned to showers again for and later destroyed a Ju 8 and two more enemy aircraft, bringing hi' total ro
add to their scores. The 23-year-old York- eptember was not just about the number
various non-operational duties. He was finally post- the next few days, preventing all daylight Bf 109s near London. These six kills fifteen, for which he received a well-
ed to the Far East and gained his final kill of the war shireman gt 'Ginger' Lacey of 501 of enemy aircraft destroyed; it proved to be
Squadron destroyed two Bf 109s and a He about the difference between the two ide activity, except a small raid against
while flying Spitfires with 17 Squadron over Burma.
After the war, Lacey remained in the RAF and 111 during the day, bringing his personal on either side of the Channel. For the RAF London on 1 eptember. However, night Ginger lacey was the highest-
eventually became a fighter controller. He retired total to nineteen. 'Ginger' Lacey became there was the sense of victory. However, raid against London continued. Across scoring RAF pilot of the Battle of
from the RAF as a squadron leader in 1967 and famous as the highest-scoring RAF pilot the morale of the German air crew was in a the Channel, the invasion barges were Britain, with an overall total of
returned to Yorkshire. 'Ginger' Lacey died from during the Battle of Britain, with a total of different state and within forty-eight hours being dispersed and Britain was safe from twenty-three. for which he was
cancer in 1989. eighteen kills. He had also destroyed five Hitler had cancelled his planned invasion invasion, for that year at least. During the awarded the DFM and bar.
aircraft in France and later went on to of England - indefinitely. last week of September the weather
soon after 11.00 a.m. The first wave achieve five more kills while flying improved. The Germans modified their
consisted of 100 Do 17s of KG3 and KG76, Spitfires, bringing his overall total for the tactics to add other sites to their list of day-
escorted by a similar number of Bf 109s, war to twenty-eight. light targets, including Southampton,
which cros ed the Channel soon after. Another pilot who became famous for Merseyside, Bristol and Plymouth.
Spitfire were the first fighters to intercept his heroics during the Battle of Britain also The biggest raid for nearly two weeks
the raid, followed soon after by the added to his score on 15 September. The took place on Z7 September. During the
Duxford Wing, led by Sqn Ldr Douglas Czech pilot Sgt Josef Frantisek destroyed a morning a number of incursions across
Bader, which consisted of three squadrons Bf 110 to the south of London. Frantisek southern England were made, as well as an
of Hurricanes (242, 302 and 310 had served with the zech Air Force attack by Luftflotte 3 against the Bristol
Squadrons) and two squadrons of pitfires. before the German occupation, when he Aeroplane Company at Filton. To meet
The Duxford Wing intercepted the raid as escaped to Poland. He then served with this raid, Hurricanes of 0504 quadron,
it approached the out kirt of London, the Polish Air Force before German which had moved to Filton only the day
where they were joined by Hurricane occupation once again forced him to flee before, were crambled. Among the first
squadron from orth Weald (46 and 249 the country. After flying during the Battle into the fray wa Fit Lt Tony Rook, who
quadrons), as well a 17 and 73 of France, he ended up in England and wa engaged a Bf 110 at 12,000 feet (3600m)
quadrons from Debden, 253 and 501 posted to the newly formed 303 quad ron over Filton and shot it down, causing it to
quadrons from Kenley, 605 quadron at ortholt. Including his kill on 15 crash into a hillside 15 miles (24km) north
from Croydon, 504 Squadron from eptember, Frantisek had destroyed of Poole. Rook's cousin, Pit Off Michael
Hendon, and 229, 303 and I (RCAF) eleven enemy aircraft during the fir t two Rook, also shot down a Bf I 10, to the
Squadrons from Northolt. weeks of September. He went on to shoot south of Cerne Abbas, while Sgt 'Wag'
With London as the target, the down six more before the end of the Haw claimed his first victim of the war
Luftwaffe fighters had to escort the month, bringing hi total to an impressive during the same combat, also destroying
bombers over a greater distance than seventeen for the month of September; he Ground crew find a moment to relax against the tail one of the Bf 11Os. Haw's aircraft was dam-
usual; by the time the bomber force was the highest-scoring pilot during the of one of the squadron's aircraft. aged during the action, and he was forced
48 49
BRITAIN ALONE - TilE SUMMER OF 1940
earned DFC. German losses were high - more than 400 aircraft taking part.
nearly fifty aircraft - for the 10 of just The increasingly bad weather became a CHAPTER FOUR
twenty RAF fighters, including fourteen major factor, leading to less daylight activ-
Hurricanes. One squadron to suffer was 56 ity. When the weather was good, though,
quad ron at Bo combe Down. During the the Hurricane squadron continued to be
day it lost five Hurricanes, two during
com bat wi th Bf lO9s and Bf 110 over
Bournemouth in the morning, and three
involved in scrambles and combats, with
the number of sorties never easing. How-
ever, for the fir t time, it was pos ible to
The Hurricane Mk II
more during an attack again t Do Z15s and think about reinforcing theatre else-
Bf llO over Portland at 5.00 p.m. where. As a re'ult, 73 quadron was with- Introduction of the Mk II
Fortunately, all of the pilors survived. drawn from operations in preparation for a
move to the M i idle East.
By the end of October, there were As the Bartle of Britain was being fought,
Engine performance figures for Merlin XX engine
Phase Four, 1-31 October still thirty-four operational Hurricane and won, a modified variant of the I-turri-
squadrons in the UK, with two more cane was introduced into service. Indeed, RPM 3.000 2.600 2.200
The final phase of the battle began with Polish units (306 and 308 Squadrons) a cannon-armed Hurricane first saw action BHP 1.370 1.050 750
another change in Luftwaffe tactics. working up. For the historians, the Battle during August 1940 with 151 Squadron. BOOST +11.4 +7 + 2.9
Although the night raids against London of Britain ended on 31 October, but the There were significant advances in the
and the other large cities would continue incursions a ross southern England and design of the Hurricane Mkll over the powered by an improved Rolls-Royce 18,000 feet (5400m) and a service ceiling
for several months, the mass daylight raids the night raids on London continued for earlier Mkl. The basic Hurricane harac- Merlin III liquid-cooled V-type IZ-cylin- of 35,000 feet (l0500m).
against London were over. This last period everal months. The cost in aircraft an i teristic remained unchanged, but there der engine, which developed a maximum The later MkllAs and all orher Mkll
witnessed many small daylight incursions lives was devastating, but Britain's safety were changes in the aircraft's powerplant of 1,030 hI' ar 3,000 rpm at 16,000 feet variants were further improved, with a
against southern England by modified Bf had been achieved, at least for the time and significant improvements in its over- (4800m). This gave the Hurricane a top Merlin XX series engine developed from
109s, capable of carrying either long-range being, meaning that valualle support all combat capability. The standard speed of more than 330m ph (530kph) at the Merlin X in 1940 and fitted with a
fuel ranks or a single Z50-kg bomb. These Fltl! Ian 'The Widge' Gleed was eventually could now he given elsewhere. 0.303in Brownings were replaced by more
proved to be nothing more than a credited with thirteen kills and awarded the DSO porent cannons and undenving hardpoint
and DFC before his death in April 1943. The Hurricane MkllA Z3451.
nuisance, their main aim being to keep the Nc"cr m rhc (,ckl of human confllcr \\'a' '" gave the Hurricane the capability to carry
defence plit over a large area, with the much o\\'cd hI' '" many ro '" fc\\'. (\'(Im,ron bombs, rocket projectile or external fuel
idea of continuing the offensive during the Westerham-Maidstone area. This brought Churchill, 20 Augu,r 1940) tanks. These significant improvements in
following spring. Many of these raids were lcKellar' toral to fourteen, for which he design were the reason why the Hurricane
carried out by small numbers of Ju s, was awarded a bar to his DFC. McKellar proved to be '0 versatile, and contributed
Top·scoring Hurricane squadrons of the Battle
escorted by Bf 109s, at a high level, where would destroy three more Bf 109s before to its ucces in every operational theatre
the Hurricane was nor at its best; much of of Britain (various sourcesl throughout the war.
the end of the month. Sadly, the gallant
the defending was left to the pitfire cor was killed on I November, following SQUADRON NUMBER OF KILLS
squadron. an engagement with Bf lO9 over 303 127
The first week of October was mainly Maidstone, after which came the 501 93 Design Improvements
showery, with limited activity. On 7 announcement of the award of a DSO. 213 81
October, a heavier raid was carried out by There was more rain during the second 249 75 Engine
Ju 8 s against the Westland factory at week and Hitler formally announced that 601 74
Yeovil; German losses were high, with the planned invasion of Britain would take The prototype Hurricane Mkll (P3Z69)
32 71
more than twenty aircraft destroyed place during the following spring. The made its first flight on 11 June 1940. As
43/238 70
during the day. One successful pilor was Luftwaffe now concentrated all their with the Mkl, the MkllA first entered
Sqn Ldr Archie lcKcllar, who had just efforts on the Blitz against London, with 242 69 operational service with III Squadron at
taken over command of 605 quad ron ar the numbers of bombers continuing to 17 68 Dyce in October 1940. Essentially, there
roydon. During the day he destroyed five increase. The night of 15 October saw 56 60 was no change in the basic airframe
Bf 109s, four in one engagement over the the heaviest raid on London, with dimensions (although the MkllC and
MkIIDwerejustover IZin (30cm) more in
length than the Mkl and the earl ier
Hurricane squadrons and locations, 30 October 1940
lkIls). The fir t of the MkllA were
10 GROUP 11 GROUP 12 GROUP 13 GROUP
Boscombe Down - 56 Croydon - 605 Digby -151 Acklington - 32 Engine limitations for Merlin XX engine
Chilbolton . 238 Kenley· 253, 501 Duxford - 242. 310 Aldergrove - 245
Exeter· 87. 601 Martlesham Heath· 17 Kirton-in-Lindsey - 85 Castletown - 3 RPM BOOST (P.S.I.) COOLANT TEMP (DEG C) OIL TEMP (DEG C)
Filton - 504 Northolt· 229. 302. 615 Leconfield - 303 Drem - 232. 263 MAX TAKE-OFF {TO 1.000FT/300MI 3.000 +12
North Weald - 249. 257 Pembrey - 79 Montrose - 111 MAX CLIMB (MAX 1HOUR) 2.800 +9 125 90
Stapleford Tawney - 46 Speke - 312 Prestwick - 1(RCAFI MAX RICH CONTINUOUS 2.650 +7 105 90
Tangmere - 145. 213 Wittering - 1 Turnhouse - 607 MAX WEAK CONTINUOUS 2.650 +4 105 90
Usworth - 43 COMBAT (MAX 5 MINSI 3.000 +16 135 105
50 57
Hll: HURRICANl: MKII THE HURRICANE MKII
t normal way.
These fuel tanks gave the Hurri-
cane a total fuel capacity of94 gal-
lons internally, 182 gallons, with
fixed external tanks, or 182 gallons
or 270 gallons, with external drop
tanks. The external tanks signifi-
cantly improved the combat capa-
bility of the Hurricane, particular-
ly in theatres such as orrh Africa
or the Far East when the
aircraft operated far away from its
home airfield.
When the large external drop
tanks were fitted to the Hurricane,
an additional auxiliary oil tank of
four gallons was fitted behind the
pi lot's seat, wi th the cock
control fitted to the left side of the
Right: An identification feature of the forward part of the Mkll
A MkllC (Z2905) shown fitted with two large drop tanks; these large tanks (88 gallons each) would be used contents of the main tanks was 25 gallons, seat. An oil dilution push button is the longer propeller spinner.
for long-range transits only. the pilot switched off the pump and car- was also fitted to the left side of the
ried on as normal until, once again, the cockpit. When flying long-range Below: The six-stub exhaust manifold.
two-speed supercharger. With the low- and fuel from the drop tanks was fed direct fuel level in the main tanks was down to 5 missions with external fuel tanks,
gear supercharge the Merlin XX gave a to the engine-driven pump by air pressure. gallons. This procedure was followed until it was necessary for the pilot to
maximum power of 1,260 hp at 12,000 feet When fitted with fixed external tanks the auxiliary tanks were empty. turn on the cock for the auxiliary
(3600m) and with high-gear supercharge the pilot switched on the electrically For the external drop tanks, the controls oil tank after about three and
it produced 1,175 hp at 21,000 feet driven pump using a switch on the left side were on the right side of the cockpit - a a half hours; once turned on,
(6100m). Engine boost control and mix- of the cockpit. The procedure was to use fuel cock marked OFF-PORT-STBD and a the supply could not be turned off.
ture control was automatic. Propeller con- the main tanks first, in the normal jettison lever. The fuel cock for the drop On long ferry missions, for
trol was by a speed control lever, on the manner. When the level in the main tanks tanks had to be in the OFF position before example, when flying the air-
left side of the cockpit, which varied the was down to 5 gallons, the pilot switched the jettison lever could be operated. The crClft for maximum range with
governed rpm, from 3,000 down to 1,800 on the auxiliary fuel pumps, which trans- procedure was to usc the main tanks, as reduced power settings, it was not
rpm. The supercharger was controlled by a ferred fuel to the main tanks. When the normal, for take-off and, when at a safe necessary to switch on the auxil-
push-pull control fitted to the left side of • iary supply until after five hours of
the instrument panel; pushing in was for Fuel tank capacities for the Hurricane Mkll flight.
low (M) and pulling out was for high (S).
TANK FIT TOTAL FUEL CAPACITY Aircraft Handling
With the Merlin XX series engine the air- bombs, however, the stability was un- MklV aircraft was prohibited, as was
Main and reserve tanks (internal) 94 spinning of all other Mklls when carrying
craft was capable of a service ceiling of a Without external stores the Hurricane was affected. With the undercarriage and flaps
Internal + 2 x fixed external tanks or 2 x small drop tanks 182 essentially longitudinally stable. However, down, the pilot had to trim the aircraft 90-gallon drop tanks, bombs and rocket
remarkable 41,000 feet (12300m).
Internal + 2 x large drop tanks 270 when fitted with the large external fuel nose down. Aerobatics and violent projectiles.
Additional Tanks tanks, the aircraft became longitudinally manoeuvres had to be avoided when When operating at all-up weights in
Two additional fuel tanks could be fitted to unstable and a minimum speed of 190mph carrying 90-gallon drop tanks, bombs or excess of 8,7501b (3980kg), it was
Fuel consumption in weak mixture. Figures in gallons per hour
the Hurricane, one under each wing, when (30Skph) was necessary. When carrying rocket projectiles. Spinning of MkllD and necessary to take care with the Hurricane
the aircraft was not fitted with external BOOST (P.S.I.) RPM during ground handling; the aircraft was
armament. There were two types of auxil- 2,650 2,300 2,000 only supposed to take off from runways of
Fuel consumption in rich mixture. Figures in gallons per hour
iary fuel tank - fixed or drop - and two +4 56 50 46 concrete, or equivalent. To starr the
sizes of drop tank. The fixed tanks each 52 46 42 BOOST (P.S.I.) RPM CONSUMPTION engine, the pilot selected the fuel cock to
+2
held 44 gallons, and the drop tanks either 0 47 42 38 +12 3.000 115 the main tanks, 'cracked' th throttle half
44 or 88 gallons each. Fuel from the fixed -2 42 37 34 +9 2,850 95 an inch open, selected the propeller
tanks was fed from the external tanks to -4 37 33 30 +7 2.650 80 control fully forward, set the supercharger
the engine by electrically driven pumps, to 'moderate', and opened the radiator
52 53
THE HURRICANE MKII THE HURRICANE MKII
• Speed- reduce to 120mph (l90kph) In certain theatres, such as the Middle undercarriage. Initially, the MkilB could
• Hood - check locked open East, the Mklls had to be 'tropicalized'. only carry a single 250-lb bomb under each
• Undercarriage - DOWN (check two This was done by adapting the radiator wing, but by the end of 1941 it could carry
green lights) and fitting an air-filtered intake to protect the 500-lb bomb. These hardpoints could
• Propeller control- fully forward against the sand. Even at the maximum also be used to carry either the 44- or 88-
• Supercharger control- MODERATE all-up weight, and with a tropicalized air gallon external fuel tanks.
• Flaps- DOW filter, as well as the increased drag of exter- The MkllB entered RAF service at the
nal stores, the Hurricane MklI was still end of 1940 and was initially fitted with
The approach speed for landing was capable of achieving top speeds of more twelve 0.303in Browning machine-guns,
95mph (150kph) if clean, but with than 300mph (480kph). It also retained its without bombs, and used for intruder
external stores it was increased to 110mph good manoeuvrability throughout. Its missions across the Channel. It was some
(175kph). Once the aircraft was back on most impressive feature, though, was its time before the MkllB carried out its first
the ground, the flaps were raised. To stop impressive operational range of some bombing attack and this finally occurred
the engine, the throttle was set to idle 1,500 mile (2400km) when fitted with on 30 October 1941 when two aircraft of
(800-900 rpm) for about thirty seconds, external fuel tanks. 607 Squadron at Manston attacked a
and then the slow-running cut-out was power station at TinglY
pulled until the engine stopped. The fuel The range of the MkllB was about the
cock was then turned off and the ignition Hurricane Variants same as that of a standard Mkl. When it
swi tched off. was fitted with bombs, the number of
Without external stores, the Mkll was Browning machine-guns was usually
The MkIlB - 'Hurri-Bomber'
capable of top speeds up to 340m ph reduced to ten. Attacks were generally
(545kph) at 21,000 feet (6300m). With The RAF's need for a capable fighter- carried out at low level, to increase
external stores, and fully armed, the bomber led to the development of the bombing accuracy, but could be higher (up
Hurricane Mkll's all-up weight was Hurricane MkllB, known as the 'Hurri- to about 12,000 feetj3600m), depending
increased to about 8,2501b (3750kg), bomber'. The wings were stressed to carry on the target defences. The Hurri-bomber
compared with 6,0001b (2725kg) for the extra weight and bomb racks were fitted was generally a daylight bomber, although
basic Mkl. underneath the wing, outboard of the some attacks against shipping at night are
shutter. He then switched on the ignition and elevator to neutral the aircraft trimmed nose heavy; at
and pressed the starter and booster coil • Propeller control- fully forward 140mph (225kph) a climb could be initi-
push buttons; the engine would start with- • Fuel- check contents, main tanks ON, ated. The aircraft was generally climbed at
in a few seconds. The throttle was auxiliary tanks OFF, pressurizing cock 2,850 rpm and + 9 p.s.i. boost at 140mph
advanced to about 1,000 rpm to allow the to ATMOSPHERE (225kph) for the maximum rate of climb.
engine to warm up, and during this time • Flaps - UP (or 28 deg down for short- Once at the required cruising altitude, the
the pilot checked the temperatures and est take-off run) aircraft was flown at a maximum of + 4
pressures, while carrying out functional • Supercharger control- MODERATE p.s.i. boost and the required speed set,
checks of the hydraulics by lowering and • Radiator shutter - fully open nominally 160mph (255kph) for
raising the flaps. maximum range, with the corresponding
After warming up, the pilot opened up For take-off, the throttle was advanced rpm being at about 1,800 to 2,000.
to + 4 p.s. i. boost and checked the super- to the gate, with any aircraft swing For land ing, the checks were as follows:
charger and constant speed propeller, as countered by rudder. After leaving the
well as checking that the generator was ground, the undercarriage was raised and • Brake pressure - minimum of 100 p.s.i.
charging. With the propeller control fully
forward, he then opened the throttle to Airframe speeds and limitations, Hurricane Mkll
+ 12 p.s.i. boost to check that the rpm was
CONFIGURATION INDICATED AIR SPEED (MPH/KPH)
at 3,000. He then throttled back to + 9
p.s.i. boost and checked each magneto in Max rate of climb (clean) 140/225
turn. He then checked that the brake Max rate of climb (external stores) 155/250
pressure and pneumatic pressure were both Max range (clean) 160/255
good before proceeding to taxi the aircraft. Max range (external stores) 175/280
From the pilot's notes for the Hurricane Stall (u/c + flaps downl 60-75/95-120
Mkll, the pre-take-off checks were as Diving 390 (max)/625
follows: Undercarriage and flaps down 120 (max)/190
Approach speed 95/150
• Trimming tabs - rudder to fully right
54 55
TilE IIURRICANE MKII TilE IIURRICANE MKII
The MkllC
The first designated Hurricane MkiV
The origins of the Hurricane MkllC can RAF operational squadrons equipped with the Hurricane MkllB, 1941-44 was KX4 5, which was powered by a
be traced I ack to hefore the war when the UK (1941-43) NORTH AFRICA (1941-44) FAR EAST (1941-44) Merlin 32 engine, and fitted with a four-
need for a single-scat cannon-armed fight- 1/3/17/32/43/56/79/ 30/33/73/74/ 17/28/30/ bladed Rotol propeller. However, dle
er was first recognized. It was also tated 121/128/133/174/175/ 126/127/134/ 135/136/146/ production MklVs retained the three-
that the aircraft should be capable of oper- 242/245/247/253/257/312/ 238/241/249/274/335 258/261/273/ hladed propeller for the Merlin 24 or 27
ating by day and night although, at that 401 /402/486/504/601/607/615
engine. A total of 524 MklVs were built,
605/607
stage, there was no suitable cannon avail- most of which went overseas to the Middle
able. A contract was awarded to Westland Ea-t and the Far East, although some did
for the development of the Whirlwind, so, MkllD. The prototype MkllD (Z2326) the designation 'Hurricane MkIV'; the remain in the K, erving with 137
for the time being, Hawker concentrated first flew on 1 eptember 1941, although designation 'Mklll' had been reserved for quadron at Manston, 164 quad ron at
on Hurricanes armed with ma hine-guns. it did not enter operational service until Hurricanes powered by merican Fairlop and 1 4 Squadron at Detling until
Hawk r first experimented with a April 1942, when it arrived with 6 Packard-built Merlins. It appear that not March 1944, when the type wa - phased
cannon-armed Hurricane as early as MrlY Squadron at Shandur in Egypt. A total of all production MklVs were powered by the out of servi e.
1939, when a Mkl (Ll750) was modified 300 MkllDs were built, and operated with Merlin 27, as there seem to be many cases The Hurricane MkiV was armed either
to carry an Oerlikon 20mm cannon in a five squadrons (5, 6,20 and 184 Squadrons of aircraft powered by Merlin 24 and 32 with two 40mm cannons, or fitted to carry
fairing under each wing. Operational trials and 7 Squadron SAAF). engines. 500-lb bombs or rocket projectiles (RPs).
were carried out by lSI Squadron at orth Armed with two 40mm Vickers'S'
Weald during the summer of 1940 using a cannons, one under each wing, and two
Only three MkVs were built with the prototype (NL255I, shown
Hurricane Mkl (P2640) fitted with two OJ03in machine-guns (used for ranging),
here, in January 1944. Powered by an uprated Merlin, driving
internally mounted Hispano-Suiza the MkllD was essentially designed for a four-bladed propeller, the MkV was prone to overheating
cannons. The first production MkilC was service with the th Army in orth and the project was cancelled.
powered by a Merlin XX engine and first Africa, where it was given the affectionate
Originally designated the MkllE, the Hurricane MklV was developed with an improved wing, known as the flew on 6 February 1941. It was armed with name of the 'Tank Buster' or the 'Tin
'universal' wing, and increased armour. Although the prototype was fitted with a four-bladed propeller, four 20mm cannon, two internally Opener'. It main role was to help
production MklVs retained the three-bladed propeller for the Merlin 20 series engine. mounted in each wing, made obvious by eliminate the heavy German tanks operat-
the protrusion forward of the leading edge ing in the orth African desert, hence it
known to have happened. A total of3,100 of Ie s than three months, nor does it of the wing. More than 4,700 MkilC were extremely heavy armament! Otherwise, the
Hurricane MkilBs were built. how training or reconnaissance luilt, the highest number produced of any MkllD wa e sentially the same as any other
ote: the following table includes only squadrons which may occa ionally have Hurricane variant, and they were sent to I urricane although, because of the environ-
RAF operational squadron that operat- operated the MkIIB. For this table, all operating theatres. ment in which it wa de igned to operate, it
ed the MkllB for more than three squadrons based on Malta have been The Mkll wa also capable of carrying wa fitted with the tropicalized air filter.
months during the period shown. It docs included under the orth African external fuel tanks or bombs on the under-
heading. As always, sources vary and wing hardpoints. A typical Hurricane The Marl? IV
not include squadrons of the SAAF or
IAF, which al 0 operated the MkllB in there were often many cases when a MkllC operating in the Middle East was One development of the Mkll was the
orth A frica and the Far East. The table squadron operated different marks of 'tropicalized' and armed with four 20mm Hurricane MkllE, which appeared early in
does not include detachments of periods Hurricane at the same time. Hispano cannons, and external fuel ranks, 1943, constructed from the same assembly
if modified for the role of fighter, or two jigs at the same production lines. The
250lb bombs instead of the fuel tanks, if main differences were in the wing design
carrying out a bombing role. and in the addition of extra armour
ote: The table (right) inclu ks only protection. With the addition of more
RAF operational quadrons that operated external stores, there had been a problem
the MkllC for more than three months in the maintenance of armament and elec-
during the periods shown. It docs not trical ervices mounted in the wing. RAF operational squadrons equipped with the Hurricane MkllC, 1941-44
include squadrons of the SAAF, REAF or Therefore, during 1941, Hawker devel- UK (1941-43) NORTH AFRICA (1941-44) FAR EAST (1942-45)
IAF, which also operated the Mkll in oped a wing (known a the 'univer al 1/3/43/96/151/ 32/33/73/80/87/94/123/134/ 5/11/17/28/30/34/42/60/67/79/
North Africa and the Far East. The table wing') that could carry the necessary 247/253/257/309/615 208/213/225/229/237/238/253/ 113/135/136/146/176/
doe not include detachments of periods of external tores without any change to the 274/336/451 258/261/607
Ie s than three months, nor doe it how wiring of the aircraft. Also, hecause of its
training or reconnaissance squadrons likely role as a ground-attack aircraft, this
which may occasionally have operated the version had additional armour fitted to the
Summary of Hurricane Mkll/lV IV variants
Mkll . Sources vary and there were often forward fuselage and around the radiator;
ca es when a quadron operated different this added 350lb (160kg) in weight. VARIANT ARMAMENT NUMBER BUILT (APPROX)
marks of Hurricane at the same time. Built at Kingston, KZ 193 wa modified IIA 8 x0.303in Browning machine-guns Not known (10071
a the MkllE prototype and first flew on 23 liB 12 x 0.303in Browning machine-guns 3,100
The MMID - Toni? Buster March 1943. It was powered hy a Merlin lie 4 x 20mm Oerlikon cannons 4.700
The need for heavier armament to destroy 27 engine - a two-speed, single-stage 110 2 x40mm Vickers'S' cannons 300
armoured vehicles was recognized as early supercharged engine, which was later built IV 2 x 40mm cannons or rocket projectiles 524
as 1941, and led to lawker working on an in Glasgow. After 270 MkilEs had been V 2 x 40mm cannons 3 (prototypes onlyl
A MklV, armed with rocket projectiles. anti-tank version of the Hurricane - the built, it was decided to give this variant
56 57
THE HURRICA E MKII THE HURRICANE MKII
One experimental aircraft used for trials (l10cm) long and weighed nIb (lOkg). It
The MIV<II and Other Variants was a MkX (AG310), which was fitted was recoil operated, with a cyclic rate
Also developed entirely for use by the with a fixed-ski arrangement for service in of 1,150 rounds per minute, a muzzle
RCAF, the MkXll was essentially the Canada. Several MkX[s and MkXlls were velocity of2,660 feet per s cond (800m/s),
same as the MkllB. As with the MkX[, converted with skis and a tail-skid, and and a maximum range of about 3,000 feet
the MkXll was powered by the Packard- served with the RCAF until 1943. (90001). It was mass-produced in Britain,
built Merlin 29 engine, and was mainly manufactured by BSA, and
developed to deter any possible attacks generally proved most reliable, with only
by German U-boats against Canadian Armament the occasional problem being caused by
shipping, although this seems never to extreme cold or blockages arising from
have happened. A total of 474 MkXlls poorly assembled ammunition belts. This
were built, and equipped ten squadrons Browning O.303in Machine-Gun
latter problem was reduced by the armour-
of the RCAF. In addition, a number of Designed by John Browning in America, ers running the ammunition belt through
Sea Hurricane MkXllAs were built, the 0.303in Browning machine-gun a belt-positioning machine to make sure
Several Canadian-built MkXls and MkXlls were fitted with skis and a tail-skid bringing the total number of Hurricanes became the standard weapon for the RAF that each round was aligned properly.
One of many MkXls built by the Canadian Car and Foundry Corporation. this and served with the RCAF until 1943. Typical of many Canadian Hurricanes. this built by the Canadian Car and Foundry from the mid-1930s, and was fitted to all The ammunition used varied but was
example (BW950! served with the RCAF during 1942. example is shown without the propeller spinner. Company to 1,451. early Hurricanes. The gun was 44in most commonly ball rounds, or tracer,
58 59
TilE IIURRICA E ~IKII
60 67
THE IIURRICANE MKII THE HURRICANE MKII
This early MkllD (Z2326) was delivered to Boscombe Down and fitted with Rolls-Royce
BF (belt-fed) 40mm cannons. After a failure with one of the cannons, the decision was
made to keep two 40mm Vickers'S' guns as the MkllD's standard armament.
\
62 63
THE HURRICANE MKII THE IIURRICA E MKII
errors) meant that Hurricane pilots were several direct hits against the gates,
susceptible to ground fire. problems with the fusing of the warheads
caused minimal damage. However, the
Rocket Projectiles accuracy of the attack was encouraging,
Late in 1942, rocket projecti les (RP ) were and the problem with the fusing would
fitted for the fir t time to a single-seat soon be solved.
fighter - Hurricane MkllD BP173 - at When carrying a full load of rockets, the
Boscombe Down, with later trials being Hurricane proved quite draggy and, as it
carried out at the A&AEE at Farn- was not po sille to fit external fuel tanks,
borough. The first Hurricane unit to be its operational range was reduced. In thi
equipped with RPs was 164 Squadron at case, pilots had to take care with throttle
Middle Wallop. The squadron had just handling in order to get the maximum
been equipped with Hurricane MkllDs in range from the aircraft. This often led to
March 1943 when it was sentto 0 I Spe- very slow transit speeds to the target area
cialised Low Attack Instructors School at in order to conserve fuel. Whether firing
Milfield to convert to the Hurricane rockets or the 40mm cannon, the best
MklV, before returning to Middle Wallop rang to open fire was at about 600 yards
during the following month. In June, the (550m). The aircraft were also usually
squadron moved to Warmwell to continue armed with two 0.303in Browning
working up for it first operations. machine-guns, although these were of
The first rocket attack by Hurricanes little usc, as the rockets were harmonized
was made against the gates of the to the gunsight.
Handsweert Canal in Holland on 2 Sep-
tember 1943. The mission was flown by Weapon Switches
ixteen aircraft from the three rocket- The machine-guns or cannon were
Above: The control column spade grip. showing the equipped Hurricane squadrons at the time: normally fired by the push button on the
firing push button. eight from 164 Squadron led by qn Ldr control column pade grip. Pressing the
De McKeown, four from 137 quad ron, button activated a small com pres or,
Below: A Sea Hurricane MkIA. and four from I 4 quad ron. Despite taking air from the engine, whi h
An early Sea Hurricane MklA on the catapult of a CAM-ship. K. The plan wa to fit floats to a Mkl, but
the campaign came to a swift end in June
provided pressurized air to the gun-firing when the guns, cannons or RPs were fired, or before a Hurricane could be modified. The
actuators. In the case of the Hurricane when the push button on the control col- seeds of an idea had been sown, although
MkllD and MklV aircraft, the 40mm umn was depressed. Finally, there were attention returned, for the time being, to
cannons were fired electro-pneumatically recognition flares that were selected and the Battle of Britain struggle, during which
by a push button in the throttle lever; this fired by a lever on the left side of the cockpit. a number of volunteer Fleet Air Arm
could only happen by first operating the pilots played a valuable role.
cannon master switch on the left side of Although Hurricanes were soon to fly
the cockpi t. In the case of a m isfi re there The Sea Hurricane off HMS rgus during the reinfor ement
64 65
THE HURRICANE MKII THE HURRICANE MKII
Hurricane to a safe flying speed (about 80- modified at the Hawker or Gloster made, an A-frame arrester hook was fitted
The Sea Hurricane MklC was filted with the A-frame arrester hook (as with the MkIB),
85mph/125-135kph). As for any plans to production lines, or at Hanworth by to P5187 in March 1941. This Hurricane and armed with four 20mm cannons; it entered service in 1942.
recover the Hurricane - there were none! General Aircraft Limited. was a Canadian-built MkX already modi-
The only hope was that, if the Hurricane The first Sea Hurricane squadron was fied to MklA standard, and became the pro-
wa's in range of land, it could recover safely; 880 Squadron at Arbroath, which took totype for the Sea Hurricane MklB. By the
otherwise, the sea was the only option, the delivery of its first aircraft in January 1941. end of the year, more than 100 MklBs had
preferred option being to bale out close to The first successful launch and intercep- been modified with arrester hooks and were
the ship rather than to ditch. As far as the tion by a Sea Hurricane occurred on 2 serving with the Fleet Air Arm in the
Navy was concerned, Hurricanes were August 1941, when Lieutenant Bob carriers HMS Argus, HMS Eagle, HMS For-
expendable - if each one prevented one Everett, operating from the Fighter midable and HMS Victorious, with 801, 806
ship being sunk, it had done its job.
The ships converted to operate the Sea
Hurricane were of two types - Fighter
Catapult Ships (of which there were only
a handful), and thirty-five Catapult
Catapult Ship HMS Maplin, shot down a
Focke Wulf Condor while protecting a
convoy from Sierra Leone. This success
brought Everett the award of a DSO. The
fact that convoys now had limited protec-
and 885 Squadrons. The complication con-
tinues, as the majority of these MklBs were
later fitted with four 20mm cannons and
became Sea Hurricane MklCs, which
entered service early in 1942. When the
\
Aircraft Merchantman (CAM) ships. The tion from the air against attacking aircraft older Merlins were replaced by XX-series
CAM ships were crewed by the Merchant became a useful deterrent. Bad weather engines, seventy of these MklCs became
Navy, with the Hurricanes being flown during the winter made the launch of air- Sea Hurricane MkllCs.
and maintained by the RAF, the pilots craft impossible, so the majority of Sea Finally, about fifty Canadian-built
being volunteers from Fighter Command. Hurricanes were returned to maintenance MkXlls were converted to become Sea
Early in 1941, a Merchant Ship Fighter
Unit (MSFU) was set up at Speke near
Liverpool, under the command ofWg Cdr
Edward Moulton-Barrett. The number of
units to be modified to near Mkll standard.
Following the MklA, the exact distinc-
tion between the various types of Sea
Hurricane is complicated. Once the
Hurricane MkXllAs, although it is doubt-
ful whether the Canadian Navy used any.
The majority are known either to have
operated with the RCAF, or to have been
-
Hurricanes for conversion was soon decision to modify the Hurricane for delivered to the Royal avy, where they
increased to 250, all of which were either operation from aircraft carriers had been were re-designated as Sea Hurricane Mklls.
One of the best-known actions involv- destroyed five enemy aircraft. For this the the end for the Sea Hurricane, as more
ing Sea Hurricanes took place in the RAF awarded him the DFC, later changed capable American-built carrier-borne
Mediterranean during Operation Pedestal by the RN authorities to a Distinguished fighters became available. Sea Hurricanes
(the re-supply of Malta), in August 1942. Service Cross. Cork then became one of did, however, remain in the Mediter-
Four Royal avy carriers were involved, the first Sea Hurricane pilots to serve with ranean theatre until mid-1943.
with thirty-nine Sea Hurricanes of 801, 880 Squadron, during which time he was
880 and 885 Squadrons embarked in HMS embarked in HMS Furious and HMS
Eagle, HMS Indomitable and HMS Indomitable. During Operation Pedestal, Photo-Reconnaissance
Victorious respectively. Tragically, HMS he took command of 880 Squadron
Eagle was sunk on 11 August, with the loss following the death of its commanding Hurricanes
of all but four of her Sea Hurricanes, which officer, and personally destroyed four
• were airborne at the time. During the enemy aircraft - two German and two A small number of Hurricane Mkls were
action on the following day, HMS Ital ian - during four sorties on 12 August. modified for photo-reconnaissance duties
Indomitable was hit, and her damage made This won him a DSO, and brought his in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and
it impossible for her to operate any aircraft. personal total to nine. Sadly, Cork did not the Far East. Airframes were generally
HMS Victorious was the only remaining survive the war, as he was killed in the Far modified in theatre, with the Hurricane
carrier, with a somewhat over-crowded East in April 1944. being fitted with up to three 8- or 14-in
deck. The convoy had been heavily hit, Sea Hurricanes were also very much F24 cameras in the lower part of the rear
but enough supplies reached Malta to help involved during the Allied landings in fuselage, for either vertical or oblique
the island through the siege. North Africa in November 1942, as part photography. The first aircraft modified
The number of aircraft lost had been of Operation Torch. More than forty Sea were for use by No 2 Photographic
high, mainly due to the sinking of HMS Hurricanes were embarked in the escort Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) at Heliopolis
Eagle. There had, however, been a number carriers HMS Avenger, HMS Biter and in Egypt during 1941. Equipped with
of successes for the Sea Hurricane pi lots, HMS Dasher. Although the overall various types of aircraft, No 2 PRU later
most notably Lieutenant 'Dickie' Cork of operation was a success, it was marred by became 680 Squadron in February 1943,
880 Squadron. Born in London, Cork had the sinking of HMS Avenger on 15 when it formed at Matariya. There, it was
joined the Fleet Air Arm before the war. ovember, with the loss of all her Sea responsible for photo-reconnaissance of
During the Battle of Britain he served with Hurricanes and most of the crew. enemy movements in orth Africa and
Fleet Air Arm Sea Hurricane MklBs (filted with the A-frame arrester hook) on the deck of one of the Royal Navy's carriers. 242 Squadron, during which time he Operation Torch marked the beginning of the Mediterranean.
66 67
MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND
CHAPTER FIVE
Malta
The Fortress Island
The island of Malta, situated in the central craft were no longer required, so the Air carrying out the first air attack on the
Mediterranean to the south of Sicily, is Officer Commanding Malta, Air Cdre following day. This was the start of a two-
small, measuring no more than 8 miles 'Sammy' Maynard, had 'acquired' them. month air campaign against the island, an
(13km) from one side to the other. Of the eight boxed Gladiators, four were attempt to destroy the British air and
However, lying between the European assembled to airworthy standard, using the naval installations, and to break the
mainland and North Africa, it was the site remaining four aircraft as spares. There moral of the Maltese people. One of
of;:t viml fortress for the British. Malta had was then the problem of pilots to fly the the Gladiators was soon lost, but the
to be held at all costs, so that the British Gladiators, as there were none officially remaining three put up a most determined
could continue to threaten the German based on the island. A handful of pilots, resistance against overwhelming odds for
re-supply line to North Africa. both Fleet Air Arm and RAF serving in several weeks, as the Italians launched
staff appointments, volunteered, and the more and more air attacks.
Malta Fighter Flight (sometimes referred Success in Defence A Hurricane Mkll (Z2961) of 185 Squadron being 'turned round' between sorties.
to as the Hal Far Fighter Flight) was thus Reinforcements
The Malta Fighter Flight 1t soon became obvious that Malta was not During the short rest period towards the workable rock. The airfields were
formed, on 6 June 1940. Three of these air- The determined resistance of the Gladia-
Although peacetime plans provided Malta craft later became known affectionately as tors demonstrated Malta's immense will to going to be an easy target. The Italians end of 1940, more aircraft of different strengthened and aircraft pens were
with four fighter squadrons for its defence, 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity', and took survive but, if the island was to have any tried more attacks, this time with fighter types were flown into Malta. It gave the constructed.
this number of aircraft could not be spared, their own place in history. long-term chance, reinforcements were escort; when these failed, attacks were island a chance to strike back at the There were only three main airfields on
as Britain faced its own struggle during the urgently required. Two Hurricanes carried out by night. In response, 261 enemy; Wellingtons, which formed 148 Malta. Luqa was the biggest of the three,
summer of 1940. Malta's only air defence destined for the Middle East arrived in Squadron also flew night air defence, Squadron, carried out bombing attacks and was located between Hal Far in the
was provided by a handful of Gloster Sea Malta on 21 June, and were quickly demonstrating its ability to match any against bases in southern Italy and Libya. south and Ta Kali; there was also an
The Campaign against Malta moves carried out by the Italians. The For the time being, Malta was relatively emergency operating strip at Safi. On such
Gladiator Mkls of the Fleet Air Arm, commandeered by 'Sammy' Maynard. Five
which had been boxed up and placed at the more Hurricane Mk[s on their way to Germans had also flown a number of dive- quiet and 1940 ended with Malta actually a small island, airfields were not difficult to
The Italian Campaign North Africa arrived in Malta during the bombing attacks against Malta, but Ju 87 hitting back. The isl;:tnd had struggled to identify. It was vital for the airfields to
Navy yard at Kalafrana ready for transfer to
the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious. The loss Italy entered the war on 10 June 1940, and following week; three were 'detained', and losses, and priorities elsewhere, resulted in survive with the minimum of assets, yet it remain open, so, as in all operational
of the carrier in Apri I meant that these air- immediately set about attacking Malta, never left the island l the temporary withdrawal of German air refused to be beaten. The determination of theatres, it made sense to disperse aircraft.
So confident were the [talians about the assets, leaving the Italians to maintain the the Maltese people and the few air crew Not only were the Hurricanes dispersed,
relative ease of the task that their Savoia- campaign. Everything the Italians tried based on the island, which had helped but they were also kept in aircraft pens,
Marchetti SM.79 bombers were sent to was countered by the squadron, with the resist the early air attacks during the built by the ground crew using anything
Malta without fighter escort. Throughout high-level combat patrols being carried summer of 1940, had set the scene in the that might help protect the aircraft from
July, the five Hurricanes and the three out by the Hurricanes and the low-level Mediterranean. The island of Malta was to damage caused by bombs exploding near
Gladiators continued to resist significant • patrols being carried out by the Gladiators. become a thorn in Hitler's side. by. Eventually, the airfields of Luqa and
Italian air attacks, but more Hurricanes This proved a successful tactic and, Hal Far, and the Safi operating airstrip
were required if Malta was to survive. The eventually, the number of air attacks were connected by a maze of taxiways. The
fall of France made the usual staging to against the island temporarily decreased First Half of 1941 Hurricanes were so vital to the defence of
Malta impossible, and the only way for Hur- until later in the year. Malta that they simply could not afford to
ricanes to reach the island was now by air- be lost, particularly on the ground.
Further Reinforcements The Fortress of Malta
craft carrier of the Royal Navy; the idea was The Hurricane pilots faced particular
that, once the ship was in range (about 350 An attempt to reinforce Malta further was As the Germans began a new offensive problems on Malta. When operating from
miles/560km), the Hurricanes could fly off carried out in November, when twelve more against Malta during the early day of bases back home during the Battle of
the carrier to land on Malta. This rein- Hurricanes were flown from the carrier. This 1941, the important objective for the Britain, a pilot had had the option of
forcement plan took place on 2 August, time, however, tragedy struck. Because of British and the Maltese was defence. The landing elsewhere if his airfield was under
when twelve more Hurricane Mkls of No the threat from enemy shipping, the Hurri- island became a fortress. Most aircraft not attack or out of action. Also, the air battle
418 Flight were flown off the aircraft carri- canes took off from further away from Malta capable of being used in air combat were had been fought over a large area and
er HMS Argus, landing at Luqa ailfield. than they had done previously. A stronger sent to the safety of British bases in Egypt, pi lots had been able to use the vast amount
These two units, the Malta Fighter Flight headwind than anticipated meant that only leaving those left behind to 'dig in' and of airspace to gain height and any tactical
and No 4[8 Flight, were immediately four Hurricanes landed safely on the island; prepare for more. The natural geography of advantage. On Malta, the situation was
merged to form 261 Squadron, under the the mher eight ended up in the Mediter- Malta made it an ideal site to defend; it very different. Air attacks against the
Hurricane (P3731) 'J' of 261 Squadron at 1a Kali in 1941. command of Sqn Ldr Denys Balden. ranean, having run out of fuel. was basically an island of solid yet easily island affected all three operating airfields,
68 69
MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND
70 77
MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND
at Valley in Apri I 1941; three months later rewarded for his efforts with a DFC in Sep- island of Malta). Late in the afternoon,
he was posted to Malta specifically to form tember. Sadly, Barnwell, at just nineteen, they would report for duty again. There
the M FU. was killed defending the island of Malta. would then be night-flying air tests to do
For his two fI ight commanders of the On 14 October, he was in combat with on the Hurricanes, before assembling in
M FU, Powell-Shedden chose Fit Lt Macchi MC202s which were strafing Luqa the readiness hut to wait for whatever lay
'Cass' Cassidy and Fit Lt Donald Stones. airfield. Having shot one down, he was ahead that night.
Ernest Cassidy was twenty-four, and had never seen again. This was undoubtedly a Malta is a very small island and it was
joined the RAF before the war. He had sad loss for the MNFU, but it was also a subjected to many attacks, making rest for
first flown Blenheims with 25 Squadron, tragic blow for the Barnwell family - the night-figh ter pilots aImost impossi ble.
before converting to the Hurricane, and David's two brothers had already been There was little chance for them to
had joined 249 Squadron at North Weald killed in action with the RAF. establish any kind of social life, and no
in October 1940. Cassidy had been one of Within weeks, the M FU had six Hur- opportunity to get off the island even
the squadron's pilots to fly off HMS Ark ricanes, very distinctive in their all-black when on stand down. As a result, like
Hoyal in May, and had already achieved many who served on Malta, the pilots of
success in Malta when he shot down an the M FU became very close to the local
Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM79 torpedo- people and many establ ished a life-long
bomber on 9 July. He would soon achieve bond with the Maltese and their island.
his second kill within the first week of the One of the more unusual tasks that the
M FU being formed- a Fiat BR20 on the M FU was asked to perform was subma-
night of 5-6 August. rine escort. These vital assets in the
Known as 'Dimsie', Donald Stones Mediterranean war often went into Malta
already knew Powell-Shedden, having for replenishment or repairs. Having to
flown out to Malta with him on 21 July. surface, they would arrive under darkness
Stones was yet another veteran, having at night and the Hurricanes would escort
flown Hurricanes with 79 Squadron them in.
during the Battle of France and the Battle The MNFU was re-named 1435 ( ight
of Britain. When he arrived in Malta, he Fighter) Flight on 2 December, and
was just twenty, but had already been command was handed over to Sqn Ldr
Although this is not a very clear photo, the loaded bomb racks can be seen on this MkllB of 185 Squadron 249 Squadron had originally believed that cred ited wi th ten ki lIs, and had already Innes Westmacott. Innes Bentall West-
at Hal Far during 1942. The ground crew about to see off the aircraft are Royal Navy, showing that everyone they were destined for the Far East, they macott was already an experienced fighter
earned the award of the DFC.
helped in Malta. had been told that they were needed more pilot by the time he took over command of
The pilots selected for the M FU were
on the island. They were also told that taken from both squadrons at Ta Kali and 1435 Flight. Hejoined the RAF in 1937 and
flight of 46 Squadron pilots en route to the Pat Wells had recovered from his they would stay for no more than one year; their Hurricanes had to be 'borrowed', as had served in the Middle East prior to the
Middle East stopped off in Malta, and wounds suffered during the air attack on for some, it would be the end of the war none were specifically made available. war. Having converted to the Hurricane in
ended up forming 126 Squadron at Ta Ta Kali on 26 May, and had been before they returned to the UK' The unit operated a mix ofMkl and Mklls, the spring of 1940, Westmacott was posted
Kali. Using whatever Hurricane Mklls promoted to the rank of FIt Lt. His log depending on what was available at the to 56 Squadron at orth Weald. Within the
were available, the squadron was book for the month of July shows three time. Night tactics had to be discussed and Aged just 22 years old. Sqn Ldr Bryan Wicks was a first month of joining the squadron he had
operational within days. It remained at Ta different Hurricane variants - Mkl, The Malta Night Fighting Unit tried; night-fighting in an aircraft that was veteran of the battles of France and Britain. before destroyed two Messerschmitt Bf I lOs and
Kali and scored notable success in the MkllA and MkllC. For the month of he was sent to Malta to command 126 Squadron shared in the destruction of a Dornier Do
essentially designed for daytime fighting
island's defence. It eventually converted to August it shows a variety of operational Because of the increasing number of night at Luqa; within weeks he was killed. He is
was to prove a new challenge for the pilots. 17. Westmacott's involvement in the Battle
commemorated on the Malta Memorial.
Spitfire MkVs in March 1942, and moved sorties, ranging from defensive patrols over attacks against Malta, it was decided to Close liaison with the anti-aircraft of Britain came to an end on 31 August
to Luqa. The badge of 126 Squadron Malta to offensive sweeps over Sicily, and form a special Hurricane unit. The Malta batteries was necessary, as the searchlights when he was shot down; he was badly burnt,
contains the Maltese Cross, signifying its reconnaissance sorties. These reconnais- ight Fighting Unit (M FU) was formed , were vital in aiding the Hurricane pilots. paint scheme. The Mkls were gradually and it was several weeks before he could
formation on the island. sance sorties were generally carried out at at Ta Kali on 30 July 1941, under the One young man to enjoy early success as replaced by Mklls as more aircraft became return to the squadron.
When there were no air attacks against about 10,000 feet (3000m), and lasted just command of Sqn Ldr 'Polly' Powell- a night-fighter pilot was PIt Off David available for Malta. Life for the pilots was Westmacott arrived on Malta in April
Malta, the Hurricane pilots took their under an hour. If the pilots saw any enemy Shedden. Another veteran of the Battle of Barnwell. Unlike many of his colleagues, very tiring. Typically, five or six Hurri- 1941 and joined 261 Squadron. He
chance to get back at the Italians. By the activity, they attacked it; on 29 August, Fit Britain, George Powell-Shedden was Barnwell had no previous combat experi- canes were available on readiness each destroyed a Bf 109 at the end of the month
beginning of August, 249 Squadron at Ta Lts Pat Wells and John Beazley attacked twenty-five years old. He had joined the ence. He had arrived in Malta straight night. The pilots were scrambled at night and claimed a probable kill on a Heinkel
Kali had received a number of Hurricane an Italian schooner. Flying MkllAs, and RAF in 1935, had served overseas with 47 from training, and had spent only a few in just the same way as they were by day. He III early in May. When 185 Squadron
Mklls (mainly IICs), and had begun to armed only with machine-guns, Wells and and 33 Squadrons before the war, and was weeks with 185 Squadron before joining Many long hours were spent by the tele- formed in Malta later in the month, West-
carry out offensive sweeps over Sicily and Beazley could not sink the schooner, but posted to Coltishall in July 1940, where he the MNFU. evertheless, by the time he phone in the readiness hut, awaiting macott was appointed flight commander
reconnaissance sorties between Pozzallo the sight of the two Hurricanes attacking flew Hurricanes with 242 Squadron became a night-fighter pi lot he had orders to scramble; the pilots would pass of 'B' FI ight. He was shot down the next
and Scicli. The squadron's pilots had to was enough to make the Italian crew jump throughout the Battle of Britain. During already achieved his first kill - an Italian the time 'cat-napping', or reading by a dim day and baled out. Having been wounded
learn how to adapt to the different roles overboard' the battle, he was credited with at least Macchi MC200 fighter on 11 July - red light. This was the only lighting in the in the action, Westmacott was appointed
and the different characteristics of the The Hurricanes defending Malta were, three kills before being shot down on IS followed on the 25th by the shared hut, designed to help preserve night to ground duties on Malta before his
various marks of Hurricane. Bomb racks generally, more than a match for the September 1940. Recovered from his destruction of a Fiat BR20. On the night vision, as it can take several minutes for continuous protests resulted in a return to
capable of carrying four 40-lb bombs under enemy bombers. The Mklls gave the pilots injuries, Powell-Shedden returned to of 5-6 August, Barnwell destroyed two the eye to adjust fully to darkness. Having flying. When 1435 Flight was formed from
each wing were fitted to the Mklls, giving improved performance at higher altitudes, flying the Hurricane and was posted as a more Fiat BR20s, bringing his personal spent the night on operations, the pilots the M FU, Westmacott was given his
the Hurricane a limited capability in the although any escorting Bf 109s always flight commander with 258 Squadron, score to three. Barnwell was described as a were able to rest the next day (although chance and appointed as the new
air-to-ground role. caused problems. Although the pilots of before taking command of 615 Squadron natural night-fighter pilot and he was this was not always an easy task on the commanding officer.
72 73
MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND MALTA - THE FORTRESS ISLAND
Into 1942 Squadron. This caused some confusion, as The Hurricane days on Malta had come
a 605 Squadron had already been to an end. Aircraft still passed through
NewHope operating Hurricanes in the Far East. Malta en route to and from orth Africa
Caught up in the heavy fighting as the and the Middle East, but there would be
The news that the United States had Japanese advanced, it appears that the no more Hurricane squadrons. The part
entered the war following the attack on 'original' squadron had been prematurely played by the Hurricanes, their pilots and
Pearl Harbour on 7 December brought written off. The Far East 605 Squadron did ground crews in the defence of Malta was
much relief and hope to those besieged on not officially disband until the end of enormously important. From the early
Malta. The island had struggled through February, so for a period of two months the days of the Gloster Gladiators 'Faith',
1941, often cut off from the rest of the RAF had two 605 Squadrons I 'Hope' and 'Charity', to the arrival of the
world, but now things looked brighter. The Malta-based 605 Squadron Spitfire MkVs, the Hurricanes had bridged
Malta entered the new year with hope and operated from Hal Far throughout the gap and ensured the survival of the
expectation. The Flight enjoyed its best January and February 1942, also island. In recognition of the outstanding
night of action on 27-28 January 1942, operating a small detachment at Luqa. It heroism of those responsible for Malta's
when its Hurricanes shot down four enemy moved to Ta Kali at the end of February defence, King George VI awarded the
aircraft; there was one each for Fg Off and then appears to have disbanded. The George Cross to the island on 15 Apri I
Denis Winton, PIt Off Jackie Grant, Pit problem of the two 605 Squadrons was 1942. Nevertheless, the struggle was far
OffF. R. Palmer, and SgtJ. E. Wood. Sadly, finally resolved when the 'official' 605 from over and the people of Malta had to
the Flight lost Pit Off A S. Mackie earlier Squadron re-formed in the UK in June withstand hardship until 1943, when the
in the evening, shot down by a Bf 109 1942, under the command of Wg Cdr island became an ideal supporting base for
while carrying out a night-flying air test Peter Townsend, DSO DFC. After this the Allied landings during Operation
over Ta Kali. date there were no further references to Torch.
The beginning of 1942 also saw the the Malta-based 605 Squadron.
arrival of Bristol Beaufighters, which had Operating from the Royal Navy carriers Eagle, Indomitable and Victorious, Sea Hurricanes of the Fleet Air Another unit to have operated
been specifically equipped with Al (air Arm played a vital role during Operation Pedestal in August 1942. Although supplies reached Malta, the Hurricanes in Malta was 69 Squadron,
interception) radar. The Germans convoy proved costly, with the loss of two carriers, with only Victorious surviving. based at Luqa. The squadron was Wg Cdr George 'Polly' Powell-Shedden
increased the effort by day and the arrival essentially equipped with Martin Mary- commanded the MNFU during 1941 and then Ta
of the Beaufighters as night-fighters meant on its crest and aircraft; three of the but many enemy aircraft also fell to Malta's land Mkls for reconnaissance duties, but it Kali, during the difficult period of 1942.
that the Hurricane pilots could be released Tornado F3's tail letters are 'F', 'H' and 'C' guns. also operated a number of different types of
to support the day fighting. The long- and they are affectionately known as The airfields on Malta continued to be aircraft, including a few Hurricanes until Wg Cdr (later Gp Capt)
awaited fighter reinforcements arrived in 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity'! attacked throughout the first months of February 1942. These Hurricane Mkls had George Powell-Shedden. DSO DFC
Malta during the spring and early summer, 1942, particularly Ta Kali, as it was the the machine-guns removed and cameras
which meant that 1435 Flight was expand- Continued Defence installed in their place. This conSiderably George Ffolliott Powell was born in Cowes on the Isle of Wight on 1April 1916. The second part of his surname lohen
main fighter airfield. George Powell-
spelt 'Sheddan' or 'Sheddon') was inherited from his grandfather, Sir George Shedden. George Powell-Shedden
ed to full squadron strength. The last of The situation by day was again becoming Shedden was promoted to wing comman- reduced the overall weight of the aircraft,
(affectionately' nicknamed 'Polly'), initially joined the Army's Royal Military Academy at Woolwich but transferred to
the Hurricanes were replaced by Spitfires desperate, as the struggle for Malta's sur- der and given command ofTa Kali air base and enabled these reconnaissance variants
the RAF in 1935. Following pilot training he was posted to 47 Squadron at Khartoum, where he flew Fairey Gordons
during the Spring and 1435 Squadron was vival continued into 1942. The air wing throughout this difficult period - on 20 to reach altitudes in excess of 35,000 feet in support of the ground forces in the Sudan. At the outbreak of war in Europe, Powell-Shedden was posted to Gloster
officially formed at Luqa on 2 August. had reduced to no more than a dozen ser- March, for example, three separate raids (l0,500m). Gladiators as a flight commander with 33 Squadron at Mersa Matruh in Egypt. He soon returned to the UK. where
InCidentally, 1435 Flight has never been viceable Hurricanes at anyone time, com- were made against Malta by a total of he converted to the Hurricane and joined 242 Squadron at Coltishall in July 1940.
forgotten. Despite several squadrons hav- plemented by a handful of Spitfires. The almost 500 enemy aircraft, with nearly 100 The End of the Hurricane Units During the Battle of Britain, Powell-Shedden destroyed a Bf 109 on 7 September, and two days later a Do 17. On
ing been disbanded since the war, 1435 Royal Malta Artillery and the Army's tons of bombs falling on Ta Kali alone. The Hurricane pilots had had to learn to 15 September he destroyed another Do 17, before being shot down by Bf lo9s. He spent the next two months
Flight remains to this day and now Royal Artillery also played an important adapt in order to get the best out of their recovering from his injuries before being posted as a flight commander to 258 Squadron at Leconfield. In April 1941,
operates Tornado F3s from Mount role in the defence of the island. An ever- 605 and 69 Squadrons aircraft. As in other theatres, it was not Powell-Shedden was promoted to squadron leader and given command of 615 Squadron at Valley on Anglesey; their
• uncommon for those who flew the MkllC duties included convoy and shipping patrols over the Irish Sea.
Pleasant in the Falkland Islands. The increasing anti-aircraft barrage was put up In January a small unit had formed in
Three months later, in July 1941, George Powell-Shedden's association with the island of Malta began. He was
association with the island of Malta is still day after day. ot only did the batteries Malta with Hurricane MkllBs at Hal Far, to remove the outer two 20mm cannons.
posted to Malta to form the new Malta Night Fighting Unit (MNFUI with a handful of Hurricanes at Ta Kali at the end
evident as the unit wears the Maltese cross deter the Italian and German arrackers, and had been given the name of 605 Although this reduced the firepower by
of the month. As a night-fighter pilot. Powell-Shedden added to his personal score, destroying an Italian Fiat BR20
half, the aircraft was much lighter, and during the night of 11-12 August, and a Cant 21007 on 8 September. In December, the MNFU was re-numbered as
Hurricane units based on Malta. August 1940 - April 1942 had better manoeuvrability. The pilots 1435 Flight and Powell-Shedden was awarded the DFC, promoted to wing commander and given command of Ta Kali.
were also assisted by visual controllers The struggle for Malta frequently brought out the best in people. Unlike most other theatres of war, the island
UNIT LOCATION DATE VARIANT
who used VHF radio from certain vantage was ohen cut off from the supply line and improvisation was important. There were very few fighters based on the
46 Squadron Luqa/Ha I Far Jun-Ju11941 Mkl/IIC
points around the island to help direct island and continuous air attacks made life most difficult. Powell-Shedden led from the front, commanding the
69 Squadron Luqa Jan 1941 - Feb 1942 Mkl/IIA highest respect from those who worked with him and for him.
the Hurricanes towards the attacking
126 Squadron Ta Kali Jun 1941 - Mar 1942 Mkl/IIB aircraft. Having commanded Ta Kali during the difficult period of early 1942, Powell-Shedden leh Malta in July and was
185 Squadron Ta KalijHal Far Apr 1941 - Mar 1942 Mkl/IIA/IIB By April 1942, all of the Hurricane posted to the Middle East before later returning to the UK and being appointed to staff duties at the Air Ministry. In
229 Squadron Hal Far Mar-Apr 1942 MkllC January 1944, he joined 96 Squadron at West Mailing, where he flew the de Haviland Mosquito MkXlIl. before he
units on Malta had either disbanded
was given command of 29 Squadron at Drem in March, also equipped with Mosquito MkXllls. Promoted to group
238 Squadron Ta Kali Jun1941 Mkl or had been re-equipped with Spitfire
captain in December 1944, Powell-Shedden was given command of Castle Camps and then awarded the DSO in April
249 Squadron Ta Kali May 1941 - Mar 1942 Mkl/IIA/IIB/IIC MkVs. In addition, 229 Squadron had 1945. After the war, he remained in the RAF and carried out staff appointments at the Air Ministry and Fighter
261 Squadron Luqa/Hal Far/Ta Kali Aug 1940 - May 1941 Mkl just arrived from Egypt, only to disband Command before commanding Jever in Germany during the early 1950s. He retired from the RAF in 1961 and became
605 Squadron Hal Far/Ta Kali Jan-Feb 1942 MkllB at Hal Far at the end of April; it would afarmer and stockbroker before retiring in London. His contribution to Malta's defence and his association with the
MNFU/1435 Flight Ta Kali Ju11941-Apr 1942
later reform at Ta Kali with Spitfire MkVs island will long be remembered.
Mkl/IIB
in August.
74 75
BENEDICT FORCE - MURMANSK. RUSSIA
Benedict Force
Murmansk, Russia
The Eastern Front
Hitler invaded Russia on 22 june 1941 as
part of Operation Barbarossa. 1n an
attempt to divert Luftwaffe resources away
from the Eastern Front, Fighter Command
increased the number of fighter sweep and
escort missions across the Channel.
Despite these efforts, the situation on the
Eastern Front con tinued to deteriorate,
leaving Stalin with little option but to
appeal to Britain for support.
76 77
followed by I quad ron. gt 'Wag' Haw miles (275km) north of the Arctic Circle.
was seventeenth off and his log book II' was to be home to the two squadrons
shows the flight to Vayenga airfield lasting throughout the campaign. II' was a large
one hour and ten minutes. base with no real runway, ju I' a large area
On arrival in Russia, the wing was of hardened sand surrounded by hills and
placed under the command of the Head of woods. It had none of I' he facilities normal
the Soviet Navy and Naval Air Service, to an RAF base - no radar to provide early
Admiral Kuznetsov. That same day, a warning, and only limited communica-
conference was held at Archangel tions. This meant that the pilot could
between the RAF staff in Russia and Adm only meet the threat once they were
Ku:netsov, and it was decided not to make already airborne, using their eyes and the
lSI Wing operational until all the guns smoke puffs of the local gunners to locate
and ammunition had arrived at Vayenga. the enemy aircraft. One other point of
A I' that time, each Hurricane was fitted concern to the Hurricane pilots was the
with just six guns and 130 rounds of question of aircraft recognition amongst
ammunition, and a signal had to be sent to the Russian ack-ack gunners.
hasten delivery of vital armament and Despite these complications, the pilots
spares. Although these suppl ies were had to concentrate on the task ahead. They
delivered within forty-eight hours, it was were there for two reasons: fir 1', to help
found that the guns had gun bla I' tubes defend the port of Murmansk, and second,
and 'ear from Hurricane Mki , which to help convert Russian pilots to their new
would not fit, and did not have fire and Hurricane' once they had been unpacked Russian officer and officials. No flying wa Hurricanes of 81 Squadron at Vayenga,
afe mechanisms attached. Following and assembled. The fir I' snow was due and carried out on the first three day, for a September 1941.
much improvi at ion in local workshops, the pilots were unsure just how long they number of reasons: the Rritish ships h<ld
A Russian guard meets the RAF pilots. Argus was an old Italian merchant ship two aircraft from each flight of each would be expected to carry out their task sailed on to Archangel to off-load the tions; second, the weather was already
that had been captured during the First squadron were stripped of their guns, before the long, severe Russian winter set in. main party of the convoy more safely, out deteriorating; and, third, the Russian food
151 Wing Travels 10 Russia World War and later converted as a flat- enabling each flight to have four aircraft of The arrival of the RA F created tremen- of reach of enemy air activity, and there had already posed a problem, and it would
decked carrier. The superstructure had eight guns. dous local interest at Vayenga, and they was much site maintenance to be done be several days before some individuals
The two squadrons were the spearhead of been removed, which meant that a flight had to host important visits from senior before the wing would be ready for opera- would adjust to the change in diet!
151 Wing, which officially formed at deck of some 350 feet (100m) was avail-
Leconfield on 12 August 1941. While its able. For the pilots on board, the voyage The Campaign Begins
pilot were pending a few day on leave, proved rather dull, with very basic living Z5'l27 at Vayenga, wearing the code letters 'FE' (81 Squadron!. and the
number '53'; numbers as well as letters were used to make recognition
thirty-nine Hurricane MkIIBs were sent conditions. The twenty-four Hurricane
Vayenga - The Base easier for the Russians. When the aircraft were eventually handed over
from Hawaden to Liverpool, where twenty- carried below deck were only partly as em-
to the Russians, the RAF roundels were replaced by the red star; the code
four were prepared for flying and put on to bled. Although the majority of the pilot The airfield at Vayenga (otherwise spell' letters were removed but the numbers remained.
HM Argus; these would be the first had flown Mkls, they had no experience 'Vaenga' or 'Vianga') was located just over
Hurricanes to land on Russian soil. The on the Mkll. The improved Merlin XX 20 miles (35km) to the north-cast of
remaining fifteen were packed in crates series engine would give them better Murmansk, facing the Arctic Ocean, 170
and placed as cargo on other ships. On performance and the twelve 0.303in
returning from leave on 16 August, the machine-guns would improve the fire-
pilots flew in Handley Page Harrows from power. everthele s, the fact remained
Leconfield to Abbotsinch on the outskirts that they would have to take off on a 'hort
of Glasgow. The final destination for both flight deck, which was something that
squadrons was till secret and mo I' had no none of them had ever done before!
idea where they were going, except that it
was overseas. They were transported by Arrival
truck to Gourock, where the main party After three weeks aboard Argus, the
boarded various ships. moment had come. The twenty-four
The convoy that sailed for Russia on 21 Hurricanes had been assembled and were
ugust con isted of ome thirty ship, now ready for departure. Each was carrying
including the flat-decked HMS Argus, a reduction in armament of only six guns,
which accommodated most of the in order to reduce the all-up weight. The
squadron's pilots, the cruiser heffield, and procedure used for take-off wa for Argus
the destroyer Active and Electra, with to steam into wind at her maximum speed
most of the wing's ground crew and of eventeen knot. It was the morning of
support per onnel embarked in S . . 7 eptember and a typical early autumn
LlansteJ)hen Castle. The RAF detachment day in northern Rus ia: overcast, grey and
bound for Ru ia totalled 550 men, and it cold. The pilot gathered on the flight
was well out to sea before they were told of deck to await their turn for departure, First
their final de tination. off was 134 Squadron, led by Tony Miller, HQ No 151 Wing.
78 79
BENEDICT FORCE - M RMANSK. RUSSIA BENEDICT FORCE MURMANSK. RUSSIA
Z3763, and eil Cameron in Z397 . That mined offen ive, Haw delivered a c1ose- lerrllllry agail1>t the common enemy. On thIS
same night the first snow fell. quarter attack against one Bf 109, which fir>r and memorahle occasion of our [11'0 Air
During the following morning, various hurst into flames before rolling inverted Forces fighting ,ide-ny-side on Ru»ian soil I
supplies began to arrive at Vayenga. LX and crashing to the ground. In less than send you rhe warmest congralularions of all
more Hurricanes were flown in from thirty minutes, the Henschel 126 and two ranks of the RAF on the skilful and heroic re,is-
First Success
The first combat patrol was flown that
same day, 12 eptember, by three Hurri-
cane of 134 quadron. Although enemy
bombers were sighred, no combar took
place. Thi wa followed by a patrol hy 1
quad ron and two escort missions by 134
quadron for Rus ian bombers. Ithough
the e first missions did not lead to any
acriviry, Hurricanes were soon in combat
for the first time. Later that same day, at
3.05 p,m., the four Hurricanes of 81
Squadron were scrambled to meet enemy
Three Hurricanes fly over Z3768 of 81 Squadron towards the end of September, as the weather began to deteriorate. Note the code letters 'FK', which were used as aircraft sighted to the west of Murmansk.
well as 'FE'. Lead ing the patrol was 'Wag' Haw (Red When the weather deteriorated, the ground crews soon learnt to improvise, by using any available help!
80 87
BENEDICT FORCE - MURMANSK. RUSSIA BENEDICT FORCE - MURMANSK. RUSSIA
Further Success
On 17 September, there was further
success, when 81 Squadron was scrambled
to intercept a number of enemy aircraft to
Pilots having fun and games in the snow beneath a makeshift aircraft shelter. the west. The weather conditions were
ideal, and the enemy was soon sighted.
The engagement took place at 6.55 p.m.
over the enemy lines to the west of Mur-
mansk and, during the forty-five minutes
the sortie lasted, the squadron shot down
four aircraft, including another Bf 109 for
'Wag' Haw. His combat report reads:
I was leader of Yellow Secrion. Two Bf 109s went over the area of Petsamo (to the west By the beginning of October, the temperature had dropped significantly and snow had arrived, making
dived over and passed in fronr of us. I arracked of Murmansk), across Finland and into conditions for the ground crews particularly difficult.
rhe second enemy aircrafr as he rurned and Norway, before returning to Vayenga, and
Jived westwards. I made an astern attack at took one and a half hours. Hurricane. The Russians believed very Russian colleagues keen to learn about the
abour 200 yards range, firing <l rhree-second strongly in leading from the front. The first Hurricane. They all adapted quickly and
bursr wirh no visible effect. The enemy aircrafr Russian pi lot to fl y the Hurricane was showed remarkable determination and
rhen rurned ro rhe righr across me and I Training Admiral Kuznetsov on 25 September. As plenty of guts. It was not uncommon for a
delivered a quarrer arrack from abour 150 yards, the Head of the Soviet Naval Air Service, Russian pilot to carry out his first flight in
firing anorher hursr of rhree seconds. During By the end of September, the pilots of 151 he was given his own Hurricane (Z5252), the Hurricane in marginal weather concli-
rh is arrack smoke began ro pour from rhe enemy Wing had begun their secondary task - with his own number and a red star tions, but they seemed to have no fear.
aircrafr, a large piece flew off him and he rolled • training Russian pi lots to fly the painted on it. The next day, the second As well as the flying training, the RAF
onro his back and wenr inro a verrical dive. An Russian pilot to fly the Hurricane was Lt ground crews had started training their
enemy pilor who baled our was idenrified by rhe Col Boris Safonov, a 26-year-old ace Russian counterparts in servicing and
Russian Observer Corps as being rhe pilor of rhe fighter pilot of the 72nd Regiment of the maintenance techniques. Snow had con-
machine which I arracked. The piece of rhe Soviet Naval Air Service, and the third tinued to fall, much more heavily now, and
enemy aircrafr which flew off was probably rhe was Kapitan Kuharienko. Both of these the RAF and the Russians were in a race
The pilots soon learnt to make the best use of skis for getting about the airfield. hood being jerrisoned. famous pilots would later feature in the against time before the worst of the weath-
success of the Hurricane in Russia. er set in. Vayenga was covered in snow and
against rhe German invaders. Permit me to common enemy side-by-side wirh rhe RAF on Apart from being scrambled to intercept It worked out that most of the training ice, and routine maintenance was proving
express rhe confidenr hope rhar rhis m<lY prove an imporr<lnr parr of rhe Fronr has f<llien ro rhe enemy aircraft, Hurricanes from both flying was carried out by 134 Squadron, in increasingly difficult.
rhe heginning of even wider <lnd closer collabo- Air Force of rhe Sovier avy. I rake rhis oppor- squadrons were involved in carrying out particular by Jack Ross, who formed an
rarion berween our rI"o Air Forces. runiry of expressing ro you, Air Chief Marshal escort duties for Russian bombers attack- excellent partnership with his Soviet
of rhe Brirish Royal Air Force, my sincere ing targets across the front line. Some of counterpart, Kapitan Kuharienko. The End of the Campaign
Adm Kuznetsov's reply included the regards and respect. these were relatively short-range missions, Another of the Russian instructors
following: while others were longer. One of the involved in this early training programme
was Kapitan Yacobenko, who later went 27 September
The Hurricanes had been in Russia for longer missions took place on 24 Septem- Skis were not the only way of getting about! Note
I am sincerely happy ar rhe facr rh<lr rhe lucky just four days and enjoyed their first ber, when Hurricanes provided an escort the protective covers fitted to the aircraft of 134 on to command the first Soviet Hurricane On 27 September, Wag Haw destroyed
chance of heginning operations against the success, but the loss of' udger' Smith was for Russian Pe-2 dive-bombers. The route Squadron in the background. squadron. The RAF pilots found their another Bf 109, bringing his personal score
82 83
BENEDICT FORCE - MURMANSK. RUSSIA BE EDICT FORCE - MURMANSK. RUSSIA
84 85
BENEDICT FORCE - MUR lA SK. RUSSIA BENEDICT FORCE - MURMANSK. RUSSIA
.....M~r. The unique group of medals awarded to 'Wag' Haw, left to right, DFC, DFM, 1939-45 Star with clasp 'Battle
fasci~m.
of Britain', Air Crew Europe Star with clasp' Atlantic', Defence Medal, War Medal, Air Efficiency Award, Signed Vice-Admiral A. Golovko
Order of Lenin.
86 87
THE DESERT WAR
88 89
THE DESERT WAR TilE DESERT WAR
outh African pilot who was attached to Squadron in Egypt ju t before the war. from Hcliopolis, 73 quadron soon found during the campaign was Fg Off Jas
the quadron from I (AAF) quad ron; Like many of the pilots to erve in North itself back in action once again. For some Storrar. He had seen action over France
Talbot gained hi fir t success on 19 Africa during the early months of the war, of the pilots there seemed to have been and during the Battle of Britain with 145
December, when he destroyed an Italian Woodward gained his combat experience little rest ince the battles of France and quadron and wa already a Hurricane ace,
CR42 in the area of ollum-Gambut. with the Gladiator, and he achieved four Britain. ow, in the skies over orth with eight kill and everal more hared or
ac.lly, none of these four pilots of 274 kill during June and July 1940. He Africa, their previou combat experience probables. He had been awarded the DF
quad ron, who all enjoyed early success converted to the Hurricane in eptember would stand them in good stead. The in August 1940, and was posted to 73
during the First Libyan Campaign, sur- and was in action on the first day of the young Canadian Fit Lt James Duncan Squadron for the deployment to Egypt. By
vived the war in orth Africa. Three were Libyan Campaign, de troying two CR42 'Smudger' mith wa one of these pilots. the turn of the year, the squadron had
dead within six months. Tom Patterson over the frontier of Libya. By the end of Having een action with the quadron moved to idi Haneish and Storrar
wa ki lied on 25 April 1941, when he the campaign he had de troyed three during the Battle of France and the Battle achieved his first success a few days later
collided with a Messerschmitt Bf 110; tan more, bringing his overall total to nine. of Britain, Smith had already been when he destroyed an Italian CR42 on 6
Godden was shot down and killed on I 'Woody' Woodward went on to serve in credited with two kills by the time he January. A few weeks later, he destroyed a
May, during an engagement with Bf 109s; Greece before returning to Egypt at the arrived in Egypt. He scored his fir t kill in numher of aircraft on the ground during an
and Bob Talbot was killed on 3 June, during end of May 1941. By then, his score had North Africa during the campaign, when attack against Benina airfield. Storrar was
operations against a German occupied air- risen to eighteen (fourteen while flying he destroyed an Italian SM.79 over Bardia eventually credited with twelve kills, ten
field. All three had become early Hurricane Hurricane), for wh ich he was awarded the on 14 December. During the next four of whi h were while flying Hurricanes.
aces in orth Africa - Talbot with nine DFC, to which a bar was later
kills, Godden and Patterson each with added in 1943.
seven kills - but none received any formal One of the most amazing
recognition for their achievements. 'lmshi' feats of the war was achieved
The nose markings of a Mkl of No 3 Sqn SAAF. Mason went on to achieve fifteen kills fly- during the First Libyan Cam-
ing Hurricanes in orth Africa, for which paign, and involved one of 33
November 1940. After ju t over two week both the pilots and ground crews of 73 he wa awarded the DFC, before he was Squadron' pilots. Fg Off
at sea, the Hurricanes flew off the ship and quadron, who had only just completed killed in action on 15 February 1942, while harles Dyson was an experi-
landed at Takoradi. Many more supplie the long journey from the UK. leading an attack on MartLlba airfield. enced pilot, having served
for the Hurricane operating in the ot to be outdone by the other squadron with the squadron since I efore
We tern Desert came via thi route and pilot on the opening day of the campaign, the war. He had I een involved
arrived in theatre through Takoradi, from both Peter Wykeham-Barnes and John in attacks against Arab di si-
The Campaigns dents during 193 and had
where they were moved forward to the Lapsley were also succe fut. Lapsley
various operating base in North Africa. destroyed an Italian CR42, and Wyke- been awarded the DFC. On 11
The First Libyan Campaign, December December 1940, he encoun-
These supplies ranged from small aircraft ham-Barnes destroyed a CR42, and shared
1940 - January 1941 tered a formation of six Ital ian
components to replacement aircraft, in the dew'union of two M. 79s. The
which were then flown across Africa for Gen Sir Archibald Wavell launched the careers of the e two men were remarkably CR42 ; he shot down all six,
delivery to squadrons operating from small First Libyan Campaign on 9 December similar. Both had been the first to fly the before having to force-land his
airstri ps in the desert. 1940. For many of the Hurricane pilots, Hurricane in North Africa, having served Hurricane. He made his way
The build-up of land forces in the West- this was their first taste of action. During with the special fl ight of 80 Squadron and back to base on foot, arriving
ern Desert had continued through the the opening encounters on the 9th, Fg Off 274 Squadron, and they had also received several days later, where he
summer of 1940. There had been little or Tom Patterson, a Canadian pilot serving the first fighter-pilot DFCs in North related his exploits. Although
no air activity with the Italian Regia Aero- with 274 Squadron, gained his first suc- Africa. Both men went on to achieve it seemed difficult to believe at
nautica during October and ovember. cess, when he shot down an Italian CR42 success during the First Libyan Campaign, the time, an Army signal
Instead, the time had been spent preparing in the area of Barrani-Sofafi. Another Lapsley finishing the campaign with a reported the destruction of Hurricane Mkl of 274 Squadron at Amriya. Egypt. in November 1940. shortly before the squadron deployed to Sidi Haneish
for the forthcoming advance into the squadron pilot also gained his first uccess total of eleven kills, and Wykeham-Barnes • seven aircraft as, apparently, South for the First libyan Campaign.
desert by the British ground forces, which on the opening day; Pit Off tan Godden with a total of ten. Both remained in the one of the CR42s had collided
would require air support from the Hurri- shot down an Italian M.79, the first of hi po t-war RAF and achieved the rank of with an SM79 after Dyson had shot it days, he destroyed two more SM. 79s, The remarkable early success of the
cane squadrons. In preparation, 274 seven kills achieved in theatre. Air Mar hal, being knighted for their down. harles Dyson is therefore recorded bringing hi overall total to five. adly, Hurri ane pilots meant that there was
Squadron moved from Amriya to idi One of 274 quadron's pilots also in service. Wykeham-Barne eventually a having de troyed seven aircraft in one 'Smudger' Smith did not survive the war; he little further air activity with the Italian
Hanei h outh on 7 December. The action on the fir t day wa Fg Off 'Imshi' retired from the RAF a AM Sir Peter sortie, and was awarded an immediate bar was killed over Tobruk in April 1941. Regia Aeronautica during the latter part of
second Hurricane unit in theatre was 33 Ma on. Initially posted to 0 quadron, Wykeham, K B D 0* OBE DFC* AF , to his OF . In similar circumstances, Fg Off Alfred the First Libyan Campaign. The
Squadron, which had been in Egypt ~ince Erne t Mason had been detached to form and Lapsley retired as AM ir John The campaign also saw two other pilots Marshall found himself in action with 73 Hurricanes were used increasingly to
before the war. Its Gladiators had been the nucleus of 274 quad ron at Amriya. Lapsley, KBE DFC AFC. from 33 quadron achieve notable ucce . quadron during the campaign. He had al 0 support the land war, carrying out attack
replaced by Hurricanes in eptember On the opening day of the campaign, he Operating from Fuka airstrip during the The Rhodesian Fg Off Peter t Quintin seen action during the Battle of France, and against Italian ground forces. In an
194 ,when it moved to a satellite airfield was in action over idi Barani during the early part of the campaign, the Hurricane ended the campaign with seven kills and had already achieved his fir~t kill of the war. amazingly "wift advance, the port of
at Fuka to carry out patrols and ground- morning when he shared in the destruc- pilot of 33 quadron achieved similar the Canadian Fg Off John Mackie On 16 December, Marshall de troyed two Tobruk fell to the British in January 1941,
attack sorties against Italian troop and tion of two Italian M.79s. By the end of success to those of 274 quadron. One of achieved six; sadly, Mackie would soon be Italian SM.79s over Bardia. By the end of and by the following month British forces
positions. The arrival of 73 quadron at the first week of the campaign, he had the most successful pilot in orth Africa killed while serving with the squadron in the campaign, Marshall had a total of seven had taken all of Cyrenaica.
Heliopolis during the first few days of personally destroyed three Italian aircraft was Fg ff 'Woody' Woodward of 33 Greece. kills, and he went on to be credited with
December 1940 brought the number of and, by the end of the second week, his Squadron. Born in Canada, Vernon The third Hurricane squadron taking sixteen kills, before being killed in East Africa, January - April 1941
Hurricane squadrons in theatre to three. total had risen to five. Mason's wingman Crompton Woodward joined the RAF in part in the campaign also achieved November 1944. The Italian entry into the war in June
The first few days had been hard work for during the campaign was Lt Bob Talbot, a August 1938 and was posted to 33 significant success. Initially operating Another of 73 Squadron's pilots involved 1940 created a serious problem in East
90 91
THE DESERT WAR THE DESERT WAR
soldiers on the ground, an act that brought In the two days between 11-12 June, Vale British forces in orth Africa through
him the immediate award of the DFC. destroyed a Potez 63 and two Dewoitine Tobruk. In addition, a detachment of
Frost flew Hurricanes with the squ<tdron 520s over the fleet off the Syrian coast. Hurricanes from 6 Squadron arrived in
throughout the rest of the advance, during These three kills brought his total number Tobruk from its base at Qasaba. Until Feb-
which he destroyed seven Italian aircraft of aircraft destroyed to thirty, twenty of ruary 1941,6 Squadron had been equipped
in the air and at least twenty-four more on these while flying Hurricanes with 80 with Lysanders, to provide tactical recon-
the ground. Frost became South Africa's Squadron. Vale became the fifth top- naissance for the army during the offensive
top-scoring pilot of the war. He went on to scoring Hurricane pilot of the war. in the Western Desert. The Lysander had
fly Tomahawks with 5 (SAAF) Squadron A t the end of June, a detachment of four proved capable as a reconnaissance air-
in the Middle East, and was eventually Hurricane Mkls and a handful of Gladia- craft, but was incapable of defending itself
credited with at least fourteen kills in the tors formed 127 Squadron at Habbaniya against any fighter opposition. It was only
air. Sadly, 'Jack' Frost failed to return from under the command of Sqn Ldr Bodman. when the squadron took delivery of its first
operations in June 1942; his remarkable The Hurricane force operating against Hurricanes that it was deemed more
efforts were later rewarded by a bar to his Syria wa further increased when 213 capable of carrying out this role.
DFC, in August 1943. Squadron joined the campaign on 2 July.
Mogadishu was taken in February, and Operating from Palestine, the squadron The Pendulum Swings
British troops entered Addis Ababa on 6 carried Ollt ground-attack sorties until the All had gone well for the British in North
April. The Italian presence in East Africa Vichy French were defeated and a formal Africa up to this point. The furthest British
was over, with the Hurricanes of the ceasefire was announced on the 12th. advance had re<tched El Agheila, but Gen-
SAAF playing an important part in the eral Wavell was unable to support his
victory. A total of five SAAF squadrons forces. British forces were fighting for sur-
were equipped with various marks of North Africa vival at home, in the Atlantic, on Malta
Hurricane during the war, and all served in and in the Balkans, with every commander
the Middle East and North Africa. badly needing reinforcements; at that time,
The Important Ports
it seemed to those in the desert that orth
Iraq and Syria, June-July J941 Following the successful British advance Africa was at the end of the supply line.
British interest in Iraq went back several in the First Libyan Camraign during the However, the problem for the British was
A Mkl (P26271 of 274 Squadron on patrol over the years before the start of the Second World period from December 1940 to January only just beginning. Having seen the Ital-
Hurricane squadrons and locations in the First Libyan Campaign, 9 December 1940 to 27 January 1941 desert in December 1940. War. The large British base at Habbaniya, 1941, British forces were established in the ians fail, Germany decided to concentrate
SQUADRON LOCATION DATE about 50 miles (80km) to the west of port of Tobruk. The Mediterranean portS on the war in the Mediterranean and
33 Squadron Fuka 9 Dec 1940 -15 Jan 1941 He went on to serve with 1 (SAAF) Baghdad, had been constructed during the in orth Africa, including Benghazi and North Africa; it was important for them to
33 Squadron Amriya 15-27 Jan 1941 Squadron in the Mediterranean theatre inter-war years. As the war in the Middle Tobruk, were hugely important, as they secure the southern flank of Europe if their
before being shot down on 14 June; he spent East progressed into 1941, the airfield at represented the vital supply lines to the eventual assault on Russia was to be suc-
73 Squadron Heliopolis 9-30 Dec 1940
the next four years as a prisoner of war. Habbanjya played an important part in desert. Whoever controlled them would cessful. 1n the Balkans, Germany had
73 Squadron Sidi Haneish 30 Dec 1940 - 27 Jan 1941
Hurricanes of the SAAF also provided supporting British involvement in the control the desert war, and they would invaded Greece and Yugoslavia, as well as
274 Squadron Sidi Haneish South 9 Dec 1940 - 27 Jan 1941
air cover during the advance through region, and in helping to rreserve British change hands many times before the war putting forces into Romania and then Bul-
Somaliland and into Ethiopia. Hurricane oil interests in the Middle East. in the desert was over. garia in March. In addition, German forces
Africa, with the normal re-supply shipping South African forces in the Sudan and Mkls had also been delivered to 3 (SAAF) Syria had been seen to supr0rt German The Hurricanes of 73 Squadron imme- had arrived in Sicily, from where more
route through the Red Sea being Kenya meant that a swift campaign was Squadron, when it became involved in the movements in the region during 1941, and diately moved to Gazala West, from where pressure could be put on Malta, and large
threatened. Quickly gaining the upper possible. action during the early weeks of 1941. One Britain felt that German forces operating they could carry out defensive patrols over numbers of German forces had entered
hand, the Italians had advanced swiftly Providing part of the air cover during of the squadron's flight commanders was from Syria would prove a threat to the oil the shipping that was re-supplying the North Africa through Tripoli.
into the region and captured Berbera in the campaign in East Africa were some of Capt Servaas Theron, a 22-year-old from fields and the Suez Canal. Realizing that
August 1940. the first Hurricane Mkls provided to the Cape Province. The following two months 4 there was no alternative other than to
The number of British aircraft opposing South African Air Force (SAAF); the first of the advance saw Theron personally occupy the country, British and French
Italian forces in Abyssinia, Eritrea and of these were delivered to 1 (SAAF) destroy five Italiarl aircraft in the air, as forces advanced into Syria on 8 June.
Somaliland was relatively small, and most Squadron at Port Sudan during the last few well as accounting for eight more on the Included in the air support were Hurri-
were of the older generation. Never- weeks of 1940. Capt Ken Driver was one ground, bringing him the award of the canes from 80 Squadron, operating out of
theless, British and South African forces young South African pilot involved in the DFC in March. He went on to serve in the bases in Cyprus and Palestine, and from
had continued to build in the area first Hurricane operations. Born in Preto- Mediterranean and European theatres 208 Squadron, based at Heliopolis.
throughout the winter months of 1940-41. ria in April 1918, Driver had only just during the Second World War and later in The Hurricane pilots of 80 Squadron,
Supported by air cover, the South African been posted to I (SAAF) Squadron when Korea, eventually leaving the SAAF as a only recently involved in the evacuation
forces advanced into Eritrea during he found himself carrying out patrols over brigadier, having received the DSO and from Greece and the subsequent air war
January 1941, followed soon after by an the Red Sea in the area of Port Sudan. He bar, and the AFC. over Crete, found themselves in action
advance into Somaliland and Ethiopia. achieved his first kill on 16 December, The other flight commander of 3 once again. The Vichy French fighters put
The major British effort came from the when he destroyed an Italian SM.79 over (SAAF) Squadron found fame as well up resistance, particularly over the
squadrons based at Sheikh Othman in Port Sudan. During operations over while flying the Hurricane during the supporting ships of the Royal avy, and
Aden, and from there a number of Eritrea, Driver personally accounted for advance. Capt 'Jack' Frost was also twenty- several air combats took place. One
bombing missions were flown against twelve Italian aircraft (half of which were two when he came across three Italian Ca squadron pilot who had previously distin-
Italian forces in Abyssinia and destroyed on the ground), an achievement 133 bombers attacking an army camp. He guished himself in the skies over Greece
Somaliland. The build-up of British and that brought him the award of the DFC. shot down all three, in full view of the was Fg Off 'Cherry' Vale of 80 Squadron. A Mkl of 73 Squadron pictured in the desert early in 1941 after the First libyan Campaign.
92 93
THE DESERT WAR THE DESERT WAR
94 95
THE DESERT WAR THE DESERT WAR
Distinguished Pilots
There were several Hurricane pilots who
d istingu ished themselves in the defence
against the German advance during this
period. One was Sgt James Dodds of 274
Squadron who became the highest-scoring
Hurricane pilot of the North African
campaign. He was just twenty years old
during the spring of 1942 and shot down
fourteen aircraft during the six-month
period up to June 1942, for which he was MkllD Tank Busters' of 6 Squadron during 1942. This squadron was the first to be equipped with the MkllD and
later awarded the DFM. From 73 Squadron enjoyed much success during the Battle of EI Alamein in October 1942; on the 24th. it destroyed sixteen tanks.
there was Fit Sgt Ernest Joyce, who
destroyed eight enemy aircraft, for which Zealander Derek Ward, DFC and bar, of 73 armoured vehicles; the general tactic was
he was also awarded the DFM, and from Squadron, was killed on 17 June; his death to catch the enemy tanks in the open and
213 Squadron there was Fit Lt George was followed a month later by that of Jive down to just above the ground to
Westlake, who destroyed five aircraft and George Barclay. At just twenty years old, carry out the attack. This new role for the
was awarded the DFC. Sadly, Ernest Joyce George Barclay had been awarded the pilots of 6 Squadron was very dangerous, as
was later killed while leading 122 DFC for destroying four enemy aircraft it involved flying at full throttle at about
Squadron in Europe during June 1944. while serving with 249 Squadron during 2S0mph (400kph), at less than 50 feet
The top-scoring American pilot to serve the Battle of Britain. He had later been ([ Sm) against columns of vehicles that
with the RAF during the war also made his shot down over France in May 1941, and were armed and well defended. Having
mark in North Africa during this period. had evaded capture, eventually returning opened fire, the pilots noted a marked loss
Fit Lt Lance Wade had travelled to to the UK via Spain and Gibraltar. He was in airspeed. Inevitably, this most demand-
Canada at the start of the war so that he then shipped out to Egypt and appointed ing of ground-attack roles led to losses for
could join the RAE After training, he was as the Officer Commanding 238 Squadron 6 Squadron as it flew at the forefront of
posted to 33 Squadron in North Africa in at LG 92 in July 1942. He quickly added to desert operations. However, the Hurricane
September 1941. H is first success as a his score by destroying two German MkllD 'Tank Buster' proved a significant
fighter pilot was on the opening day of aircraft in two days, but on his second sor- weapon in the desert war.
Operation Crusader, when he destroyed tie on 17 July he was shot down and killed.
two Italian CR42s over the airfield at El
Erg. [nitially flying Hurricane Mkls, and The 'Tanl? Buster'
Hurricane Versatility
• then MkllBs and MkllCs, he accounted One of the few consolations during the
for a total of ten enemy aircraft in air spring of 1942 was the arrival of the Throughout the war in the desert during
combat during the period up to July, as well Hurricane MkllD 'Tank Buster', which 1942, the Hurricane performed in many
as destroying many others on the ground. was first delivered to 6 Squadron at role - among other things, it was a
Wade was eventually credited with at least Shandur, on the Suez Canal, in May. fighter, and a bomber, it was involved in
twenty-two victories, twelve of which Under Wg Cdr Roger Porteous, DSO, the Army co-operation, and it carried out
were achieved flying Hurricanes; he was squadron worked up at Shandur, before armed reconnaissance, night-fighting and
awarded the OF and two bars, and later moving to various landing grounds in the aerial reconnaissance. The airstrips from
promoted to wing commander. Sadly, desert to the west of A lexandria, to carry which the Hurricane operated varied
Lance Wade was killed while flying out the first operations with the MkllD enormously; some were well prepared,
in an Auster during January 1944. [n during June. Armed with two 40mm can- wh ile others were noth ing more than a
recognition of the gallant American's nons, the MkllD proved an immediate relief landing ground in the middle of
achievements with the RAF, the award of succe s in the desert, as it countered the nowhere. These airstrips were unnamed
a DSO was announced immediately after deficiency of the British tank being fitted and were simply known as LGs (landing
his death. with smaller armament when fighting grounds), and given a number; for exam-
The German advance claimed several against its German counterpart. The ple, LG 123 was situated south of Sidi
British lives, including two of the RAE's Hurricane MkllD was soon responsible for Hanish in Egypt. These LGs were far from
most popular fighter pilots. The ace New the destruction of many tanks and ideal, particularly for the Hurric:me Mkls,
96 97
THE DESERT WAR THE DESERT WAR
addition, conditions were usually very hot but, equally, Rommel's supply line could Squadron, detached to LG 172, enjoyed more than 100 miles (160km) behind the
and dry, but it was not uncommon for LGs not keep up with his swift advance. their most successful day with their new enemy lines and carried out attacks
to become a sea of mud, following heavy Partly, this was because the outstanding aircraft type on 24 October, when they against the Italian and German forces
rain and thunderstorms late in the day or work carried out by the RAF's anti- destroyed sixteen enemy tanks during retreating westwards. The detachment
at certain times of the year. This often led shipping crews, operating out of Malta, the day. Operating from the same LG, spent four days behind the lines, during
to problems when taking off or landing, stopped Rommel's vital supplies reaching the Hurricane MkllDs of 7 (SAAF) which time it was reported to have
with the occasional Hurricane tipping up North Africa. There was, once again, a Squadron enjoyed similar success as the destroyed more than fifteen aircraft and
on its nose in soft sand! period when neither side achieved any Allies gained the same ground as quickly up to 300 vehicles, for the loss of just
Despite ,dl these difficulties, the ground ground. This vital period gave the British as they had lost it during the retrear only three Hurricanes.
crews generally kept the Hurricanes flying. a chance to re-group. Gen Bernard a matter of months before. Tobruk was As the battle of El Alamein was in full
Apart from the many operating airfields Montgomery was appointed in command re-gained on 13 November, and a few swing, A II ied landi ngs further along the
and LGs, there were also many support of the British 8th Army, and he re-built his days la tel' Bri tish figh tel's arrived in northern coast of Africa were taking
units established in the desert to re-supply forces until superiority in numbers was on Martuba, from where they could safe- place during November 1942, as part of
the squadrons. Repair and salvage units his side. guard the convoys to Malta, bringing to Operation Torch. Some of the air support
were set up, with small teams of ground The Battle of EI A lamei n was launched an end the siege of the island. for these landings was provided by the
crew driving out into the desert to locate on 19 October, with massive air support One of the most daring episodes during RAF operating out of Gibraltar, with
downed aircraft, either to recover compo- being provided by the DAF, which, by the Allied advance took place between more support being provided by the Fleet
nents from that aircraft or to recover the then, had some 100 squadrons available. 13-16 ovember 1942. As part of Air Arm. Included in the Fleet Air Arm's
aircraft itself. The idea was that, after Air superiority for the Allies was Operation Chocolate, a detachment of 36 support were thirty Sea Hurricanes,
maintenance, the Hurricane could be immediate, giving the Hurricanes Hurricanes MkllCs from 213 and 238 operating from the Royal Navy's aircraft
returned to the front line. relative freedom over the battle field. Squadrons, under the command of Wg carriers in theatre. Some of the first
The desert war was not all sun and sand - when the rain came, the landing strips turned into a sea of mud. The movement of the land forces in the The Hurricane MkllD pilots of 6 Cdr Johnny Darween, DSO DFC, landed Allied aircraft to land in Algeria were
Maison Blanche, Algeria, early in 1943, was the home of 32 and 43 Squadrons after the success of desert meant that the Hurricane Hurricane MkllCs of 43 Squadron,
Operation Torch. which had deployed to Gibraltar from its
squadrons moved around many times.
During the German advance of spring home base at Kirton-in-Lindsey in prepa-
which suffered many engine problems as a the 20mm cannons. However, the Hurri- 1942, 238 Squadron was forced to move ration for the landings only a matter of
result of the dusty conditions. cane was undoubtedly well liked by those eleven times during June alone, and 274 days before. After the successful Allied
The Hurricane had to be modified to who flew it in the desert. Its sturdiness Squadron moved ten times between Feb- landings, the squadron flew into the
carry out operations in the desert. Filters made it capable of operating from almost ruary and July. Overall, however, there had captured airfield at Maison Blanche on 8
were fitted to air intakes and radiators to anywhere, and the ruggedness of the air- been Iittle change in the number of Hurri- November, from where it provided air
reduce the problems caused by sand, frame meant that many pilots got back to cane squadrons in North Africa in the year cover for the British 1st Army and its
although the fitting of these filters base in what may well have been a hope- since August 1941. For example, 30 and supply ports.
affected the Hurricane's performance by less situation in other types of aircraft. 261 Squadrons had been sent to reinforce The conclusion of Operation Torch
reducing its overall speed by up to 50mph As well as the dust, small rocks and the Far East in February 1942, but 213 and was the eventual link-up of Allied forces
(80kph). Although the MkllCs suffered stones caused all sorts of problems, partic- 335 Squadrons had joined the desert war, with Montgomery's 8th Army, and the
very few engine problems, the dusty ularly with chipped propellers, or damaged 213 Squadron having arrived from Cyprus final confirmation of a great victory
conditions caused occasional problems for props unbalancing the aircraft. In and 335 Squadron having been newly came on 23 January 1943 when the 8th
formed. This had come about after the Army entered Tripoli. Some of the last
Hurricane squadrons and locations, August 1942 evacuation of personnel from Greece in successes in orth Africa went to FIt Sgt
1941, with 335 Squadron becoming the Don Beard, DFM, of 73 Squadron based
SQUADRON lOCATION MARK
first RAF unit to be manned by Greek at Gambut Main. Flying a Hurricane
6 Squadron LG 89 110 MkllC in the night-fighter role, Beard
personnel. Another new squadron was 173
33 Squadron Idku IIC Squadron, which formed as a communica- destroyed two Junkers Ju 52s during the
73 Squadron Shandur IIC tions unit at Heliopolis in July 1942; it Fg Off 'Imshi' Mason, 274 Squadron, was the top-scoring Hurricane pilot in the desert war. night of 9-1 0 May 1943, bringing his per-
80 Squadron LG 92 IIC operated many different types of aircraft sonal total to five. Just three days later,
94 Squadron EI Gamil III1C during its existence in orth Africa, the war in the desert was ov 1', as the final
Fg Off (later Sqn ldr) Ernest 'Imshi' Mason, OFC - 274 Squadron
127 Squadron LG 172 liB including a Hurricane Mkl. Other changes defeat of the Axis powers in North
173 Squadron Heliopolis I in theatre included 260 and 450 (RAAF) Born in County Durham in July 1913, Ernest Mason joined the RAF in 1938. Although he was originally posted to fly Africa was formally ended on 13 May
208 Squadron LG 100 Squadrons exchanging their Hurricanes bombers with 45 Squadron, he managed to change so that he could fly Gladiators with 80 Squadron. He was among 1943.
liliA/IIB/IIC
for Kittyhawks, 237 Squadron moving to the first pilots in the North African theatre to convert to the Hurricane in July 1940, and helped to form 274 Squadron. Once North Africa was in the hands of
213 Squadron Kilo 8 IIA/IIC
Iraq in February, and 229 Squadron During the First Libyan Campaign, which opened in December 1940, he was remarkably successful. and during the the Allies, the commanders looked to
237 Squadron Qaiyara (Iraq) I first two weeks he destroyed five Italian aircraft. By the end of the campaign in January 1941, he had brought his
moving to Malta in April. the invasion of Italy as the next vital step
238 Squadron LG 92 IIB/IIC total to thirteen, including three CR42s in one sortie on 26 January, and had been awarded the DFC. He had also
towards overall victory in Europe. The
274 Squadron LG 88 IIB/IIC acquired the nickname 'Imshi', meaning 'scram' in Arabic, which he was known to shout at local Arabs from time to
forthcoming Allied invasion of Europe
335 Squadron Idku time.
III1B across the English Chann I would not be
451 (RAAF) Squadron EI Bassa I
EI Alamein and Torch In July 1941, Mason was promoted to the rank of squadron leader and given command of 261 Squadron on Malta.
He led the squadron during the occupation of Iran in August 1941, bringing his total to fifteen on the 26th with the ready until June 1944, so it was consid-
1(SAAF) Squadron Maaten Bagush liB Rommel's advance through the desert was destruction of a Hawker NisI' over Iran; this proved to be the only RAF kill during the occupation. In January 1942, ered important to open up a second front
7 (SAAF) Squadron LG 89 IIIIB brought to a halt in the same way as the Mason returned to the Western Desert and was given command of 94 Squadron, which was re-equipping with in the south as soon as possible, in order
40 (SAAFI Squadron EI Firdan liB British advance had been previously. The Kittyhawks. While leading an attack against Martuba airfield on 15 February, he was shot down and killed. to help relieve the pressure on the
pre-planned British defence line worked Russians on the Eastern Front.
98 99
THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTEN WAR
The Far East cane was left to provide the last defence.
700 707
THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTE I WAR THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTEN WAR
702 703
THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTEN WAR THE FAR EAST - TilE FORGOTTEN WAR
Left: Pilots relaxing outside one of the squadron's re-take Burma was formulated. By june, officially added to the IAF until March out of trouble. The airframe was strong and
bashas: (left to right) Bill Souter, Keith MacEwan, the total number of squadron had 1945.) rurdy enough to with tand ground fire
Rudi Mendizabal, Johnny Lee and Paddy increased to twenty-six, including cleven Plans to re-take Burma continued to be and, on many occasions, pilots were able
Chancellor.
Hurricane squadrons. formulated during 1942, as the build-up of to take Hurricane back to base, when
In addition to the build-up of RAF forces in the region continued. The fir t other aircraft might not have survived.
Lashio for just a few day, before the forces in the Far East, the Indian A ir Force part of the plan was to capture the airfields
japanese advance once again caught up, (IAF) was expanding. The RAF had on the island of A kyab a part of the Fi rst 5 Squadron, June 1943 -June 1944
leaving the squadron with no alternative pol iced the kies of the orth West Arakan campaign, launched on 9 Decem- ince the outbreak of the econd World
but to withdraw to India by any pos ible Frontier during the inter-war years and ber. Hurricanes continued to arrive in War, 5 Squ::ldrnn h::ld been located in the
mean. The defence of Burma was over. had provided the only air power in the theatre in increasing numbers, replacing Far East. When war broke out with japan,
region until 1933. Although there were less capable aircraft uch as the Blenheim, the squadron moved to Calcutta, where it
Stabilizing the Burma Front limited resources for the Indian Govern- and were included in this campaign, operated Audaxes in the air defen e role.
By April 1942, the surviving air assets in ment at that time, it soon recognized the although the lack of air support brought a Due to the lack of adequate fighters in the
the Far East, including the few remaining need to develop its own force; I quad ron relatively unsuccessful conclusion. region, the quadron re-equipped with
Hurricanes, were based in India, wher IAF was formed with Westland Wapitis in By june 1943, the RAF had built up a urtiss Mohawks, and moved to Assam in
they were able to carry out operations over Apri 11933. Training was carried out in the force of some 700 Hurricanes in the Far May 1942 to provide air defence and fight-
the Burma Front. For the time being, the UK, but at the outbreak of the Second East, which equipped a total of twenty- er escort for attacks against northern
Burma Front stabilized and attention World War there was still just one IAF three front-line squadrons; these were gen- Burma.
turned to other po ible japanese options. squadron. The japanese attack in the Far erally all MkIls, although some MklVs had
Such was the strength of the japanese Ea t led to the formation of more by that time arrived in eylon. A true At Khargpur
avy, one of the options for the japanese squadron, although these were initially multi-role aircraft, capable of carrying out On 1 june 1943, the advanced party of 5
forces was to carry out an invasion of India equipped with older aircraft. The fall of fighter, reconnai san e or bombing dutie , quad ron arrived at Khargpur from Agar-
from the sea. The island of Ceylon was in Burma brought better equipment to the the Hurricane was ideal for jungle opera- tala in preparation to receive Hurricanes.
a position to prevent this, but only if the region and the first two IAF quadrons - 1 tions. In particular, it was in the air-to- The main party of twenty-five vehicle left
air a set could be built up to a ufficiently quadron IAF at Trichinopoly, and 2 ground role that the aircraft proved most o 221 Group headquarters in Calcutta
high level. Airfields were constructed at quadron IAF at Arkonam - began to useful. Its peed was low enough to give the following day, and arrived at Khargpur
Ratmalana and hina Bay in Ceylon, and equip with Hurricanes in September 1942. the pilot maximum manoeuvrability in that evening. By 5 june, its headquarters
reinforcements soon began to arrive. Two ([nci lentally, the prefix 'Royal' wa not the target area, but fa t enough to get him wa fullye tablished and the squadron was
of the e quadrons were Hurricanes of 30
quadron (at Ratmalana) and 261 Although the Hurricane MkllD proved that it was capable of penetrating the
quadron (at China Bay), which had been armour of Japanese tanks. it served primarily in the Western Desert, and
brought in from the Middle East on HMS only served with 5 and 20 Squadrons during the campaign in the Far East.
Indomitable. They arrived in Ceylon just
in time to help counter the first japanese
air attack on the island during the next
few week.
104 105
THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTEN WAR THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTEN WAR
returned to base for rectification, logan squadron during July 1943 were reconnais- As in any operational theatre, squadron
took off again, and was more successful sance sorties generally lasting one hour. By detachments were not uncommon. These
during this second attempt. One other the end of July 1943, 5 Squadron had detachments served a number of purposes:
Hurricane, flown by Fg Off Thomas, also sixteen MkIICs and MkllDs on strength, the squadron could fly more operational
carried out a successful firing, although the as follows: sorties over a larger area, as transit times to
aircraft flown by PIt Off Baines suffered a and from its main operating base were
stoppage in the starboard cannon. HW801 HW878 KW745 reduced; the pilots gained more experi-
During the following days, more firings KW794 KW859 KW865 ence in operating from different airstrips,
took place against ground targets and into and a greater knowledge of the areas over
KW867 KW871 KW873
the sea. There was an increasing number of which they were flying; the squadron air-
KW879 KW896 KW898
early problems with the 40mm cannon, craft were dispersed, and any attack by
KX121 KX226 KX228
such as runaways (when the gun would not opposing forces would have less overall
stop firing after the pilot released the KX229 eff ct. One such detachment was carried
trigger), and on 14 July the squadron out by 5 Squadron in October, when six
received an engineering order to remove Although the airstrip at Khargpur was aircraft (three MkliCs and three MklIDs)
the 40mm cannons temporarily from the perfectly adequate for Hurricane opera- deployed to Ranchi. The detachment was
MkllDs. These problems would eventually tions, there was the occasional hazard to led by Sqn Ldr Hogan and included Fg Off
be sorted out, although it would be a the pi lots. Operating from these basic Lee, Fg Off Beyts, Pit Off Lawrence, W /0
further six months before the squadron airstrips in the Far East always caused Worts and Sgt Case; the engineering and
could use the gun operationally. problems as heavy rainstorms would often support personnel flew to Ranchi by DC3.
Operations continued without the make the ground difficult. During July, Pit On 7 October, Fg Off John Lee led three
40mm cannon. The squadron replaced Off Boyens made a perfectly good landing, Hurricanes in a sector reconnaissance as
some of its MkllDs with MkllCs, and only to burst a tyre, which led to the the first operational sorties of the detach-
continued to operate both variants together. aircraft leaving the runway and tipping ment. During the detachment to Ranchi,
The early operational sorties flown by the nose-over in the soft, unprepared ground. the squadron took part in several liaison
Officers of 5 Squadron. squadron's pilots still had much to do, aid the air-to-ground technique was to fit
including learning new tactics and the tracer rounds in the Brownings and u e
ready to receive its new Hurricane these for sighting, leaving the much more
MkllDs. Conditions were generally good, Sqn Ldr G.J.C Hogan Fg Off CCourtney-Clarke potent 40mm cannon to do the damage.
although the weather was becoming Fit Lt Rashleigh Fg Off N.M. Beyts
increasingly hot, with storms every The Pilots
Fg Off WJ.N. Lee Fg Off Mendizabel
evening. The squadron's basha accommo- On 16 June, eight more of the squadron's
Fg Off Ryde Fg Off B. Snowball
dation (constructed of woven reed) had to pilots flew the Hurricanes for the first time
Fg Off WM. Souter Fg Off L.D. Thomas
be made fully rain-proof, and 'luxuries' to get used both to the aircraft and to the
Pit Off WS.S. Garnett Pit Off R. Lawrence
such as water pumps had to be erected. local area. By the end of the month, all the
One main aim was to prevent diseases such Pit Off Seifert Pit Off A.B. Skidmore
pi lots had become fam il iar wi th the new
as cholera, which was epidemic in some W/O BA Ferguson W/O R. McLauchlan type and were ready for operations. The
sUITounding districts (particularly Calcutta), F/S G.I. Baines F/S R. Boyens pilots of 5 Squadron in Khargpur in June
and all the squadron's personnel were F/S Morgan F/S Stafford 1943 are shown left:
inoculated accordingly. F/S E.R. Worts Sgt B.P. Case
On 12 June, four officers left Khargpur Sgt FA Gore Sgt D. Parsons
in one of 31 quadron's C47 transport air- Operations and Detachments
Sgt Sweeting Sgt Watt.
craft, bound for Allahabad to collect the The first operations of 5 Squadron took
first of the squadron's new Hurricane best way to employ the MkllD again t the place on the morning of I July, when nine
Mkll Ds. The four officers, Sqn Ldr Hogan, enemy. A short course in army co- cross-country reconnaissance sorties were
Fit Lt ourtney-Clarke, Fg Off Mendiza- operation (known as the Hurricane 'A' flown. Similar sorties were flown during
bal and Pit Off Lawrence, delivered the course) was run at Simla, where pilots were the rest of the week, without incident, as
first four Hurricanes to Khargpur during taught how to support the troops on the the squadron continued to familiarize
the next couple of days. Various lectures ground in the forward fighting areas. itself with the Hurricane MkllD and the
had been given to the squadron pilots and Allowances had to be made for the local area. The first air-to-ground firings of
ground crews about the MkllD and its Hurricane's firing parameters (such as the 40mm cannons took place on the 8th.
armament. Fitted with two 40mm cannons speed, dive angle and wind) if the pilot was As the commanding officer, Sqn Ldr
Above: Fg Off Johnny lee, 5 Squadron, was a long-serving member of the
and two 0.303in Brownings, a squadron of to be successful in the art of air-to-ground I-logan, fired his first burst, a wing panel squadron and led many attacks against the Japanese during the jungle war.
Hurricane MkllDs represented a potent gunnery. Although speed and dive angle flew offhis aircraft and he had to return to Sadly, he was killed in 1944, after which his DFC was announced.
amount of firepower; its cannon was could be determined by the pilot, he was base. At first, witnesses thought it was the
capable of penetrating the armour of the not always aware of the wind in the target wing that had fallen off, but were relieved Right: A veteran of the Battle of Britain, laurence Thorogood served in the Far
Japanese Type 95 light tank. The area. One method used by the squadron to to see that this was not the case! Having East as flight commander with 9 Squadron IAF during 1944.
706 707
THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTE WAR THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTEN WAR
108 109
TilE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTE WAR THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTE WAR
770 717
THE FAR EAST - THE FORGOTTE WAR
CHAPTER NI E
Europe
Although the Battle of Britain officially
ended at the end of October 1940, Britain
was far from secure. The heroics of the Few
had ensured, for the time being, that
Britain was safe from invasion, but the
bitter air fighting over southern England
did not end.
112 773
EUROPE E ROPE
774 115
EUROPE EUROPE
~ lacked-out countryside.
Hurricanes of 71 Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey; this
was the first so-called 'Eagle Squadron' and was
One of the first squadrons to convert to
made up from volunteers from the United States. this new role was 7 quadron, which had
fought with distinction during the battles of
France and Britain. During the 'ummer of
1940, the squadron had taken part in night
defensive patrols from it base at Exeter. In
November, it had moved temporarily to
Colerne and, during the following month, it
moved to a small airfield at Charmy Down,
a new satellite ailfield of Colerne, ncar
Bath. Another Hurricane squadron to form
as a night-fighter unit was 96 Squadron at
Cranage, with the appropriate motto of
Noctul11i bambulamus, meaning 'we prowl
by night'.
Life for the Hurricane pilot as a night
fighter wa completely different from that
with which he was familiar. There were
obvious hazards involved in operating out
Sqn Ldr Ian Gleed DFC commanded 87 Squadron night fighter as early as 1940. The failure of dimly lit airfields at night. Taxiing the
throughout the first winter of night-fighter of the Luftwaffe to bomb Britain to defeat Hurricane often proved difficult even by
operations during 1940-41 by day led to a new campaign of night- day, and in the dark there were many ca e
bombing attacks again t targets in south- of ground accidents. Once airhorne, the
fighter. Before airborne radars were fitted ern England. With no specific training to night-fighter pilot had to adapt to very
into fighters, the early techniques convert the day-fighter pilot into a night- different tactics. Instead of operating as a
involved setting up a combat patrol, using fighter pilot, this proved to be another new flight of three within a quadron of air-
moonlight to aid visual acquisition, in challenge for those flying the Hurricane. craft, which he would do by day, he had to
areas where intruders were likely to probe. They trained by flying at night as much a learn to hunt alone. A typical night of
Other early techniques invoh'ed the pos ible, and carrying out practice inter- operations involved spending many hour
night-fighter pilot setting up an orbit over ceptions against each other. They were in a dark hut, with little or no heating,
enemy airfields, and waiting for aircraft to trying to get a feel of what an attack at before being scrambled to patrol a line
return before raking them by surprise' night looked like, and to get used to assess- somewhere over the south of England. The
A night-fighter Hurricane of 87 Squadron about to
get its own flypast at Charmy Down.
ing ranges in order to shoot down enemy
Adapting to Night Flying aircraft. The pilot also had to get used to A unit which fought with such distinction during
The Hurricane was used operationally as a night navigation when flying over the campaign in Greece was No 80 Sqn.
176 177
EUROPE EUROPE
patrol height for the Hurricane would compass navigation techniques at night. and compass, turning about at the end of Above: Hurricane Mkls of 245 Squadron at
typically be about 10-12,000 feet His task of patrolling was easier on clear each timed leg on to the reciprocal Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, May 1941.
(3-3600m), with the weather varying nights, when he could follow the patrol heading. It should have been possible for
Right: The artwork on the fuselage of the Hurricane
from a clear moonlit night, to thick cloud line, marked by bright flares on the the pilot to obtain a navigation fix of his
flown by the ace Sqn ldr John Simpson, DFC and
and far from perfect weather conditions. ground, at 10-mile (16-km) intervals. If position by using triangulation from voice
bar, during his time in command of 245 Squadron in
The Hurricane was not fitted with any the night was not clear, or if the flares were transmissions, but the Hurricane's TR.9 1941.
electronic homing devices, so the pilot not visible to the pilot, he had to rely radio proved to be unreliable, and
had to revert to basic stopwatch and totally on timed runs using his stopwatch sensitive to poor atmospheric conditions. by dimly lit red lights, to help preserve the
At the end of a typical patrol of one and a pilot's night vision. In addition, small
half hours, the wind would have had quite rectangular shields were fitted horizontally
an effect and it was not uncommon for the just forward of the cockpit, to reduce the
pilot to be temporarily unsure of his glare from the exhausts.
position. Any advantage over the enemy bomber
The Hurricane pilots made certain helped, but the Hurricane pilot still had to
modifications to their aircraft. The aircraft find his target and shoot it down. He had
were painted in a matt black paint scheme, to rely on his eyesight in difficult weather
but some more subtle changes were made conditions, hoping to pick up the silhou-
in an attempt to gain any advantage over ette of a bomber against the background
the German bombers. The rear-view mir- fires in target areas. Sometimes he was
rors were useless at night, so these were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the
removed, in order to reduce drag and exhaust flames from the engines of an
increase the overall speed of the aircraft. enemy bomber, or to be supported by what looked about right. their tactics. Finding an enemy bomber at
The bright cockpit lighting was replaced searchlights, which could follow a bomber The odds were certainly against the night was proving difficult, as the pilot had
long enough to allow him to pick up the Hurricane pilot at night. There were very little or no idea of where to look. He knew
aircraft visually, and then close within few interceptions during the winter of the likely targets, but was unsure from
Above: Hurricanes and pilots of 249 Squadron at
North Weald, April 1941.
range to shoot it down. Shooting the 1940-41, but the fact that the Hurricane which direction the attack would take
bomber down was another problem within night fighters were there must have been place. The pilots knew the airfields in
Left: The scene in 1941 was not very different from itself. The bright aiming graticule of the an unpleasant thought for any attacking France from where the attacks were being
that of the year before; pilots of 245 Squadron find Hurricane gunsight was difficult to use at German bomber. During the early months launched, so the idea was formulated to
time to relax between sorties. night, so the pilot had to get a feeling for of 1941, the night-fighter pilots changed take the war back across the Channel. The
118 119
EUROPE EUROPE
Greece, 1941
Italy had entered the war on 10 June 1940
and, in an attempt to influence the war in
the Balkans, Italian forces invaded Greece
from Albania on 28 October. In response
to Greek requests, British air and land
forces were despatched from Egypt, bring-
ing the British advance in Egypt to a halt
- a political point that has been debated
ever since. On the other hand, the fact
that Hitler committed his forces to the
campaign in the Balkans and Greece Commanding 87 Squadron during its night-fighting
reduced his capability during the German period of 1941-42 was Sqn Ldr Smallwood. who led
advance in Russia, so the debate goes on. a successful detachment to St Mary's in the
Scillies. from where the squadron achieved a
Reinforcements number of successes at night.
The initial RAF response was to send two
squadrons of Bienheims, plus a squadron of the RAF at the outbreak of war, and was
Gladiators into theatre, to counter the originally sent out to the Middle East as a
Italian forces and to defend the area ferry pilot. He was posted to 80 Squadron
plan was simple, although its execution under the category of 'the enemy' was fair around Athens. The RAF squadrons in September 1940 and soon found himself
F'OR THE ATTENTION Of THE INTl::t.L1CENCE OfFI::£.:R was rather more daring; the Hurricane was game. enjoyed much success over the Italian in action. By the time the squadron con-
ro:- 10 GROUP to set up an orbit above a German airfield Regia Aeronautica during the winter, but verted to Hurricanes, Cullen had achieved
WING PATROL REPORT )0/9/41 RAJ and wait for the bombers to take off or A Dedicated Night Fighter the RAF contribution had to be increased six kills in the Gladiator, his last success in
II HURR I CANES 11K. 2 245 SQUAORON RED AND c.~E.,~tj SECT I or.S WI T"i return home. What had begun as a conversion for night- during early 1941 to meet the increasing the type being on 23 February. He had to
" SPITFIRES I1K.58 JI: RED ....HO BLUe: St.CTION. 113 SQUAi:J=!:O. '''::::~j~ ~v
'-TTACK TVO HIHESVE.EPEltS ?REVIOUSLY REPORTED TO BE 1; ~I~:::~ ';'1~nH
:>F CHERBOURG ACCOHPAN' EO BY 12 SP I Tf' IRES HI<. 2A RED. G.~'::E:; J.~lt.
This tactic often resulted in shooting fighter operations had resulted in the threat of the German forces assisting the convert to the more powerful and more
:lLUE SECTIOHS OF 501 SQUADRON.
down a bomber after it had attacked its tar- Hurricane proving itself as an excellent ltalian effort. More RAF units - two capable Hurricane with little or no formal
rttE WING TOOK OFF FRO!i IBSI..J'.:Y BETwEf.N 1./1)0 AND 1.4)5 HOU~D ICR1:S51',
~ 1~"~r:~~ ~~~~(J=~ ~};:~~.~tf~H~~ ~~gc~~~oO~T;'S~~;(S~ get, but it did prove more uccessful. Any platform in any role. The effectiveness of squadrons of Blenheims and two instruction, and in a hostile environment,
_EVEL. 245 SQUADRON AI~CRAn F"LYI"jG TO PORT AND 11il S;,iU";)P.~i
t.IRCRAFT TO STARBOARD IN A VERYWIDE VIC IN S€CTIO";S. ,01 SQUAO:i •
kills achieved using the new tactic made the 0.303in machine-guns was question- • squadrons of Hurricanes - were sent into and his courage and skill are evident in the
=LEW I~ THH:EE SECTIONS OF <5 AlilCRAFT GIVI .. C CCV;::R TO A POINT
,PPROXIMATELY 10 TO 12 HILES NJ. OF CHERSOU~G WH[{::' T'IOO HA'J,-ii:~ the risk of orbiting German airfields at able, but the versatility of the Hurricane theatre in Greece; 33 Squadron went to fact that he scored his first kill in the Hur-
ryPE SHIPS WERE SEEN HEADIN!'; SQUTI.{ .\BOUT 150 YAROS APART.
rHE "IRCRAfT OF 245 SQUADROf. V!::NT UP TO 50!) FE:~T AND DIVED TO 1.)0
"1!ET. TO ATTACK SHIP O~ LEfT AND THEN Ale 118 :>QUAORml eLl'mr.:n
night worthwhile. The pilots were also was not. With heavier armament, the Eleusis, near Athens, on 19 February, ricane, and became a Hurricane 'ace', just
ro 500 rEET AND DIVED TO 130 F'::£T TO ATTACK SHIP 01', RICHT.
501 SQUAD!l:Ql'1 C I:olSED TO UOO FE":T TO Al;T AS HIC,H COVl::.~ • briefed to attack targets of opportunity in Hurricane pilots knew that they would be where it was later joined by Hurricanes of five days later. He destroyed an Italian
='LAIC WAS HI IlEAVY. POSSIBLY PO:-! PO".S AEIU(; DIR~C""'ED r:~.Tn~l.v
l,I;AINST THE ATTACKIflG AIR:~An AND ~OT ...C,AINST 501 S(;"'1,\[j-:"'~1
mo i'ERE AfTOROINC HIGH COVER. MID TH~ .1 TH ;'1~'~-lAFT1'~ ~......,U,\:'R; •
France, rather than return back to base full able to achieve much more; their ambi- 208 Squadron in the tactical reconnais- BR20, two SM79s and two CR42s to the
\fli£-~1:\'T6I1"s5'l0s3u~MoRH9Is0811ikRIoFr~<o~a?~ :ru' ~lC > Y~$SEU of ammunition. Pilots learnt to look for tions were realized, with the introduction sance role. The number of Hurricane south of Valona, all in one day. This was a
:-00 5 1'1 I NlITES. BUT ~l'JTHWC liAS s=.::::~ OF THr: AIRCRAFT .. iileH S,l.;,K
IPl:iEDIA""~LY. Ttc:: V::S~L ~HJC'1 '.:AS ,;rrACY.r:O S'" 2~; $l"U';~~ l, '01),3 any ground targets and the Hurricane soon into service of the Hurricane MkllC. squadrons was increased towards the end remarkable feat, and Cullen was rewarded
'PPROXI~TELY 1500 TONS AND 'liAS Lt:FT S~OK I ~lG A~D WH='~ LJ,S- S;::-:"i
iAO SToPPED. became useful in night ground-attack. The The potential of the MkJIC as a dedi- of February, when 80 Squadron, ba ed at with an immediate DFC. He followed this
l1B SQUADRotl ATTACKiD TH~: UK Sl'lALL:;.'~ SHIP F APPR ...C1HATt::LY 1~''"I
rotlS AND x SlLEHC=:O Ttl~ loIACHIH!: rJJttS .A··IOSHIP~ :'Ne -ST~'l~. "/0. Hurricane was the first single-seat single- cated night fighter was explored further Jannina under the command of Sqn Ldr achievement up just three days later, with
lOOSON BLUt:. ONE q~CEIVt:D HIT IN TtF 5TA~130A~O EL~VAT'J~ AND witt.
)ORT Q.lN. THE :iAC',A7.IN::: ;';(PLOO!f;~.
~AfELY TO BA~"'.
~llI::, AIO'Cit;'FT , LJ,'I:" • "'-....) engined fighter of the war to carry out during trials, when an air intercept (AI) E.G. Jones, 0 0 DFC, exchanged its four more kills during one sortie on 3
rUJ:::v R::':~OSS'::D tJjC'J.ISH COAST tN~:R CH~I£1'"C'jWlCH ;,T 1,:," 11 ~ ;.'; night ground-attacks when aircraft of 87 radar was fitted into a pod carried under Gladiators for Hurricanes. March, when he and his wingman, Pit Off
~ HUotR I CANl:.S ,?J5 SQU;'OR0:i, "! :,,p I Tf Ul':.S \1!! ',;u.:,nf1', ,:,-;? p •
JPITFI:t!':::> 501 ~Aoa"~; LJ.!'lD-O AT II3SL-~V tk-"'t, 11 ,[ 1,J 'l ~. Squadron carried out various attacks in the wing. To balance the extra weight, a One of the first pilots to gain early Acworth, intercepted five Cant ZlO07
'4A v..... tt
'4.P. R 1""1/ /":'. VA northern France in spring 1941. And their 44-gallon fuel tank was fitted under the success with the Hurricane was the young bombers which had just attacked Larissa.
lllrS'fll .. 't>u- ' targets at night were not limited to air or other wing. This trial seems to have been Australian Fg Off 'Ape' ullen of 80 Cullen shot down four, with Acworth
',.u-- 1
land. Occasionally, Hurricanes returning partially successful, and a number of Hur- Squadron. Known as 'Ape' because of his claiming the fifth. 'Ape' Cullen had
across the Channel would catch a glimpse ricanes were fitted with Al MkVI radars size, Richard Nigel Cullen was born in proved himself a notable pilot, who adapt-
Combat report from Red and Green Sections of 245 of a German E-Boat, or other enemy ship- and served in the Far East with 176 New outh Wales in June 1917. Having ed quickly to the Hurricane; he had nine Fit Lt Geoffrey Roscoe. aged 25. killed in February
Squadron, September 1941. ping, and attack it; anyth ing that came Squadron during 1943. However, the been brought up in England, he had joined confirmed kills in the Hurricane in the 1942 while serving with 87 Squadron at Charmy.
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E ROPE E ROPE
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A Hurricane MklV operating with the Balkan Air Force during the summer of 1944. Note the unusual Hurricane Losses
external stores fit of rocket projectiles under the starboard wing and an external fuel tank under the port
With the war over, only a few Hurricanes were kept for peacetime duties.
wing, demonstrating the versatility of the Hurricane. For this mission, it required the extra fuel to reach the The air war during the day wa bitter. The One lucky survivor was Z3687, which was fitted for trials with laminar
target and return, and the rockets to destroy the target. Hurricane quadrons were detailed to flow wings, and used by the Test Wing at Farnborough during 1946-48.
ana k ground targets in the beach area
equipped with Spitfires. The remaining at five ba es in the outh: 3 and 245 and flew 300 sorties during the day, for the
third were made up of Hurricanes, Squadrons at horeham, 32 and 253 loss of twenty Hurricanes. One of the
Typhoon, Mustangs, Beaufighters, Squadrons at Friston, 43 and87 Squadrons squadrons to suffer was 3 Squadron, which
BI nheim and Bostons. The eight at Tangmere, 174 quad ron at Ford, and had moved from its base at Hunsdon to
Hurricane squadrons involved were based 175 Squadron at Warmwell. horeham to take part in the raid.
I,
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Italy, 1943
UK-based operational Hurricane squadrons and locations - January 1944
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advanced to Rome during the following formed at Castle Camps, which used its best known was 5 OTU, at Aston Down in
month, before the Germans established a MkllB for radar calibration. loucestershire, which formed early in
new line of defence (known as the Gothic By May 1944, the Hurricanes of all three 1940, and wa the unit at which many of
Line). The Apennine mountains made it squadrons had been replaced by the newer the famous Hurricane pilots of the Battle
difficult for the Allied ground forces to Hawker Typhoons. The following month of Britain trained. The last Hurricane
make any advance, although several air saw the Allied invasion of the Europ an OTU was 55 OTU at Annan in Scotland,
attacks were made against opposing forces. mainland during Operation Overlord. The which closed in 1944.
In the end, further Allied landings in air power in support of this operation was Although many Hurricanes had been
southern France during August were the greatest ever seen, with more than sent over ea since 1941, those that
necessary, to threaten the German and 3, 00 British and American fighters remained had been given to many of the
Italian forces on two fronts. The hard taking part, although it wa the Spitfire training flight around the UK to carry out
winter of 1944-45 made it impossible for MklX , MkXIV and the Typhoons which many enormously varied tasks. One exam-
the Allies to rake the region, but a spring provided the main force. In fact, the only pi was 516 quadron at Dundonald,
formed in 1943 with everal
different types of aircraft,
including Hurrican MkilBs
and MkliCs. Th re, th
Hurricane was given such tasks
as laying smoke cr ens and
carrying out simulated attacks
again t troops on the ground,
exercises that were particularly
valuable during the build-up to
the D-Day landings.
Other non-operational task
included anti-aircraft co-
operation, radar calibration,
target towing and gun-laying
practice. These flights became
squadrons, of which the major-
ity were in the 500 and 600
serie , and had formed during
late 1943-44 with various types aircraft on charge, including a Hurricane One Hurricane which survived the war and found fame with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was LF363.
of aircraft, including the MkllC, which it operated until early 1946.
Hurricane. It appear, however, Further afield, 520 quadron in Gibraltar By July 1944,351 and 352 (Yugoslav) of ume t between internal factions in
that the mark of Hurricane did also operated a MkllC for met duties in the quadrons had been formed at Benina in Greece, a ceasefire was declared on 15
not particularly matter! One Atlantic. The Hurricane remained in use Libya as Yugoslav-manned fighter-bomber January 1945, bringing to an end RAF
such squadron wa 679 for met dutie in the Far Ea t until 1946. It units. One of them, 352 Squadron, was offensive operations in Greece.
Included in the sales deal with Iran during 1947 were two MkllCs modified as two-seat trainers. Squadron, which form d at seems that there was no job for wh ich the soon re-equipped with Spitfires, but 351 It was some time before the German
Ip wich in December 1943, Hurricane could not be used l Squadron moved to Canne in Italy to forces were eventually pushed out of
offensive was launched on 9 pril 1945, operational Hurricane squadron in the UK from 1616 and l627 Flights, and which operate with 281 Wing of the Balkan Air Yugoslavia. The Balkan Air Force had
and a ceasefire brought to the region early during the D-Day period was 309 carried out anti-aircraft co-operation Victory in the Balkans Force. Due to the distance across the Adri- flown thousands of sorties, with the
in May. Squadron at Drem, which operated Mkl- duties in East Anglia. Initially, it operated The support for Marshal Tito's parti ans in atic, the squadron operated a detachment rocket-firing Hurricanes operating from
ICs during the period March-October MkIlC, and later received MklVs when the Yugoslav theatre of operations of MkllCs and Mk[Vs from the i land of bases in Greece enjoying much uccess.
1944, due to a problem with the squadron's they retired from operational service. The increa ed in importance a the Allie Vi , where it was able to fly mi sions in The campaign in this region ended during
Towards Victory - 1944 Mustang' engine. Its role during this squadron remained at Ip wich until the advanced northward through Italy. It support of the Yugoslav partisans. the first week of May 1945, when Yugoslav
period wa air defence over Scotland, and end of the war, when it disbanded. became po ible for the RAF to operate By eptember 1944, the Allie were partisan force linked up with element of
it remained well north throughout Hurricanes were also u ed during th from base in eastern Italy, across the ready to advance back through the the British 8th Army advanCing from [taly.
Different Uses for the Hurricane Operation Overlord. war, and after, for meteorological duties Adriatic, to attack German position in Aegean once more. The RAF provided The Hurricanes of the Balkan Air Force
By the beginning of 1944, there were just over Europe and the North ea. In fact, Yugoslavia. The Balkan Air Force was constant air over for each of the Greek flew their last missions, with 35 1 Squadron
three UK-based operational squadrons The Fate of the Remaining Hurricanes Hurricanes had first been used for met formed, and this included Hurricanes, islands to be recaptured. The Russian disbanding the following month.
equipped with the Hurricane. Many other What happened to the many Hurricanes duti s in the Middle East during 1943. which were involved in carrying out advance in Eastern Europe led to many of
unit were also equipped with the Hurri- still in existence 7 The number of Hurri- Initially, old Mkls were used but, a Mkll attacks against German position, and in the German forces on mainland Greece Peace Once More
cane for various tasks. Examples of these canes being produced meant that some became available, they were specifically helping to gain and maintain air withdrawing northwards, to escape back to With the war in Europe over, there was a
were 2 6 quad ron, based at We ton Zoy- older Mkl could be released back into the modified - the guns were removed, and superiority over the region during the Germany before being cut off. The Allied mass di bandment of squadron - not ju t
land, which used a Hurricane MkIlC for training system, mainly to the Operational met equipment in tailed. The met flights summer months of 1944. The Axis powers forces that landed at Araxos in September the Hurricane unit, but across the entire
target towing; 2 Squadron, ba ed at Training Units (OTUs). The e OTUs were formed into quadrons, and it was not had lost the support of Romania and were met by Ie s opposition than they had RAE Within weeks of victory in Europe,
Digby, which was equipped with a Mkl and were in existence for most of the war, and unu ual for these squadrons to operate ev- Bulgaria in the Balkans, which meant that originally feared. British fighters were all but two of the squadrons that had been
MkllC for anti-aircraft battery co-opera- the Hurricane was an ideal single-seat eral different types of aircraft. One the German force in Greece were able, once again, to occupy airfields in operating the Hurricane in the UK were
tion and training; and 527 Squadron, fighter on which to learn. Probably the squadron, 521, at Langham, had many effectively isolated. southern Greece. Following a short period either disbanded or had re-equipped with
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734 735
THE LAST OF TI-IE MA Y
CHAPTER TEN
The last Hurricane off the production line in July 1944, PZ865 was bought some famous films, including Angels One- No 5 Maintenance Unit in January 1944. 'The last of the Many' was presented to the RAFs
back by Hawker after the war for private use, and put back into storage Five and The Battle of Britain; it was It was an original member of the flight, but Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1972, and has
by the company until 1950, when it re-appeared for air racing. disguised as 13424 and coded as Ml-G was severely damaged in a crash-landing at appeared in various colour schemes ever since.
during the making of the latter, at RAF Wittering on 11 September 1991.
Duxford, during 1968. For the next few years, the remains of pilot has to complete a work-up on the
LF363 were kept as its future was discussed. Chipmunk and Harvard, before being
Eventually, the decision was made to given the chance to fly the Hurricane. The
Battle of Britain Memorial restore the aircraft, although it took the fI ight's DHC-l Chipmunk is an ideal
sale of one of the flight's Spitfires to meet trainer, as it has a piston engine and a tail-
Flight the costs. The work, carried out by wheel. The aspiring Hurricane pilot has to
Historic Aircraft Limited at Audley End, fly a minimum of twenty-five hours in the
The Hurricanes was due for completion late in 1997, ready Chipmunk, during which time he learns to
On 29 March 1972, having restored PZ865 for the following display season. master the flying characteristics of a tail-
to airworthy condition, Hawker Siddeley dragger aircraft - somewhat different to
presented the Hurricane to the Royal Air The Pilots those of a Tornado F3 fighter! The pilot
Force's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight During its time as the flight's only air- then goes to Boscombe Down, where he
(BBMF) at Coltishall. Initially named the worthy Hurricane, PZ865 has thrilled flies the North American Harvard trainer,
Historic Aircraft Flight, the flight had thousands of enthusiasts. Only a handful to get the feel of a heavier tail-dragger
been in existence since 1957. By 1972, it of fighter pilots at RAF Coningsby are for- aircraft. The Harvard serves as an
had four Spitfires and just one Hurricane tunate enough to get the chance to fly it. excellent lead-in to the Hurricane, as
MkllC (LF363) The Lancaster was added These privileged few include the Station there are several similarities in perfor-
the following year and, in 1976, the flight Commander and the Officer Comm- mance and cockpit characteristics. The
moved to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, anding Operations Wing, and instructors pilot gets to fly the Harvard from both the
where it has remained until the present from 56 Squadron (the Tornado F3 front and back seats, before he returns to
day. Operational Conversion Unit), who Coningsby to begin the ground school
The flight's other Hurricane, LF363, is volunteer to fly the flight's fighters in their prior to flying the Hurricane.
believed to have been the last Hurricane spare time during the display season. The ground school is carried out by the
to enter service, having been delivered to Once selected to fI y for the fI ight, each flight's Fighter Leader, Sqn Ldr Paul Day,
736 737
THE LAST OF THE ~lA Y THE LAST OF THE MA Y
738 739
THE LAST OF TilE MA Y THE LAST OF TilE MANY
movement of the throttle requires a move- and in temperate climes is a small price to knots and looking back over my shoulder
ment of the rudder pedals with the feet to pay for the pleasure of flying this wonder- to get my bearings with the display line
keep the nose straight and prevent it from ful machine. and central datum. I roll out to run in at 90
swinging around. However, while this is degrees to the display line, head on to the
initially strange to a jet pilot unused to The Display crowd, aiming at the datum and letting the
such effects, it quickly becomes natural. I We now arrive for the main event - a nose drop into a gentle dive. A final con-
move into close formation, juggling the major air show at a famou airfield. I com- firmation that I have di play power set at
throttle and constantly moving the stick plete my pre-di play checks, including 2,650 rpm and +6 boost, and 1 tighten the
and rudder pedals to hold position. setting 2,650 rpm with the prop pitch throttle friction fully and put both hands
We stoop down to the 300ft minimum lever, and pre sing in the cage button on on the control column spade grip. A I
height in formation and roar across a the directional indicator (01). I will have dive down to level off at 100ft on my run-
vi lIage fete. My concentration is a Imost no heading reference during my display in, the speed builds to 250 knots and the
exclusively focused on formatting on the other than what I can see out of the win- controls are becoming much heavier; I will
Lanca ter, but I catch a glimpse of the dow; the 01 would 'topple' as soon as I need both hands to roll and pull into the
venue with people looking up. Next time exceeded 60 degrees of bank if it was not initial break turn. Again, I wonder how
round I see nothing but sky, Lancaster and caged. The artificial horizon will also top- wartime fighter pilots manoeuvred these
pitfire, because I am on the inside of the ple and become useless during my routine, aircraft at speeds considerably in excess of
formation's turn, looking up. Then we and the altimeter will be of limited value the 270 knots to which we are now limited.
straighten and begin to climb ilW,ly, hoth in indicating height because of pressure Approaching the display line, I roll the
fighters hold position for another minute errors. The only instruments 1will be refer- aircraft left with full stick and a large input
as we filde from the crowd's view, and then ring to during my display are the airspeed of left rudder and pullout into a level 3g
it's time to relax and we slide gently out to indicator (AS]), and the engine perfor- break turn (the max 'g' allowed to preserve
a more comfortable position. mance gauge. The three of us run down airframe life). I pull through 12 degree
The be t range peed for the Hurricane the display line on our arrival pas, with and then max rate roll to wings level, wait
at these height is 14 knot' but there is the crowd on our left. While remaining three econd and pitch up to a 3g pull to
only a small loss of range for peeds up to focused on the Lancaster, ] can see the approximately 30 degrees no e up. After
160 knot'. The prop pitch lever is et to crowd rush past in the background. three econds in the climl, I roll to 12
give 1, 00 rpm and the throttle to a boost ] break the Hurricane up and out of degrees of right bank and pull down to
(about 0) to achieve 150 knots cruising formation, turning right, and position for 'wingover' back on to the line. I check the
speed (equal to 2.5 miles per minute, the first solo display. I fly a long lazy turn airspeed, I still have 140 knot over the
making timing easier to calculate); even at up to 1,5 Oft, building up speed to 1 0 top. n the way down from the wingover
cruising rpm, the Hurricane cockpit is
extremely noisy. There is alway' a small
Sqn ldr Clive Rowley, BBMF keep straight by using right rudder. permitting the speed to increase to 140 gap between the ~indscreen and the
Acceleration is moderate and at 70 knots knots, while selecting neutral with the canopy (which can be locked open but not
warm up for the engine run-up checks, I ease gently back on the control column undercarriage lever, and then setting +4 shut), which creates considerable wind
especially as, to preserve engine life, to lift off, the aircraft feeling quite heavy boost with the throttle and 2,400 rpm with noise. I have the radio volume turn 'd fully
BBMF wait for an oil temperature of 40 on the controls. Once safely airborne, I the prop pi tch control lever. Th is reduc- up in the air and still have difficulty
degrees rather than the original 15 squeeze the brakes to stop the wheels tion in rpm slightly reduces the noise, but hearing what is said. We try to avoid flying
degrees, before running-up. Once the rotating, and then comes the tricky part- the noise levels are still unbelievably high, the Hurricane through rain, because of the
engine run-up checks are complete, I taxi I take my left hand off the throttle and even with the modern 'bonedome' on. As potential for damaging the wooden
on to the runway. place it on the spade grip of the control the speed reaches 140 knots, I start a right propeller, but sometimes this is unavoid-
With the Hurricane, the final important column and, flying the aircraft with my left turn to orbit the airfield to join on the able and 1 end up getting wet as the rain
check on the runway is to move the under- hand, I find the undercarriage lever with Lancaster which is just beginning it take- comes through the gap in the canopy!
carriage safety catch to 'Select' - this catch my right hand (without looking in), and, off roll. Meanwhile, the Spitfire has turned While cruising, I do not relax for a
prevents the inadvertent 'up' selection of pressing the thumb catch, I slam it hard left after take-off and is now closing to join moment, as I am constantly monitoring
the undercarriage while on the ground, but into the' P' gate. on the Lanc's left wing. I take care to the engine instruments. Every few minutes
needs to be in the ' elect' position to The air peed i increasingly rapidly control the overtake in order to avoid I check the fuel tank content by turning
permit the gear to be raised after take-off. towards 100 knot a the gear slowly begins having to throttle all the way back to idle, the fuel gauge button to the tank I wish to
I then release the brake and gently open to retract and I have to pull the aircraft up as this cause the Merlin to pop and bang interrogate and pressing it in. I am also
th throttle to +6 boost (much less power into quite a steep climb, or the under- in a most disconcerting manner. keeping a check on the navigation (using
than would have been u ed originally), carriage limiting speed of 104 knots will be Close formation flying in the Hurricane a map and stopwatch). There i no heating
once again, in the interest of preserving exceeded, and the gear will fail to lock up, is relatively easy. It is an extremely stable or cooling in the Hurricane and the cock-
engine life. because of the aerodynamic loads on the platform, not easily thrown out of position pit can either get very hot or very cold,
doors. After what seem like ages, two by turbulence, and it has immediate power depending on the ambient conditions out-
Airborne thumps and the red 'UP' light on the response as I throttle it up or back. Against side. As I become accustomed to the co k-
On take-off, the aircraft tries to swing to undercarriage position indicator tell me that, I have to say that it is so stable that it pit environment again] can't help won-
the left as power is applied and again when that the gear is locked up. With the under- is sometimes difficult to move the aircraft dering how the wartime pilots coped with
I raise the tail at about 50 knots, but the carriage locked up, I can now lower the quickly. Also, with the power being trans- these problems on operationa I orties.
rudder control is powerful and it is easy to nose to a more normal limbing attitude, mitted through an 11ft propeller, every However, my discomfort at low altitudes Sqn ldr Clive Rowley strapping in to PZ865 prior to a display.
740 747
TilE LAST OF THE MA Y THE LAST OF THE MA Y
making sure that I am in trim, and let the hood and wave to the crowd, park up and uncommon. The aircraft is not flown
speed reduce to 75 knots ~ y about 20-30ft. shut down; it's been another successful day above 1 ,000 feet (3 OOm) these days, as
On thi straight part of the approach I am - I am one of the lucky few' the oxygen equiJlment has been removed.
'crabbing' in sideways, with the nose In addition, the aircraft i not flown
pointing into the crosswind. One final through cloud, and is only flown visually
check of the speed at 70 knots as 1 go into A Lasting Memory below any cloud cover. The result of these
the landing 'flare', gently raising the nose restrictions is that most transit flying is
into the touch-down attitude, slowly PZ 65, as with all the BBMF's aircraft, is done at an altitude of 2-4,000 feet
closing the throttle. In the Hurricane, maintained to an exceptionally high (600-1200m), deJlending on the cloud
closing the throttle causes the nose to standard by a small number of dedicated cover and airsJlace restrictions.
drop, and it takes back tick to prevent the engineers. A II are fu Il-ti me mem bel'S of the When not at displays, and outside the
aircraft touching down early, with an RAF and volunteer to serve on the flight. di play season, PZ 65 can be seen at its
inevitable bounce. Just before I believe All the lengthy ervicing schedules are home base at RAF Coningsby. A visitors'
that I am going to touch down, I kick the carried out during the winter months, centre has long been e tablished there,
aircraft straight with rudder, keeping the ensuring that the Hurricane is available annually welcoming ome 20,000
wings level with aileron. ow I am throughout the display season. Major members of the Jlublic from all over the
looking straight ahead, to ensure that I servicings are carried out away from world and of all ages and all backgrounds.
keep the nose straight, but as the nose Coningsby, under civilian contract. Many are ex-RAF, but many are not, and
comes up in the flare it blocks my view, Fortunately, there tend to be few problems ::lil share the same fascination for the
and I have to u e my peripheral vision to in maintaining the Hurricane in terms of aircraft on display. During the Jleak season,
monitor the runway edges either side of spares. Some components are made at the the centre is visited by UJl to 300 people
the nose. manufacturer from original drawings or, if every day, and a number of volunteer tour
With a squeak from the tyres, and the the e are not available, replacement parts guides provide tours every half an hour,
gentlest of skiJl , we are down. Stick right are made by copying the original piece. between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.,
back now for maximum ground stability, Another source of spare is the general Monday to Friday. As with any historic
and concentrate on keeping straight with publiC, who frequently kindly donate parts aircraft, no one knows how many more
rudder, resisting the aircraft's tendency to to the fl igh t. times the public will be treated to the sight
swing into the crosswind. 0 time to relax PZ865 flies a maximum of sixty hours of PZ865 - The Last of the Many' -
yet, as the ground roll can be the most per display eason, and will be seen all over airborne.
exciting part of the sortie in a strong the country by thousands of enthusiasts.
cros wind. ow I'm down to taxiing speed BBM F sortie often take in several venues, The author in the cockpit of PZ865 in the BBMF
and can relax slightly. I 0Jlen the cockpit and orties of more than two hours are not hangar at RAF Coningsby.
'PZ' during the 1997 display season, shown in the markings of 261 Squadron, which was based on the wide and strong undercarriage. one the
island of Malta during 1940-41. less, any tail-wheel aircraft demands
respect when landing (especially from us
I check the engine instruments and then wings level at OOft - nice takeover! fast-jet pilots), and today is complicated by
concentrate on rolling out on the disJllay I fly a climbing turn to crowd rear, look- 10 knots of crosswind. These aircraft were
line and levelling off at 100ft. ing for the Lancaster also holding there; [ designed to land on grass airfields, more or
A I roar down the line on the so-called will hold at 1,500ft to his 1,000ft. ow it's less into wind, and are not ideally suited to
'high speed' pa ,the aircraft i bumping in time to cool off, both the engine and me, hard runway. I level off downwind at
turbulence, and I have to feed on rudder to a we've both been working hard for the OOft, throttle back to just above idle to
keep the nose straight as the speed builds. four and a half minutes that the solo reduce speed, and complete the pre-land-
[ pull into another 'wingover' and then display ha taken. The engine oil and radi- ing checks. When the peed i below [04
prepare for the final move, the 'victory ator temperature' have ri en lightly and I knots, 1 lower the undercarriage. I elect
roll'. [ position by running down the line bring back the rpm to let the engine cool. full flap down as I tip into the final turn
at 100ft and ensure that I have at least 1 0 nce the Jlitfire has completed his and correct the big no e-down pitch trim
knots before Jlulling up. Just before display display, he joins me to hold while the Lan- changes with a large movement of back
centre I pitch the nose up at 3g, wait until aster displays. Once the Lanc is complete, stick and lots of nose-up trim. I fly the final
[ am pa sing 500ft, and then roll left with we all join up to fly a 3-ship formation turn at 85 knots, with about 30 degrees of
full stick deflection and rudder to co- down the crowd line at I [0 knots. bank, aiming to fly a continuous curved
ordinate. As I pas inverted, I look out the At this particular air show, we are approach to roll wings level at about 200ft;
top of the canopy at the ground to ee if landing 0 that the crowd will be able to enough straight in to a se s the effects of
I've achieved the aim of pas ing inverted benefit from the presence of our aircraft on the crosswind.
exactly at disJllay centre. Looking back to the ground as well as in the air. Now [ have As the aircraft reache the correct gl ide
the front as I complete the roll, I see the to concentrate on the circuit and landing. path, steeper than in a jet, I apply a trickle
pitfire running in head on to me for his The Hurricane is relatively forgiving of of power to hold the runway aspect and
display. We each call 'tally' on the radio any pilot errors of judgement on landing, then roll wings level for the final part of
and he passes under me at 100ft as I roll more so than the Spitfire, because of its the approach. I gradually raise the nose,
142 143
APPENDIX A
HURRICANE MKII
Built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd at Kingston-upon-Thames, Brooklands and Langley
Appendix A Z2308-Z4018
B0696-B09 6
BE105-BE716
Fifth batch of 1,000 aircraft, delivered Jan - Jul1941 (5)
ixth batch of 1,350 aircraft, delivered Ju11941- Mar 1942 (6)
BM898-BM996
Production BN103-B 987
BN988-BN992 Seventh batch of 1,900 aircraft, delivered Mar - Nov 1942 (8)
This appendix covers the production of Hawker Hurricanes - where they were built, under which batch, and when they were deliv- BP109-BP772
ered. The serial block numbers cover the first and last serial number of aircraft built in each batch, but every serial number within
HL544-HL997
the block was not necessarily used. Details of the Hurricclll.e Mklls do not include whether all. aircraft was built as a MkllB or MkllC;
HMI1O-HMI57
this is because all. aircraft may originally have been built as one Mkll variant, and entered service as another. It should also be noted
that the batches which include MkIV development are shown. From this appendix, it should be possible to identify where any HV275-HV989
particular Hurricane was built, and approximately when. HW115-HW881
KW745-KW982 Eighth batch of 1,200 aircraft, delivered Nov 1942 - Apr 1943 (8)
KX101-KX967
KZ11l-KZ612
KZ613-KZ949 Ninth batch of 1,200 aircraft (including MkIVs), delivered Apr - Sep 1943 (8)
LA101-LA144
HURRICANE MKI
LB542-LB999
LDlOO-L0999
LE121-LE999 Tenth batch of 1,350 aircraft (including MkIVs), delivered Sep 1943 - May 1944 (8)
KS08 Pr t type
LF101-LF774
MW335-MW373
Built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd at Kingston-upon-Thames, Brooklands and Langley PG425-PG610
PZ730-PZ865
Ll547-L2146 Fir t batch of 600 aircraft, deliv r d Dec 1937 - Oct 1939 (2 alc per day)
NL255 Hurricane MkV prototype
N231 - 2729 Second batch of 300 aircraft, delivered ep 1939 - May 1940 (2)
P3265-P881 Third batch of 500 aircraft, deliver d F b - Jul1940 (3)
R2680-R2689 Built by Gloster Aircraft Co at Brockworth
T9519-T953 Third batch f 450 aircraft, delivered Mar - ep 1941 (3)
Z4940-Z4989
W6667-W6670 Z4990-Z5693
V7200-V7862 Fourth batch of 500 aircraft, delivered Jul1940 - Feb 1941 (2)
BG674-BG999 Fourth batch of 450 aircraft, delivered ep - Dec 1941 (5)
A 987-A 990 BH115-BH361
P25 5-P"264 Fir t batch of 500 aircraft, d liv red Nov 1939 - Apr 1940 (3)
R4074-R42 2 econd batch of 100 aircraft, d liv red May - Jul1940 (2) CANADIAN-BUILT HURRICANE MKXjXIjXII
V6533-V7195 Third batch of 1,250 aircraft, delivered Jul1940 - ep 1941 (5)
W91l0-W9359 Built by Canadian Car and Foundry Corporation, Montreal and Ontario, Canada
Z4022-Z4652
Z46 6-Z4939 P5170-P5209 Fir t batch of 40 MkI (MkX) aircraft, hipped to UK Mar - Nov 1940
AE958-AE977 econd batch of 350 MkX aircraft, shipped to UK Jun 1940 - Apr 1941
AP945-AP993
AG101-AG344
AG665-AG64
AM270-AM369 Third batch of 100 MkX aircraft, shipped to UK during 1941
BW835-BW84 Fourth batch of 100 MkX aircraft, hipped to UK during 1941
BW885-BW973 Fifth batch of ISO MkXI aircraft, hipped to UK during 1941-42
BX11S-BX134
J 219-J 46 Sixth batch of 2S0 MkXI/XII aircraft, hipped to UK during 1942
PJ660-PJ872 eventh batch of 150 MkXIl aircraft, shipped to UK during 1942
144 145
APPENDIX B
11 Squadron
India/Burma Ranchi/ holavarum/Lalmai/Ramu/Sapam/Tulihal ep 1943 -Apr 1944 MkII
lnd ia/Burma Lanka/Dimapur/Imphal/Tamu Apr 1944 - Jan 1945 Mkll
Appendix B India/Burma
17 Squadron
Kan/ inthe/Magwe/Feni/ hettinad/Tanjore Jan- Jul1945 MkllC
5 Squadron
India/Burma Khargpur/ apam/Wangj ing/Lanka Jun 1943 - Jun 1944 MkllC/IlD
India/Burma Dergaon/Vizagapatam Jun- ep1944 Mkll /llD 29 Squadron
UK Wellingore Aug - Dec 1940 Mkl
6 Squadron
Egypt/Libya handur/ ambut/ idi Haneish/LG May- D 1942 MklID
Egypt/Libya Idku/Bu Amud/ astel Benito/ orman Dec 1942 - Apr 1943 MkllC/llD
Tunisia enem/Gabe /El Maoui/B u G ubrin /Ben Gardane Apr ep 1943 MklID 30 Squadron
Egypt H Ii polis/Fayid ep 1943 - Feb 1944 MkllD/MkIV
Italy Grottaglie/Foggia/Canne MkiV Egypt Amriya/ld ku/LG May 1941- Feb 1942 Mkl/lJA/llB
Feb 1944 - Jul1945
Pal tine Megiddo/Petah Tiqva/Ein Shemer/Ramat David Jul1945 - Oct 1946 MklV Ceylon Ratmalana/Dambulla/ olombo Racecour e Mar 1942 - Jan 1944 MkllA/llB/Il
yprus Nicosia India/Burma Feni/Fazilpur/Comilla/Yelahanka Jan - Jul1944 MkII
Oct 1946 - Jan 1947 MkiV
146 147
APPENDIX B APPENDIX B
32 Squadron 46 Squadron
UK Biggin Hill/Gravesend/Man ton Oct 1938 - Jan 1940 MkI UK Digby/Acklington Feb 1939 - May 1940 Mki
UK Wittering/Biggin Hi Il/ Ackli ngton May - Dec 1940 MkI orway kaan land/Bardufoss May - hill 1940 MkI
UK Middle Wallop/Ibsley/Pembrey/Angle Dec 1940 - Nov 1941 Mki/ilB UK Digby/Duxford/ tapleford Tawney/North Weald Jun - Dec 1940 Mki
UK Man ton/We t Malling/Fri ton/Honiley/Baginton Nov 1941- ov 1942 MklIB/lIC UK Digby/ hurch Fenton/ herbum-in-Elmet Dec 1940 - May 1941 MklIA
Algeria Philipp ville/Maison Blanche Dec 1942 - May 1943 MklI Malta Luqa/Hal Far Jun - Jul1941 MkI/Il
Tunisia Tingley May - Aug 1943 MklIC
56 Squadron
UK orth Weald/Martlesham Heath May 1938 - May 1940 Mki
33 Squadron UK Gravesend/North Weald/Digby/Wittering May - Sep 1940 MkI
UK Boscombe Down/Middle Wallop Sep - Dec 1940 Mki
Egypt Fuka/Amriya ep 1940 - Feb 1941 MkI
UK orth Weald/Martle ham Heath/Duxford Dec 1940 - Jan 1942 Mki/lIB
reece Eleusis/Larissa/Maleme Feb - Jun 1941 Mki
Egypt/Libya Amriya/Gerawla/Gamil/Fuka/ idi Hanei h Jun - Nov 1941 MkI
Egypt/Libya iarabub/M us/Antelat/M chili/Gazala/Gambut Nov 1941 - Jun 1942 Mkl/IlB
Egypt/Libya Sidi Azeiz/Idku/LGs Jun-Nov 1942 MkIIC
Egypt/Libya El Adem/Benina/Ber i /Misurata We t Nov 1942 - Dec 1943 MklIC
60 Squadron
India/Burma Yelahanka/St.Thomas Mount/ holavarum Aug- ov 1943 Mkll
India/Burma Agartala/Silchar West/Dergaon/Kumbhirgram Nov 1943 - Sep 1944 Mkll
India/Burma Kangla/Taukkyan/Monywa ep 1944 - Apr 1945 MkII
India/Burma Thedaw/Kalewa/Mingaladon/Tanjore Apr - Jul1945 MkII
34 Squadron
India/Burma t Thomas Mount/ holavarum/Alipore/Palel Aug 1943 - Apr 1944 MkIlC
India/Burma De rgaon/Yazagyo/Onbauk Apr - Dec 1944 MkllC
63 Squadron
UK Turnhouse Mar - May 1944 Mkll /IV
42 Squadron
India/Burma Yelahanka/Palel/ t.Thomas Mount Oct 1943 - May 1944 MklI
India/Burma Kangla/Tulihal/Onbauk/Ondaw May 1944 - Apr 1945 MkllC/iV 67 Squadron
India/Burma Magwe/Chakulia/Dalbumgarh May - Jun 1945 MkiV India/Burma Toungoo/Magwe/Akyab/Alipore/Chittagong Feb 1942 - Feb 1944 MkIlB/Il
69 Squadron
43 Squadron Malta Luqa Jan 1941- Feb 1942 MkI/IlA
UK Tangmere/Acklington/Wick Nov 38 - May 1940 MkI
UK Tangmere/Northolt May - Aug 1940 Mki
UK Usworth/Drem/Crail/A kl ington ep 1940-Jun 1942 MkI/iIA/IIB/11
UK Tangmere/Kirton-in-Lindsey Jun - Nov 1942 MkI/IIA/IIB/Il
Gibraltar Gibraltar ov 1942 MklI 71 Squadron
Algeria Mai on Blanche Nov 1942 - Apr 1943 MkIl
UK Kirton-in-Lindsey/Martlesham Heath/North Weald Nov 1940 - Aug 1941 Mki/IlA
748 749
APPE DIX B APPE DIX B
73 Squadron 85 Squadron
UK Digby Jul 8 - ep 19 9 MkI UK D bd n ep 1938 - cp 1939 MkI
France Le Havre/ ct vi lle/Norrem Fome /Rouvres ep 1939 - Apr 1940 Mkl Francc Roucn/Boo /Mervill Sep - Nov 1939 Mkl
France Reim /Cham[ agn /Raudin/Nante Apr - Jun 1940 Mkl France Lille/ eclin/Mon -en- hau ee ov 1939 - May 1940 Mkl
UK Church Fenton/ a damp Jun- ov1940 MkI UK Debden/Cr ydon/ a de amp / hurch F mon May - ct 1940 MkI
Egypt/Libya TakoradifHeliopolis/ idi Hanei h/Gazala We t Nov 1940 - Mar 1941 Mkl UK Kirton-in-Lind ey/Grave end/Debden Oct 1940-May [941 Mkl
Egypt/Libya Bu Amud/EI Gubbi/ idi [aneish/Amriya Mar - ep 1941 Mkl UK Hun don/We t Mallin a / wannington May - Jul1941 MkI
Egypt/Libya Pon aid/ amil/ handur/El Adem/ a r-el-Arid ep 1941- Mar 1942 MkI
Egypt/Libya Gambut/Qa aba/Burg-el-Arab/El Ballah/ handur Mar- ov1942 Mkl/lIA/lIB/lI
Egypt/Libya Gambut/Merduma/Alemel he! ov 1942 - Mar 1943 MkIl
Tunisia Gabc / fax/Alem/Mona tir/La ebala Mar - Jul1943 MklI
87 Squadron
UK Debden Jul 38 - p 1939 Mkl
74 Squadron France Rouen/Boo /Merville ep - ov 1939 MkI
France Lille/ eclin/Le Touquet/Amiens/Mervillc Nov 19 9 - May 194 Mkl
P ria M hrabad/Abadan Dec 1942 - Mar 1943 MkIlB UK Debden/ hurch Femon/Exeter/Colerne May - Dec 1940 MkI
Iraq Shaibah/Habbaniya Mar - May 1943 MkIlB UK harmy D wn/ olerne Dec 1940 - ov 1942 MkI/Il
Palestine Aqir May 1943 MklIB Alg ria Philipp vill /Djidjelli/ etif{Taher Dec 1942 - May 1943 MklI
Egypt LG /Idku May - ep 1943 MklIB Tuni ia Tingley/La ebala May - ep 1943 Mkll
icily Pal rm /Borizzo ep 1943 - Jan 1944 MkllC
79 Squadron
UK Biggin Hill/Manston/Di by Nov 3 - May 1940 MkI
94 Squadron
France Mon /Norrent Fomes/Mcrvill May - Jun 1940 Mkl
UK Hawkinge/ ealand/Acklington/Biggin Hill Jul- ep 1940 MkI Egypt/Libya I mailia/EI Ballah/ idi Rezegh/Gazala/Msus May 1941 - Jan 1942 MkI/II
UK Pembrey/Fairwood ommon ep 1940 - Dec 1941 Mkl Egypt/Libya Ant lat/El Gamil/Martuba/ avoia/EI Adem Jan 1942 - Apr 1944 MkI/lI
UK Warmwell/Fairwood om mon/Bagin ton Dec 1941 - Apr 1942 MklIB
India/Burma Kanchrapara/Dohazari/Ramu/ omilla Jun 1942 - Jul1943 MkIl
India/Burma Ran hifAlipore/Chinagong/DohazarifYclahanka Jul1943 - Jul1944 MklI
95 Squadron
i rra Leon Fre town Jul- Oct 1941 Mkl
80 Squadron
Egypt Amriya/ idi Hanei h Jun - Aug 1940 MkI
reece Trikkala/Laris a/Iannina/Eleusis/Argo ov 1940 - Apr 1941 Mkl
Pal stin / yprus Aqir/Nicosia/Haifa May- ep 1941 MkI
yria Ray k ep - Oct 1941 Mkl
Egypt/Libya Gaza/EI ubbi/Gazala/EI Adem/LGs/Gambut ct 1941 - ep 1942 MkI/Il 96 Squadron
Pale tine EI Bassa ep- ct 1942 Mkll UK ranage/Wrexham Dec 1940-Mar 1942 Mkl/II
Egypt/Libya LGs/Bu Am.ud Oct 1942 - Apr 194 MklI
81 Squadron 98 Squadron
Ru ia Vayenga MkllB Iceland Kaldadarne Jun - Jul194 [ MkI
750 757
APPENDIX B APPro DIX B
134 Squadron
Rus ia Yay nga Sep - ov 1941 MkIIA/IIB
116 Squadron UK Eglimon Jan - Feb 1942 MklIA
Egypt/Libya Ka far ct/Helwan/ handur/LG /Bu Amud/Ber i Jun 1942 - Oct 1943 MkllB/ll
UK Hendon/Heston/ roydon Nov 1941 - Jul1944 MkI/llA
India/Burma omi lIa/Parashuram/Fazi Ipu r Dec 1943 - Jul1944 MkIIB/II
UK orth Weald/Gatwi k/Redhill/Hornchurch Jul1944 - May 1945 Mkl/IIA
India/Burma Hay/Ramu II/Arkonam/ uttack Jan - Aug 1944 MkIlB/1I
126 Squadron
Malta Ta Kali Jun 1941 - Apr 1942 MkI/llB
137 Squadron
K outh nd/Man ton/Lympne Jun 1943 - Jan 1944 MklV
127 Squadron
Iraq Haditha/T1/Tah une Guemac Jun - Jul1941 MkI
Pal tine tJ an Mar - Jun 1942 MkI
145 Squadron
Egypt handur/Amriya/LG Jun 1942 - Jan 1943 MkIIB/ll
Palestine t Jean/Ramat David Jan 1943 - Mar 1944 MkIlB/ll UK roydon/Tangmere/We thampnett/Drem/Dy e Mar 1940 - Feb 1941 Mkl
752 753
APPENDIX B APPENDIX B
153 Squadron
185 Squadron
Alg ria Reghaia Aug - ep 1944 MkilC
Malta Ta Kali/Hal Far May 1941 - Apr 1942 MkI/IIA
173 Squadron
Egypt Heliopoli /LG Jul1942 - Feb 1944 MkI
195 Squadron
UK Hutton ranswick Dec 1942-Feb 1943 MkI
208 Squadron
175 Squadron Egypt/Libya Qa aba/Gambut/Barce/H liopolis/Kazaklar Nov 1940 - Apr 1941 MkI
Greece Eleu i /Argo /Maleme Apr - May 1941 MkI
UK Warmwell/Harrowbeer/Gatwick Mar 1942 - Jan 1943 MklIB Egypt aza/Ramleh May- ep 1941 MkI
UK Odiham/ toney r /La ham Jan - Apr 1943 MklIB Palestine Aqir p- et 1941 Mkl
Egypt/Libya G rawla/El Gubbi{fmimi/Acroma/ idi Az iz o t 1941- Mar 1942 MkI
Egypt/Libya Moascar/LG /Heliopoli /Burg el Arab Mar - Nov 1942 MkI/IlA/IlB/II
Iraq Aq u/K1 Jan-Ju1194 MkI/IIA/IIB/IIC
176 Squadron Syria Rayak Jul-N v 1943 MkllA/IIB/IIC
Palestine EI Bassa Nov - Dec 1943 MkIiA/IIB/II
India Baigachi May 1943 - Jan 1944 Mkil
154 155
APPE DIX B APPENDIX B
225 Squadron
UK Thruxton/Macmerry Jan - Oct 1942 MkI/lIB/II 242 (Canadian) Squadron
Algeria Mai on Blan he ov 1942 MkUB/U UK hurch Fenton/Biggin Hill/Coltishall/Duxford Jan - Dec 1940 MkI
Tuni ia Tingley/ ouk-el-Arba Nov 1942 - Apr 1943 MklIB/II UK Martle'ham Heath/ tapleford Tawney Dec 1940-May 1941 {kI/IIB
K orth Weald/Man ton/Valley May- ep 1941 MkIIB
ingapore eletar/Kallang Jan 1942 MkllB
umatralJava Palembang/Tj ililitan Jan - Feb 1942 MkllB
229 Squadron
UK DigbyfWitt ring/N rtholt/ peke Mar 1940-May 1941 MkI
Egypt/Libya Idku/LGs/Bu Amud/Gazala/M us/Antelat May 1941- Feb 1942 Mkl/IIC
Egypt/Libya LGs/EI Firdan/Gambut Feb - Mar 1942 MkII
MkIIC
245 Squadron
Malta Hal Far Mar - Apr 1942
UK Leconfield/Drem/Hawkinge/Turnhou e Mar- Jul1940 MkI
UK Aldergrove/Ballyhalbert/Chilbolton/Warmwell Ju11940- Dec 1941 MkI/llB
UK Middle Wallop/ harmy Down Dec 1941 - Jan 1943 MkIIB
232 Squadron
UK Ju11940-Apr 1941 MkI
UK Apr- ov 1941 MkI/IIB
ingapore Jan 1942 MklIB 247 (China-British) Squadron
UK Roborough/St Eval/Portreath ec 1940-Jun 1941 MkI
UK Predannack/Exeter/H igh Ercall Jun 1941- Feb 194 MkIIA/IIB/lI
238 Squadron
UK Middl Wallop/ t.Eval/ hilbolton/Pembrey ]un 1940 - Apr 1941 MkI
Egypt/Libya LG lEI Firdan/Bu Amud/Gazala/M u Jun-D c 1941 Mkl/ll 250 (Sudan) Squadron
Egypt/Libya Antelat/EI Gubbi/Gambut Dec 1941- May 1942 MkI/IlC
Egypt/Libya Gambut/ iii Azeiz/LGs/EI Adem/Martuba/Gamil May 1942- p 1943 MkIIB/IIC Egypt Gamil Feb - Apr 1942 MkI/II
156 157
APPENDIX B APPENDIX B
258 Squadron
UK Acklington/J urby/Vall y/Kenley Dec 1940 - Jun 1941 MkI
UK Martlesham Heath/D bd n Jun-O t 1941 MkIlA 279 Squadron
ingapore Seletar/Kallang Jan 1942 MkllA UK Thornaby Apr - ]LID 1945 MkIl /lV
umatra Palembang Jan - Feb 1942 MkIlA
eyl n Ratmalana/ 01 mbo Racecourse Mar 1942 - Jan 1943 Mkl/llB
India/Burma Dum um/Dambulla/ milla/Dohazari Jan - Dec 1943 MkIlB/Il
India/Burma Chittagong/Hay/Hove/Re indeer/Arkonam Dec 1943 - Jul1944 MklI
284 Squadron
Tuni ia Tingley/El Aouina p 1944 - Mar 1945 Mkll
260 Squadron
UK astletown/Skitten/Drem ov 1940 - May 1941 Mkl
Pal stine Haifa Aug - ct 1941 Mkl 285 Squadron
Egypt/Libya LG / idi Rezegh/Gazala/Msus/Ant lat/Benina Oct 1941- Feb 1942 Mkl UK Woodvale/Andover/North Weald Jan 1944 - Jun 1945 MkIlC
758 759
APPENDIX B APPENDIX B
160 161
APPENDIX B APPENDIX B
162 163
PI'E DIX B AI'PE DIX B
3 Squadron RAAF
Egypt/Libya Berka/Benina/Got-es- ultan/Maraua Feb - Apr 1941 Mkl
Egypt/Libya Martuba/Gazala Ea t/ idi Mahmoud/L 79 Apr 1941 Mkl
Turbinlite Units 530 - 539 Squadrons (Sep 1942 - Jan 1943) Egypt/Libya Mer a Matl'uh/ idi Hanei h/Ab ukir/Aqir Apr - May 1941 MkI
Palestine Lydda/ ico ia May - ]u11941 Mkl
quadron Hunsd n MkIl
quadron West Malling/Debden MkIIC
quadran Hibaldstow MkllB/ll
quadron Charmy Down MkIl
quadr n Tangm re MkIIB/lJ fXfXlfXlI 450 Squadron RAAF
quadran High Ercall Mkll
Egypt/Libya Aqir/Amman/Mezze ]un - Jul1941 MkI
quadran Pr dannack/Fairwood ommon MkIl
Pale tine Haifa/EI Ba a ]ul-Aug 1941 Mkl
quadran Middle Wallop MklIC
yria Rayak Aug-Oct 1941 Mkl
quadr n Hibald tow MklI
quadron Acklingt n MklJ /X
Photograph Reconnaissance Units 402 (Winnipeg Bear) Squadron RCAF (Formerly 2 Squadron RCAF)
Mkl/llB
UK Digby/Martle ham Heath Dec 1940 - ]u11941 Mk1/11A
6 0 quadr n Matariya Feb 1943 - Dec 1944
MkllB
UK Ayr/ outhend/Warmwell ]uI1941- Mar 1942 MkilA/lIB
6 1 quadran Dum Dum ]an- ep 1943
764 765
APPEl DIX B APPENDIX B
166 167
APPE DIX B
1 Squadron SAAF
Ea t Afri a
Egypt/Libya
Eritrea/ omali/Ethiopia
Amriya/ idi Hanei h uth/Maaten Bagu h/
Dec 1940 - Apr 1941 Mk1 Appendix C
idi Barrani/Fuka Apr - ov 1941 MkllB
Egypt/Li bya LG / idi R zegh/ azala/Derna ov 1941 - Jan 1942 MkIlB Order of Battle 1939-45
Egypt/Libya Gazala llI/EI Adem/ idi Hanei h/lG /El amil/1dku Jan - Nov 1942 MkIIB/ll This appendix shows the squadrons and locations of the units, at home and abroad, which operated the Hurricane during the period
September 1939 to July 1945. It includes those units which operated many different types of aircraft, including the Hurricane, for
various non-operational duties. It should be noted, however, that sources often vary, particularly in theatres overseas such as the
Western Desert and the Far East where squadrons often changed locations (almost daily) and one squadron could often be detached
to more than one location. The Appendix, therefore, offers no more than a guide but is considered to be as accurate as possible.
3 Squadron SAAF
Ea t Africa Eritrea/ omal i/Ethiopia Dec 1940 - Apr 1941 Mk1
Aden Khormak ar Jan - Apr 194 Mkl 1 SEPTEMBER 1939
Egypt/Libya Helwan/Bersis/Zuara/Mellaha/Savoia/Am ri ya Apr - Mar 1944 Mk1/IlB/Il LOCATIO SQUADRO LOCATIO
Tangmere 5 qn Debden
Biggin Hill 7 qn D bd n
orth Weald III qn onholt
7 Squadron SAAF Biggin Hill 151 qn orth Weald
H nlow 213 qn Wittering
Egypt/Libya AmriyafLG /El Ba salK / handur/Benina/
Digby 501 qn Filton
Bersis/ erna May 1942 - Aug 1943 MkI/liB/II /lID
onh Weald 504 qn Digby
Digby 60S qn Tangmere
Biggin Hill
40 Squadron SAAF
Egypt/Libya Burg el Arab/lG / idi Azeiz/Qa a in/EI Firdan Jan - ov 1942 Mkl/llB
Egypt/Libya idi Azeiz/El Adem/Gazala ll/Martuba/ 10 JULY 1940
T mimi/Magrun ov - Dec 1942 MkllB
Egypt/Libya Belandah/Benina/Marble Arch/ quadron Locati n Organization quadr n Location Organization
Alem el zin /Hamrai t Dec 1942 - Jan 1943 MkIIB 1 qn Tangmere 11 Group 238 qn Middle Wallop 10 roup
Egypt/Li bya edada/Darragh W t/ a tel Benito/El As a/ 3 qn Wick 13 Group 242 qn oltishall 12 roup
Nefatia/Bu Grara Jan - Apr 1943 MkIIB 17 qn Debden 11 Group 245 qn Turnh u e L3 roup
Tuni ia Gabes Town/La Fauconnerie/Goubrine Apr- May 194 MkllB 32 qn Biggin Hill 11 Group 249 qn hurch Fenton 12 roup
43 qn Tangmere 11 roup 253 qn Kirton-in-Lind ey 12 roup
46 qn Digby 12 Group 257 qn Northolt 11 Group
56 qn orth Weald 11 Group 263 qn Grangemouth 13 roup
73 qn Church Fenton 12 Group 310 qn Duxford 12 Group
41 Squadron SAAF 79 qn Hawkinge 11 Group 501 qn Middle Wallop 10 Group
Egypt/Libya Almaza/ handur/Bu Amud/El Adem/ avoia May 1943 - May 1944 MkllB/II 5 qn Debden 11 Group 504 qn a tletown 13 Group
. 7 qn Exeter 10 Group 601 qn Tangmere 11 Group
III qn roydon 11 Group 605 qn Drem 13 Group
145 qn Tangmere 11 Group 607 qn U worth 13 Group
151 qn orth Weald 11 Group 615 qn Kenley 11 Group
21 qn Exeter 10 Group l(R AF) qn roydon 11 Group
229 qn Wittering 12 Group
Overseas
80 qn Amriya, Egypt
168 169
APPENDIX C APPE DIX C
770 777
APPENDIX C APPENDIX C
Ceylon
o qn Colombo 258 qn Dambulla 273 qn China Bay
172 173
APPENDIX C
JULY 1945
UK OVERSEA
Q ADRO L ATJO
521
577
qn
qn
Langham
Ca de Br rnwich
520 qn Gibraltar
Appendix D
5 7 qn We t n Zoyland Balkan Air Force
691 qn Harr wbeer Squadron Codes
695 qn Bircham ewton 6 qn ann /1 I fVi This Appendix include onl the known squadron codes of operational Hurricane squadrons and does not include training units;
b
although as accurate as possi Ie, it should only serve as a guide as squadron codes were often changed.
1402 Met Fit Ballyhalb rt Air Command South East Asia
16 7 BDTF Hem well 11 qn inthe 0 113 Sqn BF 28 Sqn OT 257 Sqn EF 232 Sqn
AE 402 Sqn BQ 451 Sqn OU 312 Sqn EL 181 qn
1688 BDTF Feltwell 20 Sqn M nywa AF 607 Sqn BR 184 Sqn OX 245 Sqn EY 80 Sqn
1696 BDTF Bourn 2 Sqn Mingaladon AK 213 Sqn OZ 151 Sqn
60 qn Thedaw AL 79 Sqn 60 20/631 Sqn
1 qn 1AF Kohat 417 Sqn
P 80/186 Sqn
2 qn IAF Kohat V 121 Sqn
3 qnIAF Ri alpur AW 42 Sqn
6 qn IAF Kohat
FG 335 Sqn GG 151 Sqn HA 261 Sqn II 116 Sqn
7 qn IAF amungli 164/261 Sqn G 249 Sqn HB 229/239 qn 14 567 Sqn
FJ
FM 257 qn GO 94 Sqn HE 263 qn 18 440 qn
F 331 Sqn GQ 134 Sqn HF I 3 6n
IT 43 Sqn GV 134 Sqn HH 175/2 /273 qn
FV I qn GZ 32 qn HM 136 Sqn
F3 43 Sqn H 20 qn
HP 247 Sqn
H 260 qn
HV 73 qn
JH 317 qn KC 23 qn LO 250 Sqn MO 133 qn
JT 256 qn KT 32 Sqn LE 242 Sqn ML 605 Sqn
JU III Sqn KW 615 Sqn LK 7 Sqn MR 245 qn
JV 6 Sqn KZ 2 7 Sqn LR 56/! 46 Sqn MS 273 qn
JX I Sqn 4K 87 Sqn LZ 66 Sqn MU 60 Sqn
M4 587 Sqn
2M 520 Sqn
3M 679 qn
4M 695 Sqn
A 1/146 Sqn OK 450 Sqn PO 87/450 Sqn QO 3 Sqn
N 310 Sqn OP 3 Sqn PK 3 IS Sqn 8Q 34 Sqn
0 85 qn 50 521 Sqn PO 46 Sqn
Q 43 Sqn
V 79 Sqn
W 33/2 6 Sqn
RE 229 Sqn SA 486 Sqn TM I I 1/504 qn 601 Sqn
RF 303 qn 0 5 I Sqn TP 73 Sqn 56 Sqn
RG 20 qn F 137 Sqn 17 qn
RJ 46 Sqn SO 145 qn 306 Sqn
RL 279 Sqn W 253 Sqn
RP 2 S(~r Z 316 Sqn
R 30/33 qn
VK 23 Sqn WC qn XE 123 qn YB 17 qn
VY 5 Sqn we qn XJ 261 qn YE 289 qn
5V 439 Sqn W qn XM 1 2 qn YK 0 qn
WX qn XP 174 Sqn YO 401 Sqn
ZH 401 Sqn XR 71 Sqn
ZY 247 Sqn
8Z 295 Sqn
774 775
APPENDIX E
20July 32 N2670 SILt G.G. Bulmer 13 August 87 1'3387 FlO R.L. Glyde
43 1'3964 FlO J.F Haworth 213 1'3348 Sgt PP Norris
238 1'3766 Sgt C. Parkinson 238 1'3177 Sgt H.J. Marsh
263 1'2917 Pit Off A.R. Downer 14 August 43 Ll739 Sgt H.F Montgomery
501 1'3082 Pit Off E.J. Sylvester 615 1'3109 FlO P Collard
21 July 43 1'3973 Pit Off R.A. De Mancha 1'3160 Pit Off CR. Montgomery
22 July 85 1'3895 Pit OffJ.L. Bickerdike 15 August R4075 Pit Off D.O. Browne
1'3043 Sgt M.M. Shanahan
24 July 46 1'2685 Pit Off A.M. Cooper-Key 87 1'3215 S/L T.G. Lovell-Gregg
151 1'3316 Pit Off j .R. Hamar 1'2872 Pit Off PW Comeley
25july 87 1'3596 Sgt j.H. Culverwell I II 1'3944 FlO B.M. Fisher
26 july 601 1'2753 Pit Off P Chaloner-Lindsey 151 1'3941 Pit Off J.T. Johnston
27 july 501 1'3808 FlO PA. Cox V7410 Pit Off M. Rozwadowski
213 V7227 Pit Off M.S. Buchin
29 July 43 Ll955 Pit Off K.C Campbell 615 1'2801 Sgt D.W. Halton
56 1'3879 F/S CJ. Cooney 16 August 11 1 R4193 FIL H.M. Ferriss
I August 145 1'3155 SILt I.H. Kestin 213 AK-R Pit Off j .E. Laricheliere
6 August 17 2456 Pit Off H.W Britton 249 1'3616 Pit Off M.A. King
8 August 43 P3781 Pit Off j. Cruttenden 601 1'3358 Pit OffWM. Fiske
P3468 Pit Off J.R. Oelofse 18 August 17 L1921 Pit Off N.D. Solomon
145 P2955 Pit Off L.A. Sears 85 P2923 FlO R.H. Lee
P3381 Sgt E.D Baker III R4187 FIL S.D. Connors
P2957 Pit Off E.C Wakeham lSI R4181 Pit Off j.B. Ramsay
P3163 FlO Lord R.U. Kay-Shuttleworth SOl 1'3208 Pit Off j.W Bland
P3545 SILt FA. Smith 1'2549 FIL G.E. Stoney
238 P3823 FIL D.E. Turner 601 R4191 Sgt L.N. Guy
P3617 FlO D.C MacCaw Ll990 Sgt R.P Hawkings
257 P2981 FIL N.M. I-Iall 615 1'2768 Sgt PK. Walley
R4094 Sgt K.B. Smith 20 August 242 1'2967 Mid. Pj. Patterson
1'3058 FlO B.W. D'Arcy-lrvine 24 August SOl 1'3141 PIt Off P Zenker
176 177
APPENDIX E APPENDIX E
178 179
APPENDIX E
180 181
APPENDIX F APPENDIX F
Woodward VC W/C DFC* 14 33 Oct 40- Jun 41 .Africa/Greece Cooper-Slipper TPM S/L DFC 605/232 I/IIB May 40 - Feb 42 BoB
Czernin CMB S/L DSO MC DFC 13 85/17 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Cork RJ Lt Cdr DSO DSC 242/880 I/SH I Aug 40 - Aug 42 BoB/Malta Killed 14 Apr 44
Dalton-Morgan TF G/C DSO ORE DFC* 13 43 I/IIB Ju140-0ct41 BoB Cullen R F/L DFC 80 Feb - Mar 41 Greece KIA 4 Mar 41
Hewett EWF F/L AFC DFM 13 80 Feb - Apr 41 Greece Davis CR F/O DFC 60 I Jul- Sep 40 BoB KIA 6 Sep 40
Kilmartin JI W/C DFC 13 1/43 Apr - Sep 40 France Dyson CH F/L DFC* 33 Dec 40 N.Africa
Llewellyn RT F/L DFM 13 213 May - Sep 40 BoB Ferriss HM F/O DFC III May- Aug 40 BoB KIA 16 Aug 40
Machlachlan JAF S/L DSO DFC** 13 261/1 I/IIC Jan 41 - Jun 42 Malta/UK KIA 18Jul43 Joyce EL S/L DFM 73 I/IIC May - Dec 42 .Africa KIA 18Jun 44
Barton RA W/COBE DFC* 12 249 1/iIA Aug 40 - Nov 41 BoB/Malta Lee RHA F/L DSO DFC 85 Nov 39 - May 40 France KIA 18 Aug 40
Boyd AH G/C DSO DFC* 12 145 May-Oct 40 BoB Millington WH Pit Off DFC 79/249 Jul - Sep 40 BoB KIA 30 Oct 40
Brothers PM A/Cdre CBE DSO DFC* 12 32/257 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Proctor JE S/L DFC* 50l/32 May - Aug 40 France
Connors SOP F/L DFC* 12 III May - Aug 40 Fnll1ce/BoB KIA 18 Aug 40 Simpson JWC G/C DFC* 43 Feb 40 - May 41 UK
Higginson FW F/L OBE DFC DFM 12 56 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Talbot RH Lt 274 Dec 40 - May 41 N.Africa KIA 3 Jun 41
Marshall AE F/L DFC DFM 12 73 Jun40-Apr41 .Africa KIA 27 Nov 44 Townsend PW G/C CVO DSO DFC* 43/85 Feh 40 - Feh 41 BoB
Neil TF W/C DFC* AFC 12 249 1/11 Sep 40- Jun 41 BoB/Malta Turner PS G/C DSO DFC* 242 May - Sep 40 BoB
Scouter JE S/L DFC AFC 12 73 Apr - May 40 France Westlake GM W/C DSO DFC 213/80 I/IIC Nov 40 - Jul 42 N.Africa
Wade LC W/C DSO DFC** 12 33 I/IIB/C Nov 41 - Sep 42 .Africa Killed 12 Jan 44 Wykeham-Barnes PGAM KCB DSO* OBE DFC* 274/73 Dec 40 - pr 41 N.Africa
Allard G F/L DFC DFM* II 85 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Killed 13 tvlar 41
Bader DRS G/C KBE DSO* DFC* II 242 Jul- Sep 40 BoB Pilots with Eight Confirmed Hurricane Kills
Gibson JAA S/L DSO DFC II 501 May - Sep 40 France/BoB
Howes H Sgt DFM II 85/605 May - ov 40 France/BoB Killed 22 Dec 40
NAME RANK/DEC SQN MK PERIOD THEATRE REMARKS
Lapsley JH AM KBE DFC AFC II 80/274 Aug - Dec 40 .Africa
Badger JVC S/L DFC 43 Jul- Aug 40 BoB DOW 30Jun 41
tephens MM W/C DSO DFC** II 3/232/80 I/IIA May 40 - Dec 41 Fr/Turkey/N.Africa
DenisJ Cmdt DFC 73 Apr - May 41 N.Africa
Bazin JM W/C DSO DFC 10 607 May - Sep 40 France/BoB
Eyre A W/C DFC 615 Jun - Aug 40 BoB
CockJR S/L DFC 10 87 Apr- Sep 40 France/BoB
Glowacki A S/L DFC DFM 501 Aug 40 BoB
Currant CF W/C DSO DFC* 10 605 Aug - Dec 40 BoB
Grier T S/L DFC 601 Aug - Sep 40 BoB KIA 5 Dec 41
Driver KW MajDFC 10 I SAAF Dec 40 - May 41 Eritrea
Henneberg ZK S/L DFC 303 Aug-Oct 40 BoB Kl 12Apr41
Dymond WL Sgt DFM 10 III May-Aug40 France/BoB KIA 2 Sep 40
Kayll JR W/C DSO OBE DFC 615 May - Aug40 France/BoB
Gleed IR W/C DSO DFC 10 87 May 40 - May 41 France/BoB KIA 16 Apr 43
Mayers HC W/C DSO DFC* 601 Aug - Sep 40 BoB KIA20Jul41
Goodman GE F/O DFC 10 1/73 May 40 - Apr 41 Fr/BoB/N.A frica KIA 14 Jun 41
Mould PWO S/L DFC* 1/185 I/IIA Oct 39 - Jul41 France/Malta KIA I Oct 41
MacKenzie KW F/L DFC 10 501/247 I/IIC Oct 40 - Sep 41 UK
Nowell GL F/L DFM* 87/32 May 40 France
Robertson F F/O DFM 10 261 ov 40 - Mar 41 Malta KIA 31 Aug 43
Richey PHM W/C DFC* Mar- May 40 France
Soper FJ S/L DFC DFM 10 1/257 I/IIC May 40 - Sep 41 France/UK KIA 5 Oct 41
Storey WJ S/L DFC 135 liB Jan - May 42 Far East
Storrar JE W/C DFC* AFC 10 145/73 May40-Apr41 BoB/N.Africa
~zaposznikow E F/L DFM 303 Aug-Oct 40 BoB
Upton HC F/L DFC 10 43 Aug - Sep 40 BoB
Urwin-Mann JR S/L DSO DFC* 238 Aug-Oct 40 BoB
Woods-Scawen PP F/O DFC 10 85 May - Aug40 BoB KIA I Sep 40
Zumbach JEL S/L DFC* 303 Sep 40 BoB
782 183
APPENDIX F APPENDIX F
Bayne AWA W/C DFC 17/ l36 1/1 I B/C Aug 40 - Mar 43 BoB/Far East
Pilots with Six Confirmed Hurricane Kills
Beard JMB S/L DFM 249 Sep 40 13013
Brooker REP W/C DSO* DFC* 56/232/242 1/1113 Jul 40 - Mar 42 BoB/Far East KIA 16 Apr 45
Cleaver GNS S/L DFC 601 I May - Aug 40 France NAME RANK SQ MK PERIOD THEATRE REMARKS
Cotti ngham L F/O DFC 33 Feb - Apr 41 Greece Barcby RGA S/L OFC 249/238 1/1113 Sep40-Ju142 BoB .Africa KIA 17 Apr 42
Eekford AF S/L DFC 32/242/253 May - Nov 40 France/BoB Beamish FV G/C OSO* DFC AFC 151 Jun 40 - Jan 41 13013 KIA 22 Mar 42
Edghill DFK Pit Off DFC 229 May40-Ju141 BoB/N.Africa Blair KH W/C DFC* 85/151 May- Aug 40 France/BoB
Farnes PCP S/L DFM 501 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Boot PV F/L DFC May - Sep 40 France/BoB
Feric M F/O DFC 303 Aug - Oct 40 13013 Killed 14 Feb 42 Bruce DC F/L DFC III May- Aug 40 13013 KIA 4 Sep 40
Forbes AS G/COBE DFC 303 Sep 40 13013 Oafforn RC S/L DFC 501 May -Oct 40 France/BoB Killed 9 Sep 43
Frost JE Maj DFC* 3 SAAF Feb-Apr41 Somali/Ethiopia Oaw VG S/L DFC AFC 32 May - Jun 40 France
KIA 16 Jun 42
Gardner PM F/L DFC 3/32 May - Aug 40 France/BoB Otwell RL Sgt DFM 232 1113 Jan 42 Far East
Genders GEC F/L AFC DFM 33 IIA Apr- Jun 41 Greece/N.Africa Friendship AHB S/L DFM* 3 May 40 France
Godden S Pit Off 274 Dec 40 - pr 41 N.Africa KIA I May 41 Hamilton CE Pit Off 261 Jan - Mar 41 Malta DoW 14 May 41
Grassick RD F/L DFC 607/242 l/IIA Honor DSG G/C DFC* 274 1/1113 May - Dec 41 N.Africa
May 40 - Jun 41 France/UK
I-Ianks PP G/C DSO DFC AFC I Apr- May 40 France Jeka J S/L DFM 238/306 I/IIA Sep40-Jun41 BoB
Holden E W/C DFC 501 May -Oct 40 France/BoB Karubin S Sgt DFM 303 ALig - Oct 40 13013 Killed 12Aug41
Jay DT F/O DFC 607/87 May - Aug 40 France/BoB King GJ F/L DFC 232/242 1113 Feb - Mar 42 Far East
KIA 24 Oct 40
LattaJB Pit Off DFC 242 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Laricheliere JEP Pit Off 213 Aug40 13013 KIA 16 Aug 40
KIA 12Jan41
Mackie JF F/O 33 Dec 40 - Apr 41 N.Africa Lee K T S/L DFC 501 May - Aug 40 France/BoB
KIA 15 Apr 41
Meaker JRB Pit Off DFC 249 Aug - Sep 40 13013 Lofts KT W/C DFC* 615/249 Aug- Sep 40 France/BoB
KIA 27 Sep 40
Milne RM W/C DFC* 151 May - Aug 40 13013 Mitchell HT S/L DFC 87 May- Aug 40 France/BoB
Olser MS LtCoIDFC* ISAAF Jun - Dec 41 .Africa Morfill PF F/L DFM 501 May - Sep 40 France/BoB
Pain JF F/L 32/261/73 Aug 40 - Jul 42 icholls HT Pit Off 232 Jan - Feb 42 Far East
l/IIC BoB/Malta
Patterson TL F/O 274 Dec 40 - Jan 41 N.Africa Pasziewicz LW S/L DFC 303 Aug - Sep 40 13013 KIA 27 Sep 40
KIA 25 Apr41
Rayner RMS W/C DFC 87 May - Aug 40 France Peacock-Edwards SR S/L DFC 253/261/258 1/1113 Oct 40 - Apr 41 UK/Malta/Far East
St Quintin PR S/L 33 Oct - Dec 40 N.Africa Philippart JAL Pit Off 213 Aug 40 13013 KIA 25 Aug 40
Satchell WAJ W/C DSO 302 l/IIA Aug40-Apr41 Powell RPR G/C DFC* III May - Jun 40 France
BoB/Malta
SingJEJ S/L DFC 213 Sanders JG W/C DFC 615 May - Sep 40 France/BoB Maybe 16 kills
Aug 40 13013
Skalski S W/C DSO DFC** 501 Aug - Sep 40 13013 S~ott OS S/L DFC 73 Apr - Sep 40 France/BoB
Smith JD F/L 73 Sep 40 - Apr 41 Shaw JT G/C DSO DFC AFC 3/32 IIA/C Aug 41 - Apr 43 UK/N .Africa
BoB/N .Africa KIA 14 Apr 41
Stones DWA S/L DFC* I/IIA SizerWM W/C DFC* 213 May - Aug40 BoB
79/605 May 40 - Mar 42 France/Far East
Taylor FF F/O DFC 261 Malta KIA 26 Feb 41 Smythe RF F/L DFC 32 Jun - Aug 40 BoB
Jul40 -Jan 41
Tweedale GR Pit OffDFM 126/185 1113 Mar - May 42 Taylor EM F/L DFC 232 1113 Jan - Feb 42 Far East KIA 8 Feb 42
Malta KIA 9 May 42
Weaver PS F/L DFC 56 Jul- Aug40 Taylor N F/L DFC DFM 601 1/1113 Aug 40 - Jan 42 13013
BoB KIA 31 Aug 40
Wilkimson RC W/C OBE DFM** 3 May 40 France Thompson JM G/C DSO DFC* III May- Aug 40 13013
Wilson FAWJ F/L DFC 80/213 Tracey OV F/L DFC 79/274 Aug 40 - May 41 .Africa KIA 8 Dec 41
I/IIC Jun 41 - Jun 42 France
Woods-Scawen CA Pit OffDFC 43 Walker JA F/L DFC III May- Aug40 13013 KIA 8 Feb 44
Jun - Aug 40 13013 KIA 2 Sep 40
Wallace TY S/L DFM III Aug - Sep40 BoB KIA II ov 44
Ward OH S/L DFC* 87/73 I/IIC May 40 - May 42 France/N.Africa KIA 17 Jun 42
Waugh LRS Capt DFC 1 SAAF I/IIA Oct 41 - Jul 42 .Africa
Whittaker RC Pit OffDFC 17 May 40 France KIA 7 Jun 40
184 185
APPE DIX F APPE DIX F
786 787
Bibliography Index
Air Ministry combat reports (various) Acworth, Pit Off 121 Brown, F/O 'Hilly' 28 Desert Air Force (DAF) 94,99
Air Ministry log books (various) Advanced Air Striking Force (A SF) 20-1, Browning 0.303in machine gun 60 Desert war 90-9
Air Ministry, Squadron History, Forms F540 (various) 25-6,30-1 Brzezina, S/L Stan islaw 114 Dewar, S/L JS 21,29,41
Air Ministry, Squadron History, Forms F541 (various) Air Component (France) 20-1, 25-6, 31 Bulman, 'George' 9, 12, 19, 136 Dieppe Raid 127
Ashworth, Chris, Action Stations 5 (PSL, 1982) Aircraft & Armament Experimental Estab- Burma 100-12 Dodds, Sgt James 97
Ashworth, Chris, Action Stations 9 (PSL, 1985)
lishment 12,64 Burton, PI t Off Percy 37 Donne, F/L Michael 25
Barrymore Halfpenny, Bruce, Action Stations 8 (PSL, 1984)
Bowyer, Chaz, History of the RAF (Hamlyn Publishing, 1979) Aircraft controls/systems/handling 14-17,53- Butterfield, Sgt Sam 39 Dowding, Sir Hugh 13,29,33, 35
Bowyer, Chaz, Hurricane at War 1 (Ian Allan, 1974) 56 Cameron, MRAF Sir eil 77,81 Drake, S/L Billy 94
Clarke R.M., Hawker Hurricane Portfolio (Brooklands Books, 1986) Air intercept (AI) radar 120-1,130 Camm, Sir Sydney 8, 10-11 Driver, Capt Ken 92
Cotton, DFC, Sqn Ldr M.e., Hurricanes over Burma (Grub Street, 1995) Aitken, the Hon Max 28 Canadian Car & Foundary Co. 19, Dryden, Pit Off 24-6,33
Cull, Brian, Lander, Bruce, and Weiss, Heinrich, Twelve Days in May (Grub Street, 1995)
Arakan, The 110-11 58-9 Dunn, S/L Patrick 89
Deighton, Len, Battle of Britain (Book Club Associates, 1980)
Delve, Ken, and Jacobs, Peter, Six Year Offensive (Arms and Armour, 1992) Armament 60-5 Cap, Sgt 115 Dymond, Sgt Bill 4J
Delve, Ken, Source Book of the RAF (Airlife, 1994) Bader, S/L Douglas 37, 48 Carey, F/L Frank 28,45, III Dynamo, Operation 31
Dibbs, John, and Holmes, Tony, Hurricane, A Fighting Legend (Osprey, 1995) Badger, S/L 'Tubby' 42 Carter, W.George 8 Dyson, F/O Charles 91
Franks, Norman, The Greatest Air Battle (Grub Street, 1992) Baines, F/S GI 106-7 Case, Sgt BP 106-7 East Africa 91-3
Franks, Norman, Hurricane at War 2 (Ian Allan, 1986) Balden, S/L Denys 68 Cassidy, F/L 'Cass' 73 Eckford, Pit Off Alan 45
Gelb, Norman, Scramble, A Narrative History (Michael Joseph Ltd, 1986)
Balkan Air Force (BAF) 128-9,133-4 Catapult Aircraft Merchantmen (CAM) ships Edge, S/L Gerry 47
Golley, John, Hurricanes over Murmansk (PSL, 1987)
Golley, John, and Gunston, Bill, So Few (W H Smith, 1992) Barbarossa, Operation 76 66 Egypt 90-9
RAF in Russia, From the Diary of Hubert Griffith (Hammond, 1942) Barclay, Pit Off George 37,97 Ceylon 101 EI Alamein 98
Halley, James J., Squadrons of the RAF and Commonwealth (Air Britain, 1988) Barnwell, Pit Off David 73 Chancellor, F/O Paddy 104 Engine, performance/figures 51-52
Hough, Richard, and Richards, Denis, The Battle of Britain (Guild Publishing, 1990) Barratt, AM A 20 Chelmecki, Pit Off Marian 43 Europe 113-35
James, Derek ., Hawker Aircraft Limited (Chalford Publishers, 1996)
Barton, S/L 'Butch' 70 ChindwinRiver 101,109,111 Everett, Lt Bob 66
Kaplan, Richard, and Collier, Richard, The Few (Blandford, 1989)
Koniarek, Dr Jan, Polish Air Force (Squadron/Signal Pubs, 1994) Batrle of Britain 33-50 Chocolate, Operation 99 Far East 100-1 2
Longyard, William H., Who's Who in Aviation (Airlife, 1994) Batrle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) 71, Churchill, Winston 33,50,76,80,87 Farnes, Sgt Paul 41
Mason, Francis K., The Hawker Hurricane (Aston, 1987) 133,135,137-43 CI isby, F/O Leslie 27-8 Fayolle, S/L Emile 130
Mason ,Peter D., Nicolson VC (Geerings, 1991) Baumann, Sgt I 15 Clowes, Sgt Arthur 28 Ferguson, W/O BA 106
Personal memoirs (various) Beamont, F/O Roly 27 Cock, F/O John 36,39,46 Ferris, F/O Henry 36
Pilot's Notes, Hurricane Mkll & MkIV, Air Ministry Publication 1564B and D (Air Ministry, 1941)
Beard, F/S Don 99 Coghlan, F/L 24,33 Fighter catapult ships 66
Price, Alfred, The Hardest Day (Arms & Armour Press, 1988)
Ramsey, Winston G., Ed., Battle of Britain, Then and Now (Banle of Britain Prints Int, 1989) Beazley, F/L John 72 Connors, F/L Stanley 41 Fighter Flight (Hastings) 94
Rawlings, John, Fighter Squadrons of the RAF (MacDonald & Co, 1969) Benedict Force 76-87 Coope, S/L W 23 First Libyan Campaign 90-1
Rawlings, John, History of the RAF (Temple Press, 1984) Berry, S/L Alex 130 Cork, Lt 'Dickie' 67 France 20-33
Shores, Christopher, and Williams, Clive, Aces High (Grub Street, 1994) Beyts, F/O M 106- 7 Cottingham, W/O Leonard 124 Frantisek, Sgt Josef 46,48
Spooner, DSO DFC, Tony, Faith, Hope and Malta GC (Newton Publishers, 1992)
Blount, AVM CH B 20 Courtney-Clarke, F/L CS 106 Frost, Capt 'Jack' 92-3
Stones, Donald, Dhmie (Wingham Press, 1991)
Tavender, I .T, The Distinguished Flying Medal (J B Hayward & Son, 1990) Bodman, S/L 93 Crete 123,125,131 Fury, Hawker 9,20
Townsend Bickers, Richard, The Battle of Britain (Salamander Books, 1990) Bombs, general-purpose 63 Crossley, S/L Mike 44-5 Fury Monoplane 9-10
Wallace Clarke, R., British Aircraft Armament (PSL, 1994) Boothby, F/L Bob 24 Crusader, Operation 94-5,97 Garland, F/O Donald 27
Wynn, Kenneth G., Men of the Battle of Britain (Gliddon Books, 1989) Boyd, F/L 'Ginger' 38 Cullen, F/O 'Ape' 121, 123 Garnett, Pit Off WSS 106
Boyens, F/S R 102,106-7 Currant, Pit Off'Bunny' 41 Genders, Sgt 'Jumbo' 124
British Commonwealth Occupation Force Dahl, F/O Roald 24 Gibson, F/L Johnny 41
112 Darween, W/C Johnny 99 Gillan,S/LJohn 18
British Expeditionary Force (BEF) 20-1 David, Pit Off Dennis 28, 31, 39 Gittins, F/L 80
Brooker, F/O Richard 33,45 Day, S/L Paul 137-8 Gleed, F/L Ian 'The Widge' 35-6,38,46,50,
Brothers, F/L Peter 44 Denis, Lt James 94 117
188 189
INDEX INDEX
Glostcr Aircraft Co. 13, I -9 Lester, S/L Hugh I Pattcrson, F/O Tom 90 Souter, F/O 102,104,106 Whitney, F/O 95 97-9, 131, 150
Glowa ki, gt Toni 41,46 Lcwis, Pit Off Albert 'Day' 25,2',49 Partie, /L Pat 123-4, 135 outh African Air Force (SAAF) 9-99 Wicks, Pit Off Bryan 24, 73 74 57,15
Godden, Pit Off tan 90 Llewellyn, gt Rcg 39,41 Paul, F/O 'Gingcr' 22 outh East Asia Command ( EAC) 110 Wight, F/L Ron 39 79 19,25,29,35,40-1,50,57,73,150
Goodman, Pit Off George 44,94 Lloyd, AVM Hugh Pughc 71 Pavey, gt Charlcs 25 pirlet, Pit Off Francois Xavicr de 34 Williams, /L Cedric 44 80 57, '9,93-5,9,117,121,123-5,150
Gorc, gt FA 106 Lockhart, /L 95 Pedestal,Opcration 67,74 rom, gt 115 Winton, F/O Denis 74 I 76,7 - 2,4,6-7,150
Gracic, F/L 'Jumbo' 36,40,44 Lovcll-Gregg, /L Terence 3 ,42 Pcrsia I3I, 135 t Quintin, F/O Peter 91 Witorzenc, F/O tefan 41, 45 5 19-25,2 -9,35,39-40,45,5 , 130, 151
Grant, Pit Off Jackie 74 MacEwan, F/O Kcith 104 Philippart, Pit Off Jacques 39,41 tafford, F/ 106 Wlasnowolski, Pit Off Boleslaw 44 7 1 -26,2 -9,31,34-43,46,5 ,57,6 ,
Gray, gt Thomas 27 Mackie, Pit Off A 74 Photo-Reconnaissance 67 Stephens, /L Mikc 94 Wood, gt JE 74 116-7,121-3,127- ,151
Greccc 117,121-4,131,133 Mackie, F/O John 91, 124 Pickup, F/O Derrick 25 tone, /L 'Bunny' 103 Woodward, F/O 'Woody' 90-I, 124 9457,94,9,151
Gunsights 62 Malengreau, Pit Off Rogcr 41 Playfair, AVM PHB 20 Stones, F/L Donald 73 Worts, F/S 102, 106-7 95 94,151
Hal ar Fightcr Flight 68 lalta 6 -75 Pniak, Pit Ofr Karol 45 Storrar, Pit Off 'Jas' 38,91 Wykeham-Barncs, F/O Pcter 9-90 96 57, 117, 151
Halahan, S/L 'Bull' 20,27-8 Malta Fightcr Flight 68 Portal, ACM Sir Charles Strange, Pit Off Louis 31-2 Wynn, Sgt 25 9 151
Hallowcs, Sgt 'Dark ie' 42,45 lalta Night Fighting Unit (M FU) 70,72-4 Portcous, W/C Rogcr 97 Strickland, F/O James 39,41 Yacobenko, Kapt 83,85 III 18-9,29-30,35-7,39-41,44,50,152
Hamilton, F/L 'Hammy' 45 Marsden, S/L JW 94 Porwga I I35 Sumatra 101-2 Yapp, F/L Derek 130 11357,152
Hancock, F/L Pat 71 Marshall, F/O Alfrcd 91 Powcll-Shcddcn, S/L Georgc 'Polly' 72-5 Sulton, Pit Off 24 Yugoslavia 123,131,133-5 116 126,152
Hanks, F/L Prosscr 24, 28 Mason, F/O'imshi' 90,99 Prototypc 9-12 Sweeting, gt 106 Zenker, Pit Off Pawcl 45 121 57,JI5,152
Haw, gt 'Wag' 49, 76, 7 ,81-4, 6-7 Maynard, Air Cdrc 'Sammy' 68 Ramsbottom-Ishcrwood, W/C Henry 76,87 Syria 93 123 57,152
Hawkcr Aircraft/Engineering Ltd. 7-8,13, McClure, Pit Off Andrcw 35 Rashlcigh, F/O 102,106 Szczesny, F/L Henryk 114-5 ,134 126 57,72-4,152
136 McGrcgor, F/O Alan 76 Rayner, F/O Roddy 2 ,35,41 Tait, lit Off Ken 27,35 127 57,93-4,98,152
Hawker, Harry 7 McKay, Sgt Donald 41 Richcy, F/O Paul 2 Talbot, Lt Bob 90 128 57,94-5,153
Hcwcrt, gt Tcd 124 McKcllar, F/L Archie 41,47, 50 Rockct projcctiles 64 Theron, Capt Servaas 92 quadrons 133 57, 115, 153
Higgs, F/O Tom 36 McKeown, /L Des 64 Rook, Pit Off Michael 49,76-7 Thomas, F/O LD 106-7,109 134 57,76-7, I, 3-4, 7,153
Hispano-Suiza 20mm cannon 6 McLauchlan, W/O R 106 Rook, F/L Tony 49,76, 7 Thompson, Pit Off AR 114 19-24,27-32,35,40-1,44,4 ,50,57, 135 57,101,104,153
Hogan, /L GJC 1 6-7, 109 Meaker, Pit Off Bryan 37 Roscoe, F/L Gcoffrey 121 Thompson, /L John 36,41 77,94,127,146 136 57,101,104,153
Holmc', Pit Off 'Artie' 76 Mendi:abcl, F/O Rudy IOZ, 104, 106 Ross, F/L Jack 77, I, 3 Thompson, Captain 'Tommy' , 3 1 -9,25,29,35,40,50,57,94, I 3, 137 5,64,153
Homc from 125-7 Mercham Ship Fighter nit (MSF ) 66 Rowlcy, S/L livc 13 -43 Thorogood, Sgt 'Rubber' 35, 107 120,127- ,146 145 29,35,3 ,40,50,153
Howcll, gt'Dinky' 22 Meredith, F/O Dickic 25 Russia 76- 7 Tomlinson, /L George 25 5 57,102-3,105-6,109,1 11,146 146 57, 154
Humphcrson, F/O John 35 Middle East 90-9 Ryde, F/O 106 Torch, Operation 67,9 -9 6 57,61,93-4,97-99,129,134,146 151 19, 26, 29-30, 35, 40-I, 45, 50-I,
Imphal 110-1 I Miller, S/L Tony 77- , 4, 7 aranov, Lt Col Boris 3, 5 Townsend, S/L Peter 39,45,75, 136 II 57, 147 57, 154
India 100-12 Millington, Pit Off Bill 41 Scoular, F/L John 2 Trials & Development 12, 127 17 19,25,29,31-2,35,40-1,43-4,48,50, 153 154
Indian Air Forcc (IAF) 104-12 Mitchell, F/O Harry 24 Sea Hurricanc 65 -7 Tuck, S/L Bob tanford 47 57,77,101,103-4,147 164 58,64,131,154
Iran 132 More, S/L JWC 20, 24 Scctor Opcrations Centres 47 Turbinlite squadrons 130 20 57,111,147 173 98, 154
Iraq 93 Morgan, F/S 106 Scifert, Pit ff 106 Upton, Pit Off Hamilton 42 28 57, 1J I, J47 17457,127-8,130,154
Irish Air Corps 135 Mould, Pit Off 'Boy' 21,28,70 Sharpc, F/L 109 Urbanowicz, F/O Wi told 38,49 30 57,94,98, 101, 104, 147 175 57, 127-8, 154
Italy 131 Moulton-Barrctt, W/C Edward 66 Sicily 131 Vale, F/O William 'Cherry' 93, 123-4 32 19,25,29,35,40-1,43-5,50,57,89, 176 57, 154
Java 101-2 Mounsdon, Pit Off lauricc 44 Simpson, S/L John 119 Variants 56-60 9 , 127-8, 148 182 155
Jay, Pit Off Dudley 42,46 Munro, PltOffRH 114 Sing, F/L Jackic 41 Vickers'S' gun/4 mm cannon 61 33 57,89-92,94-5,97-, 12 I, 123-5, I 4 57-,64,131,155
Jeffrics, F/O Jcrrard 25 icolson, F/L Jamcs 43 ingaporc 100-2, II I Wade, F/L Lance 97 135, 14 1569-74,155
Joncs, /L EG 121 ight fighter 115-21 Sizer, Pit Ofr Bill 39,41 Walker, Pit Off Jimmy 81 34 57, 14 I 6 155
Joycc, F/ Erncst 97 orth Africa 9 -9 kidmore, Pit Off AB 106 Wallace, gt Tom 41 42 57,14 193 155
Kain, F/O 'Cobber' 21-2, 24, 2 ,30 o\\'ell, gt Gareth 24, 26, 2 lee, Pit Off George 25 Ward, F/L Derek 43,97 43 19,2,35,3,40,42,45,5,57, 195 155
Kay- huttlcworth, F/O Lord 3 Observer Corp, 47 mallwood, /L Denis 121,123 Watson, Pit Off 'Warty' 2 ,35 9 -9,127- ,14 20 57,94,9,121,124-5,155
Kilmartin, F/O'iggy' 2 Oliver, /L JO 2 I mith, F/L James Duncan 91 Wart, gt 106 46 19,32,35,40,45,4, 50, 71-2, 74, 149 213 19,26,29-30,35,3 -41,45,50,57,
Kuharienko, Kapt 3, 5 Operational Training nits (OTUs) 127, 132 mith, F/O Michacl 27 Waud, Sgt 'lbby' I, 6 56 17-9,24-5,29-30,33-6,40,43-5, 93,95,97-9, 156
Lacey, gt 'Gingcr' 2 ,4 Origins 7-12 mith, Sgt' udgcr' 1-2 Weapon switches 64-5 50,57,73,113,149 225 57,127,156
Lapsley, F/O John 9-90 Orton, F/O 'Fanny' 22, 2 ' mith, F/L Rod 4 Weaver, F/O Percy 44 6 57,149 229 35,4,48,50,57,74,94,9, 156
Laricheliere, Pit Off Joseph 41 Ovcrlord,Opcration 132 Snowball, F/O 102,106 Well" F/O Pat 37, 59, 71-2, 113-4 63 149 232 37,4,5,94,101-2,156
Lawrcnce, Pit Off R 102,106-7 Overseas contracts 19 Solomon, Pit Off eville 44 Western de,ert 90-9 67 57,104,149 237 57,94,98,156
Lca-Cox, S/L Charles I Palmer, Pit Off FR 74 oper, gt Frank 27- Westlake, F/L George 97 69 74-5, 149 238 5,3 -40,50,57,71,74,94,97-9,156
Lce, F/L Dickic 22,45 Parrott, PI t Off Pctcr 38 Sopwith viation Co. 7 Westmacott, F/O Innes 44,73 71 115-6, 149 239 157
Lec, F/OJohnny IOZ, 104, 106-7, 109 Parsons, Sgt David 102, 106, 109 Sopwith, Thomas 7 Whitehcad, Sgt Clifford 36,44 73 19-24,29-32,34-5,40,48,57,89-94, 241 57,157
790 797
INDEX
192
e Hawker Hurricane
was one of the most
important aeroplanes of
World War Two. Although
sometimes overshadowed
by its contemporary, the
Supermarine Spitfire, it was a
first-class fighter which went
on to become a highly
effective ground-attack ,
aeroplane, carrying larger
weapons than its designers
had anticipated.
ISBN 1-86126-126-8