SERVICE HISTORY

QUIET VICTOR IN THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, THE HAWKER HURRICANE SERVED IN EVERY RAF THEATRE OF WWII

While the Supermarine Spitfire cut a dashing figure over Britain, the Hawker Hurricane might best be described as the not-so-comely stepsister. Nevertheless, the Hurricane held the line during the dark days of the Battle of Britain, shooting down more German aircraft than any other plane in Royal Air Force service. Hurricanes of No. 615 Squadron alone claimed nearly 100 enemy planes.

Although less manoeuvrable than the German Me 109 fighter and considerably slower, the Hurricane could take severe punishment. Superior range also allowed it to remain airborne longer than its adversary. Compensating for the Hurricane’s shortcomings as a dogfighter, RAF pilots developed effective tactics: the Hurricanes attacked German bombers, while the more nimble Spitfires tangled with enemy fighters.

On 17 August 1940, Flight Lieutenant J.B. Nicolson of

No. 249 Squadron earned the Victoria Cross, shooting down an Me 110 fighter despite grievous wounds and flames streaking from his damaged Hurricane. Wing Commander Robert Stanford Tuck of No. 257 Squadron and Sergeant Josef Frantisek of No. 303 Squadron were leading Hurricane aces during the Battle of Britain. The highest-scoring Hurricane ace of World War II was Squadron Leader Marmaduke ‘Pat’ Pattle with 35 victories in the Mediterranean.

Despite its shortcomings, pilots praised the Hurricane. “It became a good friend right from the start,” one related, “and I loved it more and more.”

In 1941 RAF Squadrons No. 81 and No. 134 flew with the Soviet Red Air Force on the Eastern Front. In the China-burmaindia theatre, Hurricanes of No. 20 Squadron destroyed 13 Japanese tanks in a memorable mission. Hurricanes were outfitted as night fighters and were also catapulted from merchant ships, providing air cover for trans-atlantic convoys.

The Hurricane’s service life stretched into the 1950s with the air forces of at least 25 countries. From 1945 to 1959, a single Hurricane was afforded the honour of leading the annual RAF fly-past over London to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

“DESPITE ITS SHORTCOMINGS, PILOTS PRAISED THE HURRICANE. ‘IT BECAME A GOOD FRIEND RIGHT FROM THE START,’ ONE RELATED, ‘AND I LOVED IT MORE AND MORE’”

A Hurricane swoops down in a steady dive as its pilot acquires a ground target

During the Battle of Britain, the Hurricane bore the brunt of RAF aerial defences against Luftwaffe bombers, while the swifter Supermarine Spitfire took on fighters