[Andy Fletcher]

Hi Jon,

I can find 13 claims by Luftwaffe fighter pilots for Whirlwinds, the last one being on 14Apr43 Lt Wilhelm Godt 8/JG2. This appears to correspond to the loss of Sgt J. Macauley 263 Sqn (KIA) flying Whirlwind I (P7010).

Infact most of the claims were made by pilots of III/JG2.

I believe the Whirlwind wasn't developed because of it's peregrine engines. Priority was given to Merlin production/development so the peregrine was allowed to wither taking the Whirlwind with it. If I remember correctly only just over a hundred Whirlwinds were built. I don't know if trials were ever done to fit Merlins. Also don't forget the RAF had the excellent Mosquito which could be used in numerous roles.

I'm sure others can elaborate/add more about the Whirlwind.

Andy Fletcher