Rocket Fighter: 6 Squadron and the Hurricane IV 1943-45

[simong]

Hi,

Rocket Fighter: 6 Squadron and the Hurricane IV 1943-47

For those of you interested in the Hawker Hurricane and the Balkan Air Force.

New book is now available via large online bookseller detailing the use of the Hawker Hurricane IV by 6 Squadron, both operationally over the Balkans and in the period after the war in Palestine and Cyprus. The book includes the recollections of squadron pilots and ground crew from this time and includes photos of squadron aircraft and personnel from this period.

Simon Gifford

[Orwell1984]

Looks very interesting and I'll definitely pick up a copy.


6 Squadron is very under-serviced when it comes to squadron history, especially considering the unique aspect of much of their operations.


Any chance of a future book on the IID?


EDIT: after looking at it on the online store that shall not be named, copy ordered.

[Edward]

Sounds great at a very appealing price.

Edward

Rocket Fighter: 6 Squadron and the Hurricane IV 1943-47
(S. Gifford - 29 July 2022)
by Simon James Gifford
166 pages w/ b&w photos - paperback
£9.99 [amz.uk]

In March 1944 the first flight took place of the final production variant of the Hawker Hurricane, the Mark IV. Derived from the Mark II the new Hurricane IV was no longer the fighter that had helped win the Battle of Britain but a dedicated ground-attack aircraft. Fitted with a modified wing, the Mark IV could carry a variety of weapons; two Vickers 40mm S-guns (as per the earlier IId), bombs, drop tanks and, uniquely at this stage of the war for a single-seat RAF fighter, thee-inch rockets. In addition, to provide extra protection for the aircraft and pilot, additional armour was fitted around the cockpit and engine and, most visibly, around the under-fuselage radiator tub. To cope with the extra weight this added, it was planned that the IV would have a more powerful Merlin fitted, designed additionally to cope with use in the heat of the desert and jungle environments where the Hurricane could expect to see service.

In Africa, the Hurricane IV was issued to 6 Squadron in July 1943. It was with this squadron that the Hurricane IV would carve a unique niche whilst operating over Italy and the Balkans. The squadron had already forged a name for itself when flying the Hurricane IId over the desert. From mid-1943 to January 1947, the squadron flew the Hurricane IV with distinction. Despite the pilots frequently being promised that the Hurricanes would be replaced with something more modern, the squadron’s ability to get the most out of the Hurricane meant that they continued to operate it past when the Hurricane had been removed from all other front line RAF squadrons, until on the 15 January 1947, the last Hurricane IV was unceremoniously sent to be scrapped.

This book provides a comprehensive history of 6 Squadron throughout the period it operated the Hurricane IV. It incorporates a wealth of material provided by pilots and ground crew from the squadron detailing the squadron's wartime operations and its time in Palestine after the war had finished. It also has a number of rare photographs of the Hurricane IV is service, including some that have never been published previously.

[simong]

Thanks for the comments and support.

I’m looking into doing something about the Hurricane IId at the moment but need to look at what material / photos I have.

Simon

[Orwell1984]

Originally Posted by simong

Thanks for the comments and support.

I’m looking into doing something about the Hurricane IId at the moment but need to look at what material / photos I have.

Simon

Well if you manage to do it, you've got one sale guaranteed.

[bearoutwest]

Originally Posted by Orwell1984

Well if you manage to do it, you've got one sale guaranteed.

....make that two sales.

I've just ordered a copy of "Rocket Fighter" to satisfy my curiosity on the Mk IV Hurricane operations. Now to sit on my hands (almost) patiently, until the mail arrives (....in Australia, so perhaps a few weeks time).

A book on 6 SQN's desert operations with the "Flying Tin Openers" would be very welcome.

...geoff

[Boris Ciglic]

Hi all,

Forgive me my ignorance, but I get zero hits on google when looking for the book. Could somebody help me with a link to any seller? I can't find it in catalogue of Aviation Bookshop and Aviation Megastore either.

Cheers,
Boris

[Orwell1984]

Originally Posted by Boris Ciglic

Hi all,

Forgive me my ignorance, but I get zero hits on google when looking for the book. Could somebody help me with a link to any seller? I can't find it in catalogue of Aviation Bookshop and Aviation Megastore either.

Cheers,
Boris

Here you go, Boris

Sold through Amazon.

https://www.amazon.ca/Rocket-Fighter...s%2C142&sr=8-2

Regards
Mark

[Boris Ciglic]

Thank you Mark!