When was the Hurricane last used operationally by RAF in NW Europe

[Larry]

I know that Hurricanes were still used in the summer of 1943 but when did they go out of operational service in NW Europe with the RAF (including foreign and Commonwealth Sqns).

I'm not talking about Comms use, training or delivering beer, I mean actual offensive ops attacking the Germans or even defensive actions against the Luftwaffe.

I appreciate that the FAA and the RAF in other theatres used Hurricanes until 1945, but so far I have not found the answer for NW Europe!

[DavidIsby]

The Air Historical Branch narrative on air operations over Normandy (in AIR 41 in the National Archives) says a squadron of Hurricanes were used for spotting naval gunfire (along with Spitfires and land-based Seafires) on D-Day.

[kaki3152]

I know 174 Squadron flew Hurricane IV until they received Typhoons

[Chris Thomas]

Originally Posted by kaki3152

I know 174 Squadron flew Hurricane IV until they received Typhoons

174 Sqn exchanged their Hurricane IIBs for Typhoons in April 1943.

At the end of 1943 137, 164 and 184 Sqns were still using Hurricane IVs but 137 and 164 began converting to Typhoons in January 44, followed by 184 Sqn in March 44. As far as I can see, the last offensive Hurricane sorties (NW Europe) were flown by 184 Sqn in February 1944. (Source: Squadron ORBs)

I've not come across any Hurricane squadron used for spotting on D-Day or in the folowing days. If anyone knows which one I'd be interested to hear.
Chris

[DavidIsby]

Hurricanes indeed did NOT fly gunfire spotting missions on D-Day. I mis-read the table in the source.

The actual source on D-Day Hurricane combat ops shows only defensive patrols.>

From AIR 41/24, Air Historical Branch, The Liberation of Northwest Europe, vol. III, The Landings in Normandy (London: Royal Air Force, 1947)
p. 163. As on start of June 1944, Hurricane FR with ADGB as one squadron (16+2) plus one flight (4+2), with a total of 37 in squadrons and 34 operational
p. 169 identifies Hurricanes as flying along with Spitfires “28 uneventful defensive patrols” and that the flight of Hurricanes was operational for defensive missions under 10 Group
Appendix 4 p.1 identifies the flight as 1449 Flight at St. Mary’s, 10 Group and p. 2 identifies the squadrom as 309 (Polish) at Drem and Hutton Cranswick with Hurricane IIcs.

[Chris Thomas]

Originally Posted by DavidIsby

Hurricanes indeed did NOT fly gunfire spotting missions on D-Day. I mis-read the table in the source.

The actual source on D-Day Hurricane combat ops shows only defensive patrols.>

From AIR 41/24, Air Historical Branch, The Liberation of Northwest Europe, vol. III, The Landings in Normandy (London: Royal Air Force, 1947)
p. 163. As on start of June 1944, Hurricane FR with ADGB as one squadron (16+2) plus one flight (4+2), with a total of 37 in squadrons and 34 operational
p. 169 identifies Hurricanes as flying along with Spitfires “28 uneventful defensive patrols” and that the flight of Hurricanes was operational for defensive missions under 10 Group
Appendix 4 p.1 identifies the flight as 1449 Flight at St. Mary’s, 10 Group and p. 2 identifies the squadrom as 309 (Polish) at Drem and Hutton Cranswick with Hurricane IIcs.

Thanks for the clarification David.
CT