This book covers the design, development, production and operations of
the Hawker Hurricane before, during and after the Second World War.
Without the courage and perseverance of the young men from Britain and
the Commonwealth, who risked their lives to beat the Luftwaffe and
forestall the enemy invasion of Britain, there would not have been a
'Battle of Britain.' The Hurricane was a simple rugged metal structure
that did not require expensive assembly jigs, absorbed a lot of battle
damage, and was also simple to repair. Its wide-track undercarriage
allowed operations from rapidly prepared grass fields, and the ultimate
cannon armament and rocket projectiles could destroy both soft skin and
armored targets. Following the Battles of France and Britain, Spitfires
took over much of the air-to-air interception, while Hurricanes roamed
around occupied Europe destroying enemy ground targets. They operated
off merchant ships on the Russian convoys and were vital in the defense
of Malta. Hurricanes worked with the Soviet Air Force within the Arctic
Circle, and supported the Eighth Army against the forces of Rommel in
the deserts of North Africa, as well as serving with distinction in
Asia.