Hi All, I have finally got around to starting a thread on the Hawker Hurricane I have previously discussed. In working on “Down to Earth”, the story of another veteran came to light. The tale of Hawker Hurricane Mk I, P2902, DX-R, or “R for Robert”. Now residing in southern England and undergoing restoration to full flying status, it is hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to the late Squadron Leader Kenneth McGlashan AFC. DX-R began its life as a product of the Gloster Aircraft Company. Built under contract number 962371/38 and taken on charge at 245 Squadron on the 19th May 1940. At the time of its demise, DX-R had only a handful of flight time to its credit. On that fateful offensive patrol of 31st May 1940, Kenneth always lamented that his first mistake that day was not having a good look back over his shoulder. If he had of, he would have seen the grey Messerschmitt 109s of JG26 of the Luftwaffe. Hurricane DX-R would spend the next fifty years immersed in the sands of Dunkirk before its discovery. Now, in the 21st century it is preparing to fly once more. Here are a couple of images of P2902. View attachment 1184 View attachment 1185 Cheers, Owen (Questions welcomed as always.)
Well, the saying is: "Good things come to those who wait"! It will be a fitting exercise when it is finished.
Hi Andy, Yes, the aircraft is now in the expert care of Hawker Restorations at Suffolk. It was one of the Hurricane's featured in an article in FlyPast (November 2007) and is well worth a read if you can get your hands on a copy. Cheers Owen
Ooh, I'll keep an eye out for it, Owen, thanks. I used to subscribe to FlyPast from about 89 to 2001 when I just couldn't keep up with the reading! Some bloody good writing.
Hi Andy, Yes, it's a tremendous magazine and I've been lucky enough to write for them on occasions. Here's another Hurricane shot. View attachment 1186 Cheers Owen
That's a fantastic internal shot Owen - I've never seen the airframe from that angle. Looks almost prehistoric.
Hi Kyt, Yes, it really demonstrates the fuselage bracing and framework in an almost 'dramatic' fashion. For my money, it is further testimony to the tradesmen; both of today and yesteryear. Cheers, Owen
It also shows how fantastic the design was. No wonder the aircraft could take so much punishment, and how running repairs could be made on base. This picture shows how light the frame actually was: ViewImages.com (Picture 5)
Hi again all, Another interesting restoration is Hawker Hurricane R4118. It was recovered from India and subsequently restored by the crew getting Kenneth's Hurricane back in the air. This website features some restoration shots at Hawker Restorations. Hurricane R4118 Have a look, I hope you find it interesting. Cheers Owen
