Hawker Hurricane Mk II – 73 Sqn RAF, Western Desert, 1942

Corgi Aviation 1/72 scale AA30701: Hawker Hurricane Mk II of 73 Sqn RAF, Western Desert, 1942. Non limited edition model.

Length 5.25 inches Wingspan 6.75 inches

PLEASE NOTE: Box has a few light scuff marks and the inner tray is tarnished. Model is excellent.

73 Squadron was formed on 1st July at Upavon as a fighter unit. Equipped with Camels, it moved to France in January 1918 to fly fighter patrols and bomber escort missions over the Western Front. Following the end of WWI, the squadron returned to the UK and was disbanded in February 1919. On 15th March 1937, 73 was reformed at Mildenhall as a fighter squadron with Furies. Replaced with Gladiators in June of 1937 the conversion to Hurricanes took place in July 1938. On the outbreak of World War II, 73 was one of two Hurricane squadrons attached to the Advanced Air Striking Force and moved to France. After the invasion of France the Squadron retired to England and concentrated on night fighting in the Battle of Britain. They were then rushed to the Middle East to meet the crisis of 1940 becoming separated from their ground crews and losing many aircraft en-route. This aircraft was flown by 73 Squadron in the Western Desert in 1942 and was unique due to the unofficial peacetime flash adorning the fuselage.

Based on the Fury biplane and designed by Sydney Camm as a monoplane fighter, the Hurricane was first flown on November 6th, 1935. With its wide-set landing gear, easy handling, reliability, and stable gun platform, the Hurricane was suitable for a variety of different roles such as intruder, ground strafing and night fighter. Steel-tube construction meant cannon shells could pass right through the wood and fabric covering without exploding. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its lifetime, including an upgraded Merlin engine and interchangeable multi-purpose wings, staging twelve 7.7mm guns and two 40mm anti-tank guns and carrying two 500lb bombs.