File:Hawker Hurricane I ‘P2617 - AF-F’ (16518186603).jpg

This genuine veteran of both the Battle of Britain and the Battle of France was built by Gloster in late 1939 / early 1940 and joined 607 (County of Durham) sqn in April 1940. The unit was based at Abbeville, France, as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The unit saw heavy action throughout April and May, before returned to Croydon in May 1940. After serving in the South of England throughout the Battle of Britain, it moved to Prestwick, Scotland, in October 1940 to join 1sqn RCAF (later 401sqn). By July 1941 it was flying with training units including 9SFTS, 8SFTS and 9AFU, finally being stored with 22MU in August 1943. In April 1944 it was allocated to the AHB (Air Historical Branch) and remained in store until after the end of the war. In July 1951 it was used in the filming of ‘Angels One Five’ at RAF Kenley, and was taxied during filming. After a period back in store it was back at Kenley again in 1955 to film ‘Reach for the Sky’, although only in static shots this time. Between 1955 and 1968 it was used as a ground display item at various events around the UK and during this time was repainted into 607sqn markings. In 1968, it became a film-star for the third time, being taxied during the making of ‘Battle of Britain’. It moved to Hendon for the opening of the museum in 1972, and in 1978, having now been repainted into genuine 607sqn markings with correct codes, it moved to the Battle of Britain Hall, where it remains on display. RAF Museum, Hendon, London, UK.