1/48 Hasegawa Hawker Hurricane

Mk. IIC and Mk.IID

 in SAAF service

by Sinuhe Hahn and Piet van Schalkwyk

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The SAAF used a number of different Hurricanes in North Africa , the most famous of which are probably the “can opener” Hurricane IID’s equipped with 40 mm cannons. These were used with great effect against German armour. Hurricane IID’s were used by 7 Squadron SAAF, which operated together with 6 Squadron RAF. Frequently these aircraft get confused. 7 Squadron SAAF operated aircraft with single code letters e.g., “U” or “D”, whereas 6 Squadron RAF operated aircraft with “JV” codes. Although it is possible that these aircraft were used interchangeably by personnel from these two Squadrons, what is clear is that SAAF 7 Squadron aircraft were adorned with the Squadron emblem, an Eagle lifting a tank, on the cowling. It is also highly probable that their roundels were repainted to have an orange center, a common practice on SAAF aircraft. Of interest is that these aircraft were delivered in standard European camouflage of dark earth, dark green and sky. They were later repainted in standard desert colours of azure blue, mid stone and dark earth.

Click on images below to see larger images

SAAF Hurri Mk IIc 11 OTU SAAF Hurri Mk IIc 11 OTU SAAF Hurri Mk IID 11 7 Squadron

Numerous Hurricane Mk.IIC's were transferred from operational duty in North Africa to serve as trainers in South Africa. Post war Hurricanes served with the SAAF until 1946 when they were finally withdrawn from service. These served with 11 OTU (operational training unit) and were painted dark earth upper surfaces and sky lower surfaces. 

Sinuhe and Piet

SAAF Hurri Mk IID 11 7 Squadron rear side view

Photos and text © by Sinuhe Hahn