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
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SAAF Hurri Mk IIc 11 OTU |
SAAF Hurri Mk IIc 11 OTU |
SAAF Hurri Mk IID 11 7 Squadron
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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until 1946 when they were finally withdrawn from service.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
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SAAF Hurri Mk IID 11 7 Squadron rear side view |
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