They Flew Hurricanes

by Adrian Stewart

A celebration of the renowned WWII aircraft and the aviators who flew them—includes rare photographs.   The Hawker Hurricane, together with the Spitfire, is the most famous aircraft of the Second World War. Many pilots, including Douglas Bader, thought it was superior to the Spit—but together they saved Britain from Nazi invasion and possible defeat.   Adrian Stewart has produced a gloriously atmospheric and nostalgic book capturing the spirit of these great aircraft and the pilots who flew them. It tracks the aircraft as it was developed and improved, and follows it to the many theaters of the war where it saw service. Among the lesser-known are Burma and hazardous convoy protection in the Arctic and Mediterranean, flying from makeshift carriers. This book will fascinate specialist aviation historians and those who enjoy a rattling good war story, and includes a superb selection of rare photographs.

Genres: World War II, History, Nonfiction, War

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Simon Brading · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a history text book than a novel, it still manages to entertain while at the same time giving you an idea of just how well-built the Hurricane was and how important it was to the British war effort in most of the theatres of the Second World War. Recommended for anyone interested in the great aircraft of WW2.

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book about the service career of the Hurricane during World War 2. It is mainly written from the viewpoint of the pilots who flew it and it has many extracts from other books written by people involved with Hurricanes. The book shows how the Hurricane fought from the start through to the end of World War 2 and was involved in all theatres of the war, even the Battle of the Atlantic (Hurricats) and the Russian Front (in both British and Russian hands). It is sometimes seen as the lesser partner of the Spitfire, but it's combat service is in my opinion much better and more diverse and had a bigger impact on winning the War for the Allies.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on the wartime career of the Hawker Hurricane. The emphasis is on the experiences of the pilots.

What differentiates this book from the others I've read is the wider scope of coverage. Experiences from theatres beyond Europe are well-covered, for example, the North Africa, Asia, Malta, and at sea (as Sea Hurricanes). Most other books focus on the Battle of Britain with a few chapters on those other theatres (almost like a post-script).

It was really interesting to read the advantages and contribution of the Hurricane in the ground attack role and also in areas airfields were very rough.

Overall, a very enjoyable read!

[-Curious- · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is my usual review practice, I've marked this as 'contains spoilers' simply because I use this space to combat a 'medication vs. memory' battle. Medication is cheating BTW. It will therefore contain spoilers...or not? I don't remember.

My Rating
Is genuinely how valuable it is to me for my intended purposes.

My Review (is a 3-choice system: Like-Okay-Don't Like)
It's a high okay.


This is (and will be) used purely as a reference book for the aircraft. The personal stories were a bonus. It'll be used more than once for my intended purpose.

[John Baddeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real Hero.

Like many before me. I was unaware of this versatile tool that met every need to which it was put. Like those who flew them. I found my self drawn to it's dependability and durability.

[Ian Stuart Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most interesting comparing with the Spitfire

Kept me reading each night May not interest everyone but it did for me. It really showed how and where it excelled in all of it's roles

[Alun Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive account.

A story well told. Heavily reliant on the voices of pilots. I had no idea that the hurricane played such a significant role in so many theatres of war.

[Simon Brodovcky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great record of the Hurricane's role throughout WW2.
The Spitfire took the limelight being such a handsome aircraft and outperforming the fastest German fighters, but this books records the equally vital role and substantial role played by Hurricanes.
All exploits properly referenced and verified.

[Jerry Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly detailed history of the Hurricane

Plenty of details about the Hurricane and the battles it was used in. Great book for those interested in WWII aircraft.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the Hurricane and Sydney Camm

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative.