Sgifford

Hi Kari, I think you did pretty well - I have done a lot of research on 6 Squadron and their Hurricanes, the postwar stuff went into a book but have a lot on the wartime era as well. Had a quick scan of my notes and the Tito visit to the airfield was on September 2, 1944 so I would suggest that the August 31 sorties would be the most likely - I have a photo of the airfield that shows the proximity of the hills to the single runway. during this time 6 Squadron was still based in Italy with Vis as a detachment so the ORB only records operational details of what was happening the

Hi, I think that the footage was taken at the airfield at Vis (the proximity of the hills in the background is clearly visible when the Hurricanes are taking off). Likely dates would be in August/September 1944 when LD233 ‘C’ and KZ224 ‘F’ we’re flown on a number of sorties from the island - including on 14 September when LD233 was shot down with the loss of the pilot. Sadly there is no reference to the filming in the squadron ORB. Hurricane LD233 ‘C’ was unusual in that it carried the aircraft letter under the front of the nose - see the photo in Troy’s original post.

The radiator mesh guard is visible on a photo of Hurricane KZ320 taken from the front quarter I have. Unfortunately, in pretty much every other photo where it might be possible to see the guard the radiator is in shadow so no detail can be made out. Simon

All 6 Squadron Hurricanes retained the Merlin XX through to the types final withdrawal in Jan 1947. The use of the Merlin XX actually became problematic with the squadron struggling with serviceability. The ORB refers to the availability of 2 or 3 Merlin XX for the squadron’s use in Nov 46 by HQ RAF Middle East at Kolundia. Simon

Hi Tony, I think the code B is for the comms unit - I have another photo with an Argus aircraft also wearing the B code. simon

Hi Troy, I’m beginning to think that you are going through my Hurricane photo folder - I bought this one as well. This was one of a number of photos of aircraft belonging to the Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Forces Comm Flight at Bari in early 1944. Most of these units rarely mention serials in their records so a lot of comms aircraft are unknown hence not being listed in the Air Britain serials books. simon

Hi Troy, it is that photo which I bought - there were no other Hurricane photos unfortunately. I am very interested in the Hurricane IV but few photos ever come up - in particular shots of them in the UK seem particularly rare so I am on a constant look out. Simkb

Hi Steve, I bought the Hurricane photo from the vendor - as you say lots of unpublished shots - but a lot of interest. Still rare chance to get a photo of a Hurricane IV in the U.K. I think the captured Luftwaffe photos went for a significant amount. cheers, Simon

Hurricane is LD863 ‘S’ of 438 Sqn. Photo taken on December 30 or 31 while escorting a ME110 and Ju88 to various USAAF bomber airfields (there is a reference in the ORB). Aircraft was still on strength towards the end of March 1944 before being allocated away. hope this helps, Simon