Hawker Hurricane Mk.I-V Book Review
By Rachel E. Veres
| Date of Review | March 2013 | Title | Hawker Hurricane Mk.I-V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Martyn Chorlton | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2013 | ISBN | 9781780966021 |
| Format | 64 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $18.95 |
Review
In Osprey's Hawker Hurricane I – V, author Martyn Chorlton chronicles the British Hawker Hurricane's design and WWII operational history.
After a short introduction, successive parts highlighting the Hurricane's development, technical specifications and Mk designs rule the narrative's first half.
The proverbial meat on the bones rests within the book's second half. Here, Chorlton adroitly recounts the aircraft's wartime evolution – from "cutting their teeth during the battle of France" to excelling during the Battle of Britain.
The cast of characters isn't all English. During the Battle of Britain, many enemy aircraft succumbed to airmen from Nazi-conquered countries. Czech pilot, Sgt. Josef Frantisek, of the 303 (Polish) Squadron, for instance, dominated the sky with 17 German kills. Tragically, death claimed Frantisek at Ewell, Surrey on 08 October 1940.
Forty historic photographs and additional artwork compliment this handy publication. Looking for paint schemes? Eight color profiles – including the final Hurricane produced – and a foldout schematic offer ample inspiration for hobbyists.
A brief conclusion and further reading complete Chorlton's superb account.
One minor Gremlin: "Design and Development" begins on page 5 – not on page 18.
Highly recommended.
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!