Description

Mister Craft 1/72 kit – similar to SAAF version. SAAF decals available

The Hawker Hurricane Mk II played a critical role in the South African Air Force (SAAF) during World War II, marking a transition into the “super-fighter” era for the country. A total of 136 Hurricane Mk IIs served in the SAAF, carrying serial numbers from 5201 to 5336

Arrival & Assembly: Hurricanes first arrived in South Africa by sea in February 1939 and were assembled at Stamford Hill Aerodrome.
Operational Roles: Initially used for coastal defense in Cape Town, they were later deployed to Nairobi to participate in the East African Campaign against Italian forces.
Key Squadrons:
1 Squadron: Operated Hurricane Mk IIcs in North Africa starting mid-September 1942, notably featuring aircraft with “reduced” armament (only the inner pair of cannons).
3 Squadron: Formed in 1939 with Hurricane Mk IIs and later operated them for fighter defense over the port of Aden and coastal patrols in North Africa.
40 Squadron: Used Hurricane Mk IIbs (nicknamed “Gremlin”) for tactical reconnaissance and close support in North Africa in 1942