New images added Hobby Master HA8615 Hurricane Mk.I “Battle of Britain” F/L Geoffrey “Sammy” Allard, No .85 Sqn., RAF, July-Aug. 1940
During August 1940, Geoffrey “Sammy” Allard flew the Hawker Hurricane Mk I with RAF No. 85 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Already an experienced combat pilot from the Battle of France, Allard became one of the squadron’s leading aces. After 85 Squadron moved to Croydon on August 19, he fought almost continuously against Luftwaffe raids over southeastern England. Allard claimed a Bf 109 on August 24, a Dornier on August 26, and further victories during intense fighting on August 28-31. His exceptional combat record earned him a Bar to his DFM and later the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Hawker Hurricane Mk I
Based on the Fury biplane and designed by Sydney Camm as a monoplane fighter, the Hurricane was first flown on November 6th, 1935. With its wide-set landing gear, easy handling, reliability, and stable gun platform, the Hurricane was suitable for a variety of different roles such as intruder, ground strafing and night fighter. Steel-tube construction meant cannon shells could pass right through the wood and fabric covering without exploding. The Hurricane underwent many modifications during its lifetime, including an upgraded Merlin engine and interchangeable multi-purpose wings, staging twelve 7.7mm guns and two 40mm anti-tank guns and carrying two 500lb bombs.
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