Gentlemen,
Indeed, during the latter part of May 1943, three Hawker Typhoons were sent to the Middle East for operational trials. Apparently 219 Group RAF decided that the trials would be hosted by 451 Squadron RAAF at LG. 106, near Idku. Under the command of Sqn Ldr J. Paine, 451 Squadron had been flying Hurricane IIc's along with a special section of three Spitfire Mark V's. These were used to intercept the German high flyers running recon over Alexandria at the time.
The test Typhoons were assembled by the 145 maintenance unit at Casablanca, with specialists from Hawker and Napier in observance. After resolving issues with the sand filters, the aircraft were ferried to Idku to begin the tests. After a pretty typical series of “teething” problems with engines, armaments, and personnel, the group settled down and got the job done, just in time for 451 squadron to transition to Spitfire Mark Vc’s.
The Typhoons, R8891, DN323, and EJ906 along with their supporting personnel successfully completed the trials in mid-October 1943 and were ferried to 161 MU on October 23rd.
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“It’s the unconquerable soul of man, not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory.”
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