Those of you who know aviation history, realize that while it was the Spitfire that got all the glory in terms of press during the Battle for Britain, it was really the Hurricane that did much of the work. While the Spitfires tackled the 109s and 110s, it was up to the Hurricanes to go after the Ju-88s, Do-17s and He-111s. This was as much due to the ruggedness of the airframe as the firepower of its 8 rifle calibre machine guns.

It is also known that the RAF had a real pilot shortage after a short period. They also had a rather large pool of talented and experienced pilots that were not being properly utilized. After the fall of their respective countries, pilots from all over occupied Europe fled to the UK by any means possible; many of them through Spain.

Amongst the first to show up on the shores of Great Britain, were pilots of the Polish Air Force. Because of the short-sightedness of the RAF, it was felt that these men would not be of much use. This was due to several factors, language being one of the largest. It was also a 'requirement' of the RAF that the commanding officer had to be a Brit. This often caused problems from cultural misunderstanding if nothing else. However, when the things got desperate, the many RAF Polish squadrons were finally let into the fight, some with Polish COs. Needless to say, their performance was exceptional and many of the highest scoring aces of the period were Polish.

Techmod is, for those who are unaware, a Polish decal company whose products are well respected for their clarity, thinness and the depth of the instruction sheets. This one is no exception.

There are schemes for three Hurricane Is, all in Dark Green and Dark Earth upper colors with Sky under. One has a black under the left wing. There are enough common markings to do one aircraft with codes for all three planes.

The first is Flt. Lt J.A.Kent's from 303 Sq based at Northolt in September of 1940. This aircraft has a red band on the aft fuselage; quite unusual.

Next is Sqd Ldr. WItold Urbanowicz's 303 Sq Hurricane I, again from Northolt in September 1940.

Finally, the one with the black left wing, a 306 Sq Hurricane from Ternhill in November 1940. By this time, a sky spiner and rear fuselage band were required markings for RAF Fighters.

I have used Techmod decals before and can vouch for their quality and thinness. This would be an excellent sheet for your next BoB Hurrican project. They are perfect for either the Hasegawa or Airfix kits in 1/48.

Review copy courtesy of Air Connection. They have a full selection of Polish and other Eastern European products. When you shop there, say Modeling Madness sent you! Thanks for your support.

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