Captain John “Jack” Everitt Frost, DFC & Bar, born 16 July 1918 – MIA 16 June 1942) was a South African fighter ace during WWII. He was the highest-scoring member of the South African Air Force during the war, credited with the destruction of 15 Axis aircraft.  In early 1941, the unit flying Hawker Hurricanes was dispatched to combat Italian forces during the East African Campaign. On 22 February 1941, Frost destroyed four Fiat CR.42 fighters, an action for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In March 1943, Frost was appointed No. 5 Squadron Leader and transitioned to P-40s flying against German forces during the North African Campaign. On 16 June while escorting bombers, Frost’s squadron met with Bf109s from JG 27. After a vicious dog fight, Frost was heard to say,” form up chaps, I’m heading north”. Neither Frost nor his aircraft have never been found. Some sources believe he may have been shot down by prominent Luftwaffe ace,  Hans-Joachim Marseille, who shot down 6 aircraft in that area on that day.

The kit was very straightforward with no problems. Very clear 8-page instruction sheet for 2 versions of South African Air Force Mk1s. Excellent color callouts. Well molded details and cockpit. Multiple options for various Mk1 Hurricanes.

Built out of box to include: Volkes tropical air filter, tapered antenna mast, early tailwheel, early ejector exhaust, pointed spinner, 8- .303s. Nav lights were drilled and painted to replicate red and green nav lights. I removed the area for 20mm cannons and the circular oil ring deflector. I followed the instructions to build the specific Frost aircraft. A nylon thread antenna wire was installed from the tail to the mast and into the radio compartment. A waving pilot figure dressed in tropical uniform was installed in the cockpit.

 Painted with Tamiya acrylics Dark Green/Light Earth/Azure Blue, “A” Style camo scheme. Painted Flat Black wing walks. Landing gear and wheel wells were painted aluminum. Clear coat was applied for decals and then a final semi-gloss finish. Light exhaust and gun smoke stains with pastel chalk.

I was very pleased with the final result, model was built in 42 hours. I would recommend this kit especially for a beginning modeler.

Squadron Signal Hurricane publication

6 March 2025

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