For many years the importance and contribution of the Hawker Hurricane was eclipsed by the Spitfire but statistically the Hurricane was superior in the majority of cases. Thanks to Tommy Sopwiths initiative and gamble the Hurricane was ready at the outbreak of the Second World War and in service throughout. As this superbly researched book reveals by examining the roles, actions and personalities of ten Hurricane squadrons, this iconic aircraft was not only exceptionally robust but astonishingly versatile. We track its performance from the Battle of France and Britain through the Middle East, Italy and on to Burma. It excelled as day and night interceptor, intruder and importantly as a rocket firing tank buster. The Hurricane inspired great loyalty among its pilots and their colourful personalities and thrilling experiences make this splendid book an informative and entertaining read.

ADRIAN STEWART was educated at Rugby School before taking First Class Honours at Caius College, Cambridge. His previously published works include: The Battle for Leyte Gulf; Hurricane; The War Exploits of the Fighter Aircraft; Guadalcanal; World War IIs Fiercest Naval Campaign and Underrated Enemy: Britains War with Japan December 1941 May 1942. His Eighth Armys Greatest Victories (1999), Early Battles of Eighth Army (2002), They Flew Hurricanes (2005), The Campaigns of Alexander of Tunis 1940-1945 (2008) and have all been published by Pen and Sword Books. He lives near Rugby.