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By: - 8th October 2019 at 07:44 Permalink
were Whirlwinds ever used in the Battle of Britain?
By: - 8th October 2019 at 13:31 Permalink - Edited 8th October 2019 at 13:35
There were eight listed as on strength with 263 Squadron by October 31st 1940.
Dowding kept them in Scotland a) because of doubts about high-altitude performance and b) because they would have been the only potentially 'tank-busting' aircraft we had. Nevertheless, defensive sorties (both interceptions and patrols) were flown. I don't believe any contacts were reported in the period but I stand to be corrected.
The plan is for the aircraft to take on the October 1940 markings of P6966 at some stage, after being delivered to Hawkinge as P7056 'Pride of Yeovil'. This aircraft actually crashed during the Battle of Britain, and Hawkinge already have several components recovered in the 1979 dig (we have scanned them, as well as larger sections stored elsewhere).
By: - 8th October 2019 at 16:34 Permalink
At least it will be in public display somewhere. I don't recall seeing any Whirlwind bits at other museums I've visited.
By: - 9th October 2019 at 12:20 Permalink
This is true - though it's mostly wood and of an approximate shape it was a great achievement on the part of it's late creator.
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By: hawker1966 - 7th October 2019 at 20:20
Today it has been announced that the Kent Battle of Britain museum is joining forces with the Westland Whirlwind fighter project to build and display Whirlwind fighter NK 1 serial number P7056 “Pride of Yeovil” Hawkinge.
Please see link below.
Exciting times at this ever improving museum
https://www.facebook.com/The-Kent-Battle-of-Britain-Museum-126834467471…