Gladiators and too-fast Hurricanes

[BnZs]

"This looks like the end of the Gladiators."

"You mean we'll get Hurricanes?"

"I suppose so," Hickey said. "You know, I'll be sorry John."

"For Christ sakes, why?"

"So will you be. Hurricanes are all speed and no aerobatics. You black out on every turn and take a mile to do a loop."

"Don't be romantic about it. Gladiators are just finished."

"I know," Hickey said. "But you know as well as I do that flying Gladiators is the last individual air-fighting there is. I'd sooner have it that way. Flying scads of Hurricanes is like being second pilot in a bomber."

"I suppose so," Quayle said.

"Yes, I'll be sorry," Hickey said. "I won't be sorry for these kids, though. They're better off in fast planes."

--From Signed With Their Honour by James Aldridge, 1942

[Wiley]

Interesting frame of reference they had, seeing a Hurricane as a 'fast' plane...  It must have really been something else doing that stuff at that time, working out for the very first time anywhere tactics and ACM.  Technology evolving at an unprecedented rate...  It would have been an incredible time to be doing that stuff.

Wiley.

[Greebo]

I recall reading something similar in the South African ace Marmaduke Pattle's biography. Pattle was the RAF's top scorer both in Gladiators (15 kills) and Hurricanes (25+). His squadron was delighted when they finally got Hurricanes in Greece as they were struggling to intercept Italian bombers with the biplanes. However the pilots initially found them physically tiring to fly in combat due to the higher G forces and stick forces involved.

[mthrockmor]

Great read and thread.

boo

[BnZs]

The book is based on Aldridge`s experience in Greece and the dedication to Squadron Leader "Pat" Pattle and Squadron Leader T.S. Hickey.