14 January 1943. At Fairlop -64 & 122 Squadrons flying
Spitfires MkIX,174 Squadron flying Hurricanes II (Bombers) and 609 Squadron
flying Typoons.
April 1943. 182 and 247 Squadrons - both Typhoon Squadrons. 182 in action dive bombing airfields in France, whilst 247 acted as escort to Typhoon bombers.
Impression of a 'Tiffy' landing at Fairlop.
The Hawker Typhoon nicknamed the 'Tiffie' became renown for its weakness just ahead of the leading edge of the tailplane. Groundcrew were given the frightening task of crawling up the fuselage of a fuelled and armed Typhoon to hold a heavy block in place to enable a supporting ring to be riveted from the outside. Powered by Sabre engines, they had a tendency to cough, bang then stop.
One crashed near to the house by Fairlop Station, the pilot
escaped virtually unhurt. A Canadian Pilot was killed when he crashed near to
Lehmann Archer and Lane engineering works.
Modern view of the former Lehmann Archer and Lane Factory.
September 1943. 164 Squadron flying rare mark hurricanes, developed from the 'hurribomber'. Powered by Merlin 24 or 27, its universal wings to enable it to carry two 1,000 bombs or eight rockets.
November 1943. 164 Squadron on operations attacking V1 rocket sites. Shared Fairlop with 195 Squadron flying typhoons on bomber escorts, fighter sweeps or on patrol along the coastline to intercept intruder raids.
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