Typhoon tank busters over Normandy

6th July 1944: German troops - and their commanders - cursed the 'Jabos' which dominated the skies above the battlefield in daylight hours

Hawker Typhoons of No. 198 Squadron RAF take off from Thorney Island, Hampshire.

Flight Sergeant J S Fraser-Petherbridge of No. 198 Squadron RAF takes off from Thorney Island, Hampshire, in Hawker Typhoon Mark IB, MN293 'TP-D on a sortie over the Normandy beachhead to search for enemy transport. His was one of eight Typhoons led by Wing Commander R E P Brooker, which attacked and destroyed several German armoured vehicles on the Caen-Falaise road.

The Hawker Typhoon had made an unpromising start when it first entered service in 1941. It came into its own when it was developed as a ground attack aircraft and fitted with rockets. By 1944 the Allies had gained dominance in the air over France and the Typhoon was to range far and wide over the battlefield, playing a critical role in the Allied success. A similar role was played by USAAF Mustangs, also flown by some RAF Squadrons.

German tank turned turtle near Bretteville, south-west of Caen, probably as the result of an attack by rocket-firing Typhoons.

John Golley flew 73 Typhoon sorties with No 245 Squadron RAF over Normandy in 1944. In his memoir¹, which he wrote in the form of fiction, placing himself in different perspectives, he recounts a typical operation:

A and B Flights were flying in finger-four formation as pilots switched on and adjusted reflector gun sights, turned cannon buttons to the fire position and flipped down rocket switches in preparation for the attack.

Down they hurtled with speed rapidly building up towards 500 mph and controls getting heavy, requiring real physical effort on rudder pedals and stick…