Website Theme Change

On October 9, 2025 I changed this site's theme to what I feel is a much better design than previous themes. Some pages will not be affected by this design change, but other pages that I changed and new pages I added in the last several days need to have some of their photos re-sized so they will display properly with the new theme design. Thank you for your patience while I make these changes over the next several days. -- Ray Merriam
Showing posts with label Battle of Britain Album #7: No. 32 Squadron RAF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battle of Britain Album #7: No. 32 Squadron RAF. Show all posts

Battle of Britain Album #7: No. 32 Squadron RAF

Hawker Hurricane Mk I P3522 of No. 32 Squadron, flown by Pilot Officer Rupert Smythe, taxiing at Hawkinge, 29 July 1940.

 

Pilots of 'B' Flight, No. 32 Squadron relax on the grass at Hawkinge in front of Hurricane Mk I P3522, GZ-V, during the Battle of Britain. From left to right: Pilot Officer R F Smythe; Pilot Officer K R Gillman; Pilot Officer J E Procter; Flight Lieutenant P M Brothers; Pilot Officer D H Grice; Pilot Officer P M Gardner and Pilot Officer A F Eckford. All survived the war except Keith Gillman who was posted missing 25 August 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 54418.

 

"Tribute to Pete Brothers" by Ivan Berryman. Pete Brothers is shown here in his Hurricane P2921 GZ-L of No.32 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. In one of 8 victories claimed before September 1940, he has peppered a marauding German Dornier Do.215, its port engine now trailing smoke and flame. In this incident, he had been attacked by Me110s and had stalled while turning to meet them. Spinning out of the stall he immediately sighted, engaged and shot down the Do.215. He claimed an Me109 later the same day. Pete Brothers is credited with a total of 16 victories during World War Two. He died aged 91 in December 2008.

 

“Battle for Biggin” by Kenneth McDonough. July 1940 Hurricanes from 32 squadron RAF southbound over Kent to protect their home base, Biggin Hill.

 

Ground crew refueling a Hawker Hurricane of No. 32 Squadron from a refueling truck whilst the pilot waits in the cockpit, Biggin Hill, August 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 57450.

 

Ground crew in steel helmets refueling a Hawker Hurricane of No. 32 Squadron, as the pilot climbs out of the cockpit, Biggin Hill/Hawkinge, August 1940. Imperial War Museum photo HU 54513.