It's now very late in the evening. The Hurricane has been returned to the Inspection Area and is once again up on trestles, lined up with the "gun pattern mast". W/O Smith has now confirmed that the gun button was faulty and is to be replaced. Eight replacement Brownings have also been fitted and are being aligned. The inspection crew, with the exception of the armourers, go off for their now very late evening meal, leaving the two Workshops sergeants to look after things at the Inspection Area.
Having been informed that the armourers have finished their operation, the other ground crew have now repositioned the aircraft at the run-up area. Once again, the external checks are carried out and I make my way to the Hurricane's entry step. "Jock" Kay, "Paddy" Lambe, "Nobby" Clarke and “Webby" are standing by the step. "Webby" steps forward with outstretched arms. "Make way for the Eight-Gun Fitter!" he announces.
As you might expect
, the reply was very audible and not very complimentary. At first light the following morning, the Hurricane is flown off to Burg El Arab.
Here's a 208 Squadron Hurricane - an eight-gun Hurricane, being re-armed. This particular aircraft was a PRI (Trop), Serial Number P2638. Whilst returning from a lone reconnaissance sortie on 24th July (to Burg-el-Arab, strangely enough), it was 'jumped' and shot down by three BF109s.
- Sid Jefford
