26.04.2009, 03:05
Granted there was retro-fitting but much of that - certainly in France was not authorised or part of design specifications.
"British Fighter Squadrons went to France without back armour; its pilots found it in the wrecks of German machines and installed it in their Hurricanes, without authority." - Derek Robinson, "Invasion, 1940", p.147
Also, Spitfire Is suffered the same problems with a lack of armour. Over Dunkirk, 92 Squadron Spitfires had no back armour, either (See Norman Gelb "Scramble", p.28) - although it was sluggishly fitted throughout June and July 1940. Meanwhile 72 Squadron Spitfires from Biggin Hill in September (!!!) 1940 were missing back armour (See Bill Rolls "Spitfire Attack", p.84)
Certainly there is evidence enough to suggest that back armour was not a standard for either Hurri I, nor Spit I and that it's introduction was not widespread, nor was it compact. If only taking the dates above, that is still May - September 1940 and still back armour is not standard. The mirror mod for the 109s was taken down because it wasn't shown to be a standard, majority use thing. Yet the Spit has back armour despite it suffering the same issues. :roll:
"British Fighter Squadrons went to France without back armour; its pilots found it in the wrecks of German machines and installed it in their Hurricanes, without authority." - Derek Robinson, "Invasion, 1940", p.147
Also, Spitfire Is suffered the same problems with a lack of armour. Over Dunkirk, 92 Squadron Spitfires had no back armour, either (See Norman Gelb "Scramble", p.28) - although it was sluggishly fitted throughout June and July 1940. Meanwhile 72 Squadron Spitfires from Biggin Hill in September (!!!) 1940 were missing back armour (See Bill Rolls "Spitfire Attack", p.84)
Certainly there is evidence enough to suggest that back armour was not a standard for either Hurri I, nor Spit I and that it's introduction was not widespread, nor was it compact. If only taking the dates above, that is still May - September 1940 and still back armour is not standard. The mirror mod for the 109s was taken down because it wasn't shown to be a standard, majority use thing. Yet the Spit has back armour despite it suffering the same issues. :roll: