Hawker Hurricane Mk.XIIa G-HURI is a remarkable survivor of the Second World War, combining genuine wartime heritage with a long and fascinating second life as one of Britain’s best-known flying warbirds. Built in Canada in 1942 by the Canadian Car and Foundry Company, this single-seat fighter represents the contribution made by Canadian industry to the Allied air war. Today, it is particularly recognisable for its association with the Polish pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain.
The Hurricane was manufactured at Fort William, Ontario, and entered service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as serial number 5711 in 1943. Rather than serving with the RAF over Britain, it remained in Canada throughout the war, serving with several RCAF units, including operational and training establishments. Its service formed part of Canada’s wartime air defence effort, helping protect the country’s eastern approaches and supporting the training of aircrew.
Following the war, the aircraft was struck off charge in 1947. During the 1970s and early 1980s, original Hurricane components were gathered from across Canada for a painstaking rebuild. The project was eventually taken on by Stephen Grey of The Fighter Collection, and after years of restoration work, the aircraft returned to the air on 1 September 1989, registered as G-HURI.
In 2002, the Hurricane joined the Historic Aircraft Collection. Following an extensive overhaul, it emerged in 2004 wearing the markings of Z5140, coded HA-C, a Hurricane Mk.IIB associated with No. 126 Squadron during the defence of Malta. In 2005, G-HURI made a particularly memorable journey to Malta, becoming the first Hurricane to fly there since the Second World War as part of the Merlins Over Malta project.
Honouring the Polish Few
One of the most striking chapters in G-HURI’s history is its role in commemorating the Polish airmen who defended Britain in 1940. The aircraft has worn several historic identities over the years, including the markings of Hurricane P3700, associated with No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, the City of Poznań squadron.
No. 303 Squadron became one of the most successful Allied fighter units of the Battle of Britain, with Polish pilots demonstrating exceptional determination and skill in the defence of Britain’s skies. The markings worn by G-HURI pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice, as well as the wider contribution of Polish airmen who continued fighting after their homeland was occupied.
The real P3700 was abandoned by Sergeant Kazimierz Wünsche on 9 September 1940 after combat with a German Bf 109 over the south coast.