Second World War Archives - Page 23 of 40

Letov S-328 in Czech Service

Initially developed for a Finnish requirement for a two seat biplane reconnaissance, the Letov S-28 first flew in 1929. Although not taken up by the Finish Air Force, Czechoslovakia bought 12 production Letov S-128s. These were followed by 4 S-228s for Estonia which were delivered in 1932. Production then shifted to the main S-328 version. A total of 470 of all versions were built.

Following the Sudetenland Crisis and the splitting of Czechoslovakia, the new state of Slovakia inherited a large number of S-328s while Germany took control of the rest. Some of these and new built machines were sold to Bulgaria.

Letov S-328s of the Czech Air Force

Letov S-328 Floatplane

Letov S-328 on Skis

Letov S-328 Internal Structure

Letov S-328 Crashes

Hawker Sea Fury in Dutch Service

Hawker Sea Fury in Dutch Service

The Netherlands purchased ten Hawker Sea Fury F.50s (equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm’s F.X) in 1946. These operated from the Royal Netherlands Navy aircraft carrier HNLMS Karel Doorman QH1 (ex-HMS Nairana) as 860 Squadron. As the ship operated in conjunction with the Royal Navy, it was common to have Dutch Sea Furies on British ships.

In 1947, the Sea Furies operated from Karel Doorman against insurgents in the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia). In 1948 this aircraft carrier was returned to Britain and replaced by the Colossus-class aircraft carrier HMS Venerable (R63). Once in Dutch service it was renamed HNLMS Karel Doorman R-81.

In January 1950 an order for twelve Sea Fury FB.50s (equivalent to the Fleet Air Arm’ FB.11) was placed with Hawker. In addition a licence was purchased, and Dutch manufactured aircraft brought the total operated to 48. In June 1956, No. 860 Squadron transferred its aircraft to No. 3 Squadron and the role ship board fighter was taken over by the Hawker Sea Hawk.

Hawker Sea Fury in Egyptian Service

Royal Egyptian Air Force Hawker Sea Fury

Hawker Sea Fury in Egyptian Service

The Royal Egyptian Air Force received 12 single seat Sea Furies in 1950-51. This was followed by the F.2/43 prototype NX798 G-AKRY. At least two Iraqi Furies were also presented to Egypt.