photo caption by Colin Ford
Hawker Typhoon FR.Ib EK427 'S', from a series of ATP photos taken around April-May 1945 at a RAF MU in the UK at the time the aircraft had been retired from active service and its eventual fate was awaiting a decision (scrapping in early 1946). From its AM78, it is officially recorded as only ever having been allocated to No.268 Squadron RAF in the period August to November 1944. However, in digging through the ORBS for No.IV(AC) Squadron RAF, its serial does make a couple of entries for post-strike reconnaissance sorties conducted using a limited number hand me down Typhoon FR.Ib aircraft that were received from 268 in December 1944 and used until February-March 1945. In the other photos in the series, the starboard wing appears to have some replacement panels fitted, including a 'blank' panel on the underside of the wing in the location where the reconnaissance camera lenses would normally be fitted. Reason for ATP taking photos as the type was being withdrawn from service was that they had not previously taken the standard set of technical photos for the type before it was introduced into service or whilst it was in service - someone was catching up with the paperwork.
This photo and a couple of others from the series have been used in the various editions/reprints of the Valiant Wings Publications book on the Hawker Typhoon/Tornado, with rather inaccurate captions and descriptions regarding the type, its FR modifications and operational use.
Below; Typhoon Mk Ib EK 183 US-A No 56 Sqd, flown by Squadron Leader T.H.V Pheloung [21 Apr 1943] Squadron Leader T.H.V Pheloung died 20-06-1943
