The reason for the Hurricane’s second-class status was that it was competing not with another fighter, but with a genuine legend. William Green wrote: ‘The Supermarine Spitfire was much more than just a highly successful fighter. It was the material symbol of final victory to the British people in their darkest hour, and was probably the only fighter of the Second World War to achieve legendary status.’

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The fact that the Hurricane was responsible for more enemy aircraft destroyed is eclipsed by the Spitfire’s graceful silhouette and romantic legend. Glamour usually outshines performance, in war as in love.

Both aircraft were modified many times as the war progressed; they were given larger engines, more spacious cockpits, and 20mm cannons. Both also saw active service until World War II ended in August 1945. Although they served on other fronts from Malta to Singapore, they reached their pinnacle during the high summer of 1940, when the Spitfire and Hurricane joined forces to thwart the Luftwaffe over the green fields of southern England.

In spite of their differences, both in origin and in performance, the two fighters became counterparts. Together, they turned the tide of history’s first great air battle.

This article was written by David Alan Johnson and originally published in the November 1994 issue of Aviation History. For more great articles subscribe to Aviation History magazine today!

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