Hurricane R4118 Revisited: The Extraordinary Story of the Discovery and Restoration to Flight of a Battle of Britain Survivor: The Adventure Continues 2005-2017

by Peter Vacher

Twelve years since the amazing account of Peter Vacher’s discovery in India was originally published, Grub Street is thrilled to bring readers the updated story of Hurricane R4118. Since the restoration of this magnificent aircraft to flight in 2004, Peter Vacher continued to research its history. In Hurricane R4118 Revisited, more stories of R4118’s origins are told, including the extraordinary tale of how this aircraft shot down a friendly Whitley bomber before it was assigned to a RAF squadron. Focus is also given to the role of 605 Squadron’s ground crew and the aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Continuing into the present day, Vacher highlights the challenges of maintaining and flying a historic warbird, whilst Keith Dennison, a warbird pilot, provides expert commentary on exactly what it is like to fly a Hurricane. The book concludes with the sale of R4118 to an enthusiastic Englishman and the decision taken to keep the aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection. With brand new photography and sources, including wartime letters from Bunny Currant, this book is essential reading for all Hurricane enthusiasts.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 11, 2017

Reviews

[John Mchale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recounting of the recovery and restoration off this unique aircraft. Including insights from those that actually flew it duting the Battle of Britain, along with all the details of its history. Long may it continue to fly.

[Ian Swinden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lent this book as I have always had an interest in military aircraft and WW2 in particular. That said I was anticipating that it may be a little boring if it concentrated on the minutiae of the restoration.
As it turned out this is not the case, by including first and second hand memories of the actual pilots that flew the plane during the Battle of Britain the author brings the narrative to life.
I subsequently realised that I had seen R4118 fly at previous Royal International Air Tattoos!
Peter Vacher has done a brilliant job for British aviation history.