The 22 Hurricane squadrons of the Battle of Britain — a guide for modellers
Twenty-two RAF squadrons flew Hawker Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, accounting for over 55% of all RAF victory claims. Understanding which squadron you're modelling — its group, base, codes and pilots — is the foundation of any serious BoB Hurricane build. This guide maps all 22 units with the key details a modeller needs.
The group system
Fighter Command was divided into Groups, each covering a geographic area. The group your squadron belonged to determines its role in the battle, its likely flying tempo and the airfield mud colour you should apply to the undercarriage.
- 11 Group (AVM Keith Park) — Southeast England, the front line. The most heavily engaged. Squadrons here flew 4–6 sorties per day in August–September. Heavy wear on aircraft.
- 10 Group (AVM Quintin Brand) — Southwest. Covered Portsmouth, Southampton and Bristol. Less intense than 11 Group but engaged Luftflotte 3 from Normandy.
- 12 Group (AVM Trafford Leigh-Mallory) — Midlands. The Big Wing controversy. Reserve role, rotating south when called. Less operational wear on aircraft.
- 13 Group (AVM Richard Saul) — North. Scotland, North England. Defeated the disastrous Luftflotte 5 Norway attacks on 15 August.
The 11 Group Hurricane squadrons
These units bore the heaviest burden of the battle. Their aircraft showed the greatest operational wear — paint fading, retouched codes, heavy exhaust staining, accumulated airfield contamination.
No. 1 Squadron — JX — Northolt
One of the most experienced units, blooded in France. 155 claims — third highest in the battle. The most covered Hurricane unit for decals: Xtradecal X48147, X72113 and multiple Barracuda sheets. Serial P2923 coded JX-B is the standard reference aircraft.
No. 32 Squadron — GZ — Biggin Hill
Officially the most successful Fighter Command squadron in the first half of the battle. Michael Crossley (22 kills — top Hurricane ace of 1940) and Peter Brothers flew here. The Hawkinge B-Flight photograph (29 July 1940) showing GZ-V is the most reproduced image of the entire battle. Xtradecal X72117 covers this unit.
No. 43 Squadron — FT — Tangmere
First to intercept cross-Channel raids on the south coast. Tom Dalton-Morgan (11 kills) was among the top Hurricane scorers. Xtradecal X48147 and X72117 both cover 43 Sqn.
No. 56 Squadron — US — North Weald
Defended eastern Essex. North Weald was bombed on 24 August. Xtradecal X72117 covers N3522 US-P. Serial N3522 coded US-P is the primary reference aircraft.
No. 85 Squadron — VY — Croydon/Castle Camps
Peter Townsend (DSO DFC) led 85 Sqn. R.H.A. Lee (13 kills) was the highest-scoring pilot at the time of his death on 18 August. Multiple decal sheets: Xtradecal X72225 (P3166 VY-Q Townsend), X72117 (VY-R A.G. Lewis). Croydon was bombed 15 August.
No. 111 Squadron — JU — Croydon
Pioneered head-on attacks against bomber formations — adopted across Fighter Command. 134 claims — highest of any Hurricane unit. Xtradecal X48147 covers this unit.
No. 501 Squadron — SD — Kenley
County of Gloucester Auxiliary. 131 claims. 'Ginger' Lacey scored 15 kills here before moving to 151 Sqn. Xtradecal X72225 covers V6665 SD-B.
The 10 Group Hurricane squadrons
No. 87 Squadron — LK — Exeter
The unique Red Devon Clay station — see the weathering article for details. Ian Gleed wrote 'Arise to Conquer'. Xtradecal X48144 covers P2798 LK-A (Gleed's aircraft).
No. 238 Squadron — VK — Middle Wallop
Covered Hampshire and Dorset for 10 Group. Engaged Luftflotte 3 attacks on Southampton and Weymouth.
The 12 Group Hurricane squadrons
No. 242 Squadron — LE — Coltishall
The 'Canadian Squadron' under Bader. Anchor of the Big Wing controversy. V7467 LE-D (Bader's aircraft) is the most modelled Big Wing Hurricane. Xtradecal X48144, X72225 and X48146 all cover 242 Sqn markings.
No. 249 Squadron — GN — Church Fenton
Tom Neil's squadron — his memoir Gun Button to Fire is the finest first-person Hurricane account of the battle. Nicholson's VC was won here (16 August 1940). Serial P3616 coded GN-F.
No. 310 Squadron — NN — Duxford
The first Czech RAF squadron. Duxford Wing participant. AML produces dedicated Czech squadron decal sets with great accuracy. Xtradecal X48144 covers P3143 NN-D.
The 13 Group Hurricane squadrons
No. 605 Squadron — UP — Drem/Croydon
County of Warwick Auxiliary. Archie McKellar (21 kills — Scotland's greatest fighter ace) flew here. He was killed 1 November 1940, just after the battle closed officially.
No. 607 Squadron — AF — Usworth
County of Durham Auxiliary. The crucial 15 August engagement against Luftflotte 5 from Norway — met by 13 Group and inflicted catastrophic losses, ending large-scale Scandinavian raids permanently.
Decal sheets — quick reference
For a comprehensive decal guide, use the Squadrons tab on the Hurricane reference page — each squadron card lists specific Hannants and Barracuda product codes. The most versatile single sheets are:
- Xtradecal X48144 — 1:48 Hurricane BoB Part 1 (87, 242, 310 Sqns)
- Xtradecal X48146 — 1:48 Hurricane BoB Part 2 (242, 501, 601 Sqns)
- Xtradecal X48147 — 1:48 National Insignia (roundels, codes all squadrons)
- Xtradecal X72225 — 1:72 Hurricane BoB Part 2 (85, 242, 504, 601, 607 Sqns)