Hawker Typhoon 1B - 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, United States Army Air Force, October 1942
Following the Dieppe Raid in August 1942 there was excitement amongst the RAF's three 'Eagle' squadrons following a strong rumour that they would soon all re-equip with the new Spitfire IX but this excitement turned to disappointment when Hawker Typhoons began to arrive in early September. Initially equipping No.121 squadron, Typhoons had soon replaced the Spitfire Vb's of No.71 and No.133 squadrons just in time for all three squadrons to be officially handed-over to the fledgling Eighth Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces becoming the 4th Fighter Group. In the hands of the 4th Fighter Group the Typhoons gained a fearsome reputation for aggression when used offensively on fighter sweeps but by the Spring of 1943 there was a more pressing need to fly escort missions for which the P-47 Thunderbolt was deemed better suited and the Typhoons were soon phased out of service.