Hawker Fury Mk.I (G-CBZP), K5674, manufacturers serial 41H/67550. The Hawker Fury is widely regarded as the epitome of biplane fighter development and arguably the most beautiful biplane ever created. Powered by a 580hp Rolls Royce Kestrel IIS V-12 supercharged, water-cooled engine, there are no other known survivors anywhere in the world and thus the aircraft can claim to be unique. It was acquired from South Africa in 1994 after a tip-off from the RAF Museum.

The aircraft was delivered to 2 ASU on 20 November 1935 and then to 43 Sqn at RAF Tangmere on 2 June 1936. F/O FE Rosier, later to become Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Rosier GCB, CBE, DSO, recorded in his log that the aircraft was his aircraft whilst he was OC B Flight between December 1936 and January 1939. It was called ‘Queen of North and South’. He first flew it on 9 December 1936 and his last flight was on 22 February 1939 when the comment in his log was ‘Last fling in Queen of North and South. Perfect’. After periods at 5 MU and 47 MU the aircraft is recorded ‘to South Africa 5 August 1940’.

The aircraft arrived in Durban on 'Clan Mathieso' on 20 October 1940. On 15 March 1941 the aircraft, now with the serial number 215, was taken on charge by 13 Squadron (soon to be renumbered 43) based at Swartkop. On 31 March 1941 it ran out of fuel and force landed near Pitsani whilst being flown by 2/Lt Peter M. Hedley. The pilot suffered no injuries but the aircraft suffered Cat 2 damage. Records show the aircraft being stored before being delivered to No.2 Air Depot Kimberley where it was scrapped.

It is expected that the Fury will fly again this summer. For complete authenticity we are still seeking the correct radio equipment and cockpit tuner plus the oxygen regulator for the aircraft, although it is not essential for completion to flight as it will be non-operable. If anyone has any clues as to where we could find this equipment, we would be really grateful.