Corgi AA36508 Hawker Typhoon Mk1B – 439 Sqn RAF, Fl Off R A Johns, 143 Wing, Lantheuil 1944

Following the success of the Hawker Hurricane as a fighter-bomber, it was logical that its successor the Typhoon should be considered for the same role and the first Typhoon fighter-bomber squadron was formed in late 1942. Armed with 500lb and, later, 1000lb bombs, these aircraft were quickly dubbed ‘bomphoons’ by the press. As part of 2nd TAF, the all-Canadian 143 Wing played a vital role throughout the Normandy invasion and were at the forefront of hazardous low-level dive-bombing operations with these aircraft. While the rocket-firing Typhoons attacked road convoys and troop concentrations, the ‘bomphoons’ were usually tasked with targets such as radar installations, strongpoints, road junctions and bridges. The model represents a typical aircraft of 439 Squadron, 143 Wing as it would have appeared during attacks on the Orne River bridges near Caen in July 1944.