The Great Spitfire Lie | 5 Minute History

In this eye-opening video, we delve deep into the history of the Battle of Britain to uncover the untold story of the unsung hero, the Hawker Hurricane. Contrary to popular belief, the iconic Spitfire did not single-handedly save Britain from the clutches of the Luftwaffe during World War II. It's time to reveal the great Spitfire lie and shine a spotlight on the aircraft that played an equally pivotal role - the Hawker Hurricane.

Join us as we embark on a journey back in time, exploring the tumultuous days of the Battle of Britain. Through archival footage and insightful analysis, we present a compelling case for the Hawker Hurricane's significant contributions, which have long been overshadowed by the Spitfire's glamour. Learn about the Hurricane's crucial role in defending Britain's skies against the relentless German onslaught. A robust and versatile fighter plane, the Hurri - as it was called - formed the backbone of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the battle, accounting for more enemy aircraft destroyed than any other British aircraft. With its impressive firepower and exceptional maneuverability, the Hawker Hurricane fought valiantly alongside the Spitfire, often engaging enemy aircraft in intense dogfights.

We delve into thrilling accounts of Hurricane pilots, their heroic exploits, and the crucial victories that turned the tide of the battle. Through meticulous research and historical accounts, we debunk the myth that the Spitfire was solely responsible for securing Britain's victory. Instead, we bring to light the truth: it was the combined efforts of both the Hurricane and the Spitfire that led to the RAF's triumph in the skies over southern England. "The Great Spitfire Lie” is a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in uncovering the hidden narratives of pivotal moments in World War II. Prepare to challenge your preconceptions and gain a newfound appreciation for the Hawker Hurricane, a legendary aircraft that deserves its place in history as an unsung hero of the Battle of Britain.

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Timestamps⏰:
00:00 Introduction
00:54 A Look at the Numbers
1:22 A Pilot’s Testimony
2:14 The Why
3:33 Roles - A Key to Success
4:18 Conclusion

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[williamkoppos]

Britain was glad to have the Spitfire. It HAD to have the Hurricane.

[notapplicable]

When I was in grade eight, I came across a book on the Hurricane. One point that stood out to me was the author's comment about the development of the plane. Development of the plane had an air of secrecy about it, something that is true of most advanced planes. However, once developed, it was taken to an air show in Belgium. At that same show, the Germans had one of their Bf 109's. This is where the author made the point that the Hurricane was responsible for the first air casualty of the war. Note that there was no war at this time. The British pilot, in showing off the Hurricane, made a verticle climb that impressed most spectators while infuriating the Germans present. The senior German ordered the 109 pilot to do the same maneuver to show off its prowess. The result was the the Bf 109 attempted the climb, stalled and crashed killing the pilot. Hense the comment about the first kill.

[mikhailiagacesa]

Not forgotten; one of my favorite fighters for over 50 yrs.

[richardstaz]

It’s been well known that Hurricanes shot down more German aircraft then the Spitfire during the Battle of Britain -there were far more Hurricanes as they entered service before the Spitfire and they Hurricanes went after the more plentiful and easier targets the bombers, whilst the Spitfires intercepted the agile German fighters.

[ieatoutoften]

As my favorite automobile mechanic reminds me, experience matters. The rugged "Hurri" with its unusually spread - apart landing gear was a blessing to inexperienced pilots. After surviving the most dangerous moments of a flight (the landing), the Hurri pilots quickly gained experience.
By way of comparison, the opposite was happening to many experienced Bf 109 pilots, due to its landing gear that was not as spread - apart.
In terms of knocking down what you're targeting, all agree that the Hurri was a steadier platform than the "Spit". This feature also added to the pilot's ability to gain more experience.

[alanthurley]

It was common knowledge that the Hurricane shot down more German planes than the Spitfire did. They were told to go after the bombers and let the Spitfires go after the German escorts as it said in the video that the Hurricane could take more punishment than the Spitfires, this was the same with the Mosquito being made mainly with wood. Alan/ Merseyside.

[Outlier]

The Spitfire was the more aesthetically beautiful aircraft. People always prefer what is more beautiful. This applies to things, animals, and people.

[jamesbednar]

Good video!!! Always liked the rugged look of the Hurricane and thought that it could take much more punishment that a Spitfire. Also, the "glory" of the Spitfire can be attributed the 1960s movie, "The Battle of Britain" where most - if not all - of the British aircraft portrayed are Spitfires. Have read in British histories that that movie contributed more to the obscurity of the Hurricane than anything else.

[peterhuxley]

Nearly as much of the Spitfire legend comes from German sources as British. There is even a story of a German fighter pilot who wrote home to say he was well and although Spitfires were bit awkward to combat the Hurricane was "a tired old puffer". Unfortunately, the next day he was shot down by a Hurricane.

[jmrodas]

I already knew this. The Hurricane was a good fighter also, and without it, the Battle of Britain probably would have been lost. Aces like Peter Townsend flew the Hurricane, and shot down some Me-109s with them.

[thehistoriographer]

Fun fact: An Easy way to recognize a Spitfire from a Hurricane is via the Spitfire's iconic and innovative semi-elliptical wings that reduced drag and helped performance.

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[ashleywetherall]

The hurricane was the work horse of the RAF during the battle of Britain. The Polish 303 squadron had some of the highest kill rates during the battle and they mostly flew Hurricane's. The Hurricane wasn't as fast as a Spitfire but was easier to fly, could take more punishment, had a more stable gun platform and was easier to land. Its main weakness was the positioning of its fuel tank.

[sop]

As an RAF air cadet I am obsessed with aviation and the RAF and their history so it’s good to see a video on it + pls send dizzy link

[petegarnett]

Sure, the Spitfire was the icon, but it has always been known that there were more Hurricanes in service at the time. The Hurricanes shot down more bombers. The main difference was that the Hurricane was the pinnacle of the frame and fabric construction, while the Spitire was an all metal monocoque which proved its basic design by being developed throughout the war ending with twice the power it was initially designed for, and with, high and low level variants depending on detail and development of Merlin engines with maximum efficiency at different altitudes.

[markstainton]

Ground crew could refuel and re-arm a Hurricane in about 25 minutes, Spitfires took 45 minutes. Also have heard of one pilot who said that his Hurricane was still flying much as normal with a hole through the wing that a man could have fallen through. Wide undercarriage track also meant they could cope with poor grass strips. At lower altitude a Hurricane could out turn a Spitfire.

[MrSkid]

Remember, it was a team effort from these great aircraft, that saved Britain from occupation!

[roycspary]

in my view as the spitfire had a higher rate of climb itcould reach the high flying escorts first the hurricane reached the lower flying bombers in about the same time and being able to attack both at close to the same moment caused maximum distress and disorganisation also in attacking a bomber their defensive fire was far more likely to score some hits and short of a cooling system hit the hurricane could absorb more punishment the spitfires better performance was due to its lighter weight but every advantage has a cost and the spitfire was rather delicate, harder to repair and much slower to build mitchel and cam had different design philosophies, mitchel was revolutiuonary cam evolutionary it is a case of great serendipity that the results were so synergistic

[MakerBoyOldBoy]

The sleek Spit garnered history 's attention. But, the workhorse backbone of the RAF fighter squadrons was the noble Hurricane. It saved Britain's rasher. The Pima Air Museum has one Canadian example assembled from aged parts due to mechanics efforts. This precisely why all air forces continue to function. Pilots don't make an air force exist - the ground crew does. Pilots are the point of the spear.

[lewistaylor]

Every luftwaffe pilot interveiwed after they were shot down said they were shot down by a Spitfire...The propaganda worked in the luftwaffe ranks too

[kilicm]

So where is the lie? They were both great planes in their assigned roles. We love and appreciate them both.