06/16/2026
15 June 1944
Hawker Typhoon pilots of No 198 Squadron at RAF Thorney Island.
The 'Kiwi' pilot on the right is F/O Mate Alexander Milich from Waiharara, NZ and he was KIA 8 December 1944.
2nd TAF had 18 squadrons of Typhoons available for the invasion - 11 rocket-firing and seven bomb-carrying. By mid-June they were using ALGs in Normandy to re-arm and refuel, and by the end of the month many had made a permanent move to France.
This aircraft, coded TP-T, is possibly JR197, which was shot down by flak near Cherbourg on 22 June, killing Squadron Leader Ian Davies.
(Photo source - IWM HU 86371)
Colour by Doug