wartechnology

World War 1 was a time of great scientific advancement in military operations. The Second World War was to be no different. Technology became of the utmost importance to each country involved, and millions of dollars were spent each year to increase the height and speed of technology, in order to gain an advantage over the enemy. During this entire war, different technology was used at different times and in different places. I, however, only intend to introduce those advances that affected the course of my famly history.

Uncle Robert's Hurricane being serviced by ground crew.
The Hawker Hurricane was one of the most successful fighters to come out of the war. It was designed by Sydney Camm in 1934 and Mark Brown was the first Canadian to ever fly one. 12,700 of these planes were built in Canada. It fought on all fronts during the war and destroyed more aircraft in the Battle of Britain than any other fighter plane. Later, a variation of it called the Sea Hurricane was used to defend convoys over the Atlantic.

"You pulling my leg? You mean I get to ride this beauty?"Uncle Robert's reaction when he is outfitted with the Hurricane.

Photograph of two of Uncle Robert's fellow squadron mates, who made it home after the Battle of Britain, unlike Uncle Robert. A favourite tradition of pilots of fighter planes as well as bombers was to paint words or pictures onto the sides of their planes, giving the planes a personal touch. Many, like the one above, were signs of optimism and homesickness. Uncle Robert had the word "Bella" painted on his Hurricane, as a tribute to his mother( her nickname was Bella). Indeed most pilots had a strange attachment to their planes since when up in the air, they were the only things that could save them.

A group of young Germans pose on top of a Messerschmitt 109.
The Messerschmitt 109 was designed in 1934 and was the Luftwaffe's most important fighter plane. More Me-109's were produced than any other German fighter (approximately 33,000). It served throughout the entire war and was faster than the Hawker Hurricane and Spitfire.

Painting of a Me-109(Bf-109). It was the fastest and most valuable plane of the Luftwaffe.It was a Me-109 that brought Uncle Robert's plane crashing to the ground, killing him instantly.

Painting of a Messerschmitt 110.
The Me-110 was originally made to help bombers go through enemy aircraft. However, it failed miserably in the Battle of Britain facing the new Hurricanes and Spitfires. It was then that it was started to be used at night . Equipped with radar, it proved itself when it shot down hundreds of RAF bombers over Germany in 1943-1944. During the Blitz where they were defending British cities, Uncle Robert successfully brought down a number of Me-110's.