Painted in oils on canvas. 1999. 500mm x 750mm. Selected for the 1999 ‘Aviation Paintings of the Year’ Exhibition.

‘Squadron Hacks’

Both the Miles Magister and the Miles Master were originally designed for the RAF as training aircraft and served in this role throughout the war years. However, both types were also widely used by the RAF as ‘squadron hacks’, transporting personnel between airfields.

Particularly during the months of the Battle of Britain in 1940, when the RAF fighter squadrons were stretched to the limit to continue the fight against almost overwhelming odds, the role of ‘squadron hack’ became a vital one. When pilots were forced to bale out or to crash-land, probably many miles from their home base, it was essential they were quickly returned to rejoin the fight.

Every frontline R.A.F. fighter squadron in the Battle of Britain had a Magister or a Master – and sometimes both types - in this vital role.

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