As many are aware, the Hawker Typhoon is one of the rarest production fighter aircraft from WWII, with only one fully preserved example remaining today. We’ve been closely following the restoration of RB396, led by the Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group, for several years. You can find our previous articles at THIS LINK. The group is committed to changing this situation and is currently working to rebuild Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib RB396, starting with the aircraft’s original rear fuselage. Sam Worthington-Leese, who is leading the effort, has provided the following update on the project’s current progress. This project can be supported HERE. The group is consistently active, hosting numerous fundraising and veterans appreciation events. On August 15th, the Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group organized a unique event, bringing together a WWII Typhoon pilot with a modern-day RAF Eurofighter Typhoon pilot, creating a rare opportunity to establish a remarkable legacy.

Bernard Gardiner visits RAF Coningsby Words: Sam Worthington-Leese edited by VAN staff. Pictures: Harry Measures

Since mid-last year, the Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group has been working on arranging a visit for Bernard Gardiner, WWII Typhoon pilot, to RAF Coningsby, where he could visit 29 Squadron (Typhoon Display Team) and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). The initial visit was planned for September to coincide with Bernard attending their Black Tie gala, but it had to be postponed when Bernard, then 101 and a half years old, took a turn for the worse. Now 102, Bernard was fit and ready for the rescheduled visit at the end of June.

Traveling from Jersey is never a simple task for Bernard, especially given his age. Accompanied by his two grandsons, Matt and Kim, Bernard arrived at Heathrow on rescheduled flights from the previous visit. After hiring a car, they made the journey to Woodhall Spa, where they stayed overnight. That evening, the group was joined by Sam Worthington-Leese, who had flown in from East Midlands earlier that day. Despite the long day, Bernard was eager to share his stories, especially with the right prompts. They were also joined for dinner by Flt Lt Dave Leighton, a Eurofighter Typhoon instructor who had recently joined 29 Squadron. As it turned out, Bernard had conducted some training for Dave’s father during the early days of Jersey Airways—a small world indeed. Later that night, Dave’s father sent over pictures of his logbook, showing the flights Bernard had been involved in. The evening was filled with stories of wartime exploits, with everyone, including Dave, who, like many RAF pilots, holds a deep admiration for the WWII RAF and its pilots, captivated by Bernard’s tales.

The next morning, the group was up early for breakfast before heading to RAF Coningsby. Given Bernard’s age, they had until about midday for the visit before needing to head back to Heathrow. They were met at the gate by Flt Lt David Turnbull, known as “Turbo,” who had first met Bernard at the group’s showcase event last April. Turbo, a passionate advocate for the history of the Typhoon (both MkI and MkII), had played a key role in ensuring that this year’s jet was painted in a 1944 D-Day scheme. Although he had pushed to have it painted as RB396, historical accuracy required a different scheme, one that was flown on D-Day by then Pilot Officer Denzel Jenkins of 257 Squadron—a squadron with a connection to Bernard.

The first stop was the Typhoon Display Team crew room for a brew, where Bernard met the team and shared more of his wartime stories. The team was fascinated by Bernard’s logbook, with its understated comments on operational sorties like “Interdiction, railway cut in two” and “Loads of Flak – dicey.” Afterward, Bernard became the co-pilot of the official display team vehicle for the short trip out to the pan, where ZJ193 stood, freshly painted in the 257 Squadron scheme. Photos were taken, and despite concerns about the steep steps, Bernard, with a little help, managed to climb into the aircraft.

Turbo expressed his admiration for Bernard, saying it was an honor and a privilege to host his visit. He was particularly amazed that, at 102 years old, Bernard managed to climb into the new Typhoon display jet, Moggy. Turbo joked that his biggest concern was that Bernard might start the aircraft, given his determination to experience everything it had to offer. After the visit to the jet, the group headed to the BBMF, with Turbo accompanying them as visits were not fully open following the death of Sqn Ldr Mark Long. Over a brew in the BBMF’s tea bar, the group delved deeper into Bernard’s logbook, discovering that Bernard had flown the very aircraft represented by this year’s Typhoon Display Team jet on November 11, 1944—Remembrance Day.

Sqn Ldr Mark Sugden, the head of the BBMF, later joined the group, and he and Bernard bonded over their shared experiences with Hawker aircraft. Sugden, like Turbo and Dave, was thrilled to talk to Bernard, seeing it as an honor to meet and host a veteran who had flown the very aircraft the BBMF exists to remember.

As the visit came to an end, Bernard and his grandsons began their journey back to Heathrow. It had been a fantastic day for Bernard, filled with memories and connections that reignited his passion. The Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group hopes that the interest in this year’s Typhoon scheme will carry over into support for their project to rebuild the original Typhoon. The goal is to see a MkI and MkII flying together in 1944/45 schemes—a vision that is well underway but still needs support to be realized before the Typhoon MkII goes out of service.

As Turbo reflected on the visit, he highlighted the sheer enthusiasm Bernard displayed, stating that Bernard’s visit was a truly special experience. Turbo also expressed his belief that Bernard, if given the chance, would be the first to fly the restored Hawker Typhoon.

The project is actively seeking more supporters, both at an individual and corporate level. It provides an excellent opportunity to be associated with a true British engineering icon, one that is often overshadowed by its prettier contemporary, the Spitfire. It must be remembered that without the Typhoon, the build-up to D-Day and the subsequent battles, could have gone very differently. Some suggest that D-Day might have been postponed, not happened at all, or, if it did happen the Battle for Normandy may have been lost and the Allies driven back into the Channel. It is for this reason that it is incredibly important that we return RB396 to flight, to remember the sacrifices made.

 

To support this restoration, click HERE.