#01mar

'Fighters of the Fleet' from Warlord No. 284, 1 March 1980. The catapult launched Hawker Sea Hurricane or 'Hurricat' as they became known. Art by Ian Kennedy.

These fighters played starring roles in Convoy Pilot from Warlord's earlier years (see Warlord No. 23 posted earlier today) and also Battle's longest running strip Johnny Red.

Warlord No. 284, dated 1 March 1980. Terry Patrick cover recreating the Joe Rosenthal photograph of the US Marines raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi on 23 February 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Six Marines appear in the 1945 photo although at a glance you only see four. There had also been confusion over the identity of the Marines pictured however that now seems to settled. The battle itself continued until 26 March 1945 by which time three of those in the photo had been killed.

Warlord No. 23, dated 1 March 1975. 'Convoy Pilot' cover by Jeff Bevan. This was a continuing strip featuring the catapult mounted Hurricanes (nicknamed Hurricats or Catafighters) of the Fleet Air Arm with art by Jim Watson.

Once launched the Hurricane couldn't land back on the ship and so the plane was often lost at sea when the pilot had to bale out. This also formed the basis of the long running strip Johnny Red, from a rival publisher. In that strip former RAF pilot Johnny Redburn takes the Hurricane after its pilot is killed when the ship is attacked.

The McDonnell Douglas Phantom back page feature from Warlord No. 23, cover dated 1 March 1975.