While Gerald Anderson didn’t receive a Victoria Cross, nor is his loss particularly commemorated, ultimately the price he paid was fully equal to Robert Gray’s, and was indeed equal to all of those who died and so deserves an equal measure of commemoration. That is why the model below is Gerald Anderson’s Corsair, not Robert Gray’s.
Seven hours, covering 1300NM over open ocean, limited fuel, one engine, enemy fighters; there were few missions more relentlessly hazardous, nor with so many different hazards to face.
If you read to the end, a sense of fatigue wouldn’t be unexpected. It will pale though when compared to the fatigue these men must have endured. I don’t know how they did it.
Coastal Command’s war against the elements as well as the enemy as experienced by the RCAF’s No.404 “Buffalo” Squadron.
The largest single-day air engagement of the war; simultaneously a tactical loss and strategic victory.
Something a little different; a jet for one thing. However, this one is a little lighthearted compared to most and I hope you enjoy it.
Early on the morning of 7 April the 15th and 21st Groups were poised ready for the signal to start engines. The briefings of the day before and that morning had everyone eager to get the operation underway…
“A short time later 2nd Lt. Weese reported that his engine was out and that he thought he could put his aircraft down behind friendly lines in the shallow water a little offshore Juno Beach. 1st Lt. Beaudrault reported that nothing more was heard from Wesse.”
While Tamiya’s new tool Spitfire gets all the attention, here’s one of the old tool version…
“In late May, 1940 the BEF was forced from continental Europe by the Germans at Dunkirk. The now famous retreat was covered in part by Spitfires of No.19 Squadron. Flight Sergeant George Unwin was already an experienced Spitfire pilot by this stage of the war…”
“I often think of 409 at the bottom of the Pacific with some of my personal gear aboard. After all this time there is probably nothing left…”
Making-History 