5,127 Missing Americans are Honoured Here

November 12, 2014November 13, 2014 / Aviationtrails / 1 Comment

There are many excellent and fitting memorials around the country dedicated to the RAF and USAAF personnel. Many of these are relatively new and make for terrific places to sit, remember and give thanks to the young men and women who gave so much.

I have visited a few myself and will feature them here as I get round them. If you have been to one and would like to write a piece for us, please feel free to contact us, and we can make the necessary arrangements to post it here. We would love your contribution.

My first is the American Cemetery at Madingley.

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial – Madingley

Not far from Cambridge, to the west of the M11, is the American Cemetery and Memorial at Madingley.

A Panoramic View Across Madingley Cemetery

Madingley is the only American Military Cemetery in the United Kingdom, dedicated solely to the Second World War. It covers an area of some 30 acres and the land it uses was donated by Cambridge University. The site was dedicated on July 16th 1956. It is operated and maintained solely by the American Battle Monuments Commission, who oversee 24 cemeteries and 25 memorials across 15 different countries.

One of the 3,812 Headstones

The cemetery has become a symbol of not only the sacrifice of those held within its walls but the 3 million Americans who were stationed here during Word War II and the continuing alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States in times of conflict.

Within the cemetery stand 3,812 headstones, 3,732 Latin crosses, and 80 Stars of David. The stones are laid out in a fan, each row like a ripple in a pool, with the origin at a flagpole, from which the entire site and surrounding countryside can be seen. Around the base of the flag pole are the words from “In Flanders Fields“, a World War I poem written by John McCrae, which reads: “To you from failing hands, we throw the torch – be yours to hold it high“. Every night, as the flag is lowered, ‘Taps’ is played on a bugle to signify the end of the military day and lights out – the time to sleep.

The Plaque Dedicated to the Crew of the 577th BS

Next to this are two buildings. Firstly, the visitors’ centre, where there is a place to sit and staff who will willingly search the Commission’s online database for you. On the wall outside the centre is a plaque dedicated to the crew of a B-24 of the 577th BS, 392nd BG, that flew from RAF Wendling; who through their actions avoided crashing into civilian homes in Hertfordshire. Next to this, is an exhibition hall, detailed through stories and pictures, the American involvement in the Second World War; with specific examples of some of those souls laid to rest at Madingley.

Along the southern side of the cemetery, is the wall holding the “Tablets of the Missing”. Here, the names, rank and service branch of 5,127 personnel, whose bodies were never found are located. Among them are those of Major Alton Glenn Miller and Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (Older brother of John F. Kennedy), to name but a few.

Along the top of the wall is the inscription:

“The Americans, whose names here appear, were part of the price that free men for the second time in this century, have been forced to pay to defend human liberty and rights. All who shall hereafter live in freedom
will be here reminded that to these men, and their comrades,
we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice,
and the high resolve that the cause for which they died
shall live eternally.”

The Wall With the Names of the Missing

The 427 foot long wall, has 4 statues representing: a soldier, an airman, sailor and coast guardsman, who stand guard over the inscriptions; the four statues were designed and created by the American sculptor, Wheeler Williams (November 30th, 1897 – August 12th, 1972). Wreaths are placed at the foot of the wall by American associations and serving units and makes for a moving experience.

One of the Four Sculptures Depicting an Airman

At the other end of the wall is the memorial and chapel. The inscription on the memorial says “Grant Unto Them O Lord Eternal Rest” and 5 pillars each inscribed with one year of the war 1941 – 1945, that the Americans were involved. A brass inscription over the entrance reads “Into Thy Hands O Lord” and opens up to a detailed and incredible room. The roof depicts a formation of bombers and their escorts typical of those that flew from airfields in England, on their way to occupied Europe. On the wall a large map illustrates “The Mastery of the Atlantic – The Great Air Assault”, in superb detail. Designed by Herbert Gate, the American Artist, it is thirty feet long and eighteen feet high and shows the routes used to transport men and machinery from the United States. It also shows Naval operations and the bombing routes used during the great battles over Europe.

The Memorial Building and Chapel

Outside the chapel, along the length of the ‘Tablets of the Missing’, are rectangular pools and rose beds, neatly laid out as they should be. Lined by trees, it makes a serene place to walk.

Madingley Cemetery is a moving yet peaceful place to sit and remember, to pay homage and to give thanks to the many young men and women who came from another country, to give up their lives in the name of freedom and democracy.

In the words of the original Chairman, General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Force of the First World War:

“Time will not dim the Glory of Their Deeds”.

The Atlantic Display Inside the Chapel

The Rectangular Ponds in Front of ‘The Tablets of the Missing’

Madingley Cemetery can be visited freely, opening times and other details are available on their website here, from which many of the facts of this record have come.

The American Battles Monuments Commission also manages the Brookwood Cemetery in Woking, Surrey and their details can be found here.

The American Role of Honour can be seen here at St Pauls Cathedral, my thanks goes to wynnebook.wordpress.com for the valuable link.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: …

November 11, 2014November 9, 2014 / Aviationtrails / Leave a comment

Originally posted on the anniversary of the publication of his poem, For the Fallen, 21st September 2014, Laurence Binyon’s poem has become synonymous with remembrance services across the country. This week is remembrance Weekend (and Veteran’s day in the United States) on which we remember the fallen: those who gave the greatest sacrifice, so we could live in peace.

I thought it appropriate to repost this during Thai special week so we know a little more about the poem and the history behind it.

‘Lest we forget’

“To all those who went before, (Robert) Laurence Binyon’s 1914 poem is widely used in remembrance services across the world. Laurence Binyon wrote his For the Fallen, with its Ode of Remembrance, while Binyon was visiting the cliffs of North Cornwall between Pentire Point and The Rumps.

Today, if you visit, there is a stone plaque at the spot to commemorate his poem, which reads: “For the Fallen Composed on these cliffs 1914″. There is also a second plaque located on the beehive monument on the East Cliff above Portreath in central North Cornwall. There, you will find a plaque on a statue inscribed with the same words. Laurence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen, was published in The Times newspaper, following heightened public sentiment due to the recent Battle of Marne (5-12 September 1914) on 21st September 1914, 100 years ago today. http://wp.me/P4xjD9-8u

For the Fallen

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England’s foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

(Published in The Times newspaper, 21^st September 1914).

Thanks to Marcella who contributed to the writing of the original post.”

For the Fallen – Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

In Honour of the 55,573 Young Men Who Never Returned

November 10, 2014November 9, 2014 / Aviationtrails / 7 Comments

RAF Bomber Command – Green Park,

London

The Bomber Command memorial was erected in honour of the 55,573 crew members of the RAF Bomber Command who died during the Second World War. It stands as a reminder of the young men, whose average age was only 22, and who never returned to their beloved homes. It was unveiled by the Queen, on June 28th 2012, when a Lancaster bomber of the BBMF flew over dropping thousands of poppies.

RAF Bomber Command Memorial

The monument can be found in London adjacent to Green Park. It stands proudly watching over the grassed picnic area where picnickers, shoppers and tourists sit. The main part of the monument is a bronze sculpture consisting of seven members of a typical bomber command aircrew.

Perhaps not obviously noticed, some of the crew are looking to the sky, some with hands to shield from the morning sun, as if looking for missing friends. Others are looking downward, perhaps in despair or fear for those not yet home. The stance of the statues suggests a crew recently returned from a mission who have just disembarked from their damaged aircraft. Tired, bewildered and overwhelmed by what they have witnessed, they have been created in precise and superb detail.

The Pilot stands central and to the rear of the group; the navigator to the left, followed by the flight engineer, mid-upper gunner, bomb aimer, rear gunner and then the wireless operator to the right. Their faces reflecting the feelings and emotions that these young men felt. The base of the statues were ‘littered’ with photos of loved ones and messages from around the world. A moving tribute.

RAF Bomber Command Crest “Strike Hard, Strike Sure”

Outside and on the walls of the memorial, are two crests; on the left, the RAF crest “Per Ardua ad Astra” meaning “Through adversity to the Stars“. The crest has its origins going back to August 1st 1918 and has been the symbol of the RAF ever since. On the right, is the crest of Bomber Command whose motto is “Strike Hard, Strike Sure“. Both beautifully carved into the undoubtedly beautiful Portland Stone.

A number of quotes, including one from Winston Churchill, “The Fighters are our salvation, but the bombers alone provide the means of victory” surround the memorial giving it strength. A further quote, to the rear of the memorial reflects the losses of all nations, who on the ground, lost lives as a result of bombing campaigns on both sides – a reflection of reconciliation and peaceful times ahead.

The roof above the memorial is open. This allows you to see the figures against a backdrop of sky, whether at day or night, rather than the bustling city behind. A view more representative of the times they lived and flew in.

The remainder of the roof is similar to the kriss cross design of the Vickers Wellington, one of the RAF’s bombers during World War II. The design is both eye-catching and unique, not only to the memorial but the Wellington from which it came.

The building of the memorial, which is truly a mix of emotion, international representation, and a build that reflects the lives of those affected by the war, is considered as closure for many; a symbol of what the young crews had to endure on long missions over occupied Europe. It also serves to act as a lesson to the those who were too young to know what the war meant to those who fought and died in it. It is A beautiful place to sit and give thanks to those 55,573 brave young men who never lived to experience peacetime again.

RAF Bomber Command Memorial – Note the Roof Design.

The official Bomber Command Memorial website is here. An app is also available for a small fee that goes part way to supporting the maintenance of the memorial, it gives greater detail to the construction and design of the memorial, along with an audio script and stories from survivors of Bomber Command.

A history of the RAF Crest and its derivations can be found by clicking here.

By clicking here, you can see and hear some stories of those to whom the monument is honouring.

“The Fighters are our salvation, but the bombers alone provide the means of victory“

Winston Churchill, 1940

To see more memorials from airfields around the country please click here

Anthem for Doomed Youth – Wilfred Owen

November 9, 2014November 9, 2014 / Aviationtrails / Leave a comment

https://i0.wp.com/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Wilfred_Owen_plate_from_Poems_%281920%29.jpg

Wilfred Owen, died November 4th 1918

The BBC broadcast a World War 1 drama in the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday, 2014. Entitled, ‘The Passing Bells’, it was about two young men, one German and one English, who join up under the ‘romantic’ idea of going to war to ‘have a go’ at the enemy.

Their beliefs are soon shattered though, when they finally see the true horrors of the Western Front.

Intrigued by the title, I looked it up and found that it was a reference from the Wilfred Owen poem, ‘Anthem for a Doomed Youth‘. Owen himself, was killed on November 4th 1918.

Wilfred Edward Salter Owen was born on March 18th 1893 in Oswestry, Shropshire, England. He became synonymous with poetry that depicted the true horrors of trench warfare, the conditions, the death and the futility of war. His writings, along with those of his mentor, poet Siegfried Sassoon, starkly contrasted the propaganda of the government, who, in a drive to recruit more troops and prevent morale from falling back home, painted a much ‘nicer’, cleaner picture of the war.

Owen did not enlist straight away. It wasn’t until 1915 that he would join and once at the front, he would endure many atrocities and witness the realities of the First World War. Being injured himself and suffering from shell-shock, he would spend some time behind the lines in hospitals, before eventually being sent to Edinburgh, a place that would change him forever. It was here, that he met his friend and mentor, poet, Siegfried Sassoon.

Owen would return to Flanders in August 1918. Two months later, he led an attack on the German lines. Following a serious injury to his commanding officer, he took charge and overcame an enemy machine gun. For this action, Owen was awarded the Military Cross for bravery.

The end of the war was in sight, and one month later in November 1918, the armistice was signed, and peace once again fell over the fields of Flanders. However, in a further attack, just one week before the cessation of conflict, whilst making the crossing of the Sambre–Oise Canal, Owen would be killed, bringing this chapter of the young writer’s life to a final close.

Owen wrote many poems, and is considered one, if not the best World War One poet. He believed the government was more interested in the benefits they would receive from the war rather than the original reason of supporting their ally. His writings reflected the pity and futility of this war, and his memory is commemorated in a number of memorials around the United Kingdom and France.

The BBC series, ‘The Passing Bells’, refers to Owens’ poem entitled ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth‘ that was written between September and October 1917.

Anthem for Doomed Youth

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, –
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds.

Wilfred Owen (18/3/1893 – 4/11/1914)

Wilfred Owen is buried in the community grave at Ors, near to where he fell. He is remembered in memorials including the Poets’ Corner’ in Westminster Abbey, and in a stained glass window in Birkenhead Central Library.

His writings and his memory, unlike his body, will live on in perpetuity.

“We live in trenches.

Underground, most of the time.

Like rabbits.

And it’s cold and dark and…

…noisy and wet,
and you just spend every second

wishing you were somewhere else.

But there’s a now-ness
to everything.

It’s like you’re seeing it
for the first time.

Like a blade of grass in the mud,
or…

…colours.

The sky is amazing.

You can smell the air.

Everything’s just more intense.

It’s like your brain’s
taking it all in…

…knowing it might be the last cloud
or blade of grass you’ll ever see…

…You see life…

disappear in front of you.

And, as it goes…

…you realise
just how precious it was.

That’s why I want us
to get married.”

– Quote from ‘The Passing Bells’ (BBC, 2014)

The quote from BBC’s ‘The Passing Bells’ was contributed by Marcella Beaudreau @LadyOfShalottMA

Notes:

orisons – prayers

pallor – pale / paleness

The Wilfred Owen Society have a website dedicated to the memory of Owen, and they include a number of photographs and discussion about his writings. If you wish to see the site click here.

The Soldier – Rupert Brooke

November 8, 2014November 8, 2014 / Aviationtrails / Leave a comment

Rupert Brooke, died April 1915.

Known for his First World War sonnets, Rupert Brooke was born in Rugby, England, on August 3rd 1887. He attended two independent schools before going to Cambridge. Here he joined various literary groups where he made many friends and developed his interest in writing.

Following a difficult breakup with his girlfriend, Katherine Laird Cox, he went to Germany and then to both Canada and the United States, via the Pacific, where he wrote travel journals. Brooke returned to England just prior to the outbreak of war, and was commissioned into the Royal Naval Division.

One of Brooke’s first experiences of the war, was in the failed expedition in October 1914 to Antwerp. A year later, he would sail to the Dardanelles as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, but received a mosquito bite and developed sepsis. Whilst receiving treatment on a French hospital ship, Brooke took a turn for the worse and died. His body was subsequently buried in an olive grove on the nearby Greek island of Skyros, where it remains today.

Brooke was one of the few, if not the only poet, to never experience the horrors of trench warfare, his poetry some say, reflects this.

Brooke’s poem, ‘The Soldier‘, was the fifth of five sonnets, all preceded by ‘The Treasure‘ written originally in 1914. It became truly famous when the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral read it at the Easter Sunday service in 1915, three weeks prior to Brooke’s death.

The Soldier

If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England’s, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Rupert Brooke

(August 3rd, 1887 – April 23rd, 1915)

Ode to the Fallen.

November 7, 2014October 31, 2014 / Aviationtrails / Leave a comment

As we approach Remembrance day (and Veteran’s day in America), Aviation Trails will be publishing a mix of poetry and aviation material in remembrance of those brave and courageous young men and women, who, from all nationalities, gave the ultimate sacrifice in war.

The numbers are staggering; during World War 1, there were some 37 million* deaths, (of which around 7 million were civilian). Thankfully, because the war was quite stationary, it did not create as many of the civilian casualties that were found in the Second World War. The higher number here being primarily military and serving personal. Defined as the ‘War to end all Wars’, it brought a devastating blow to societies across the European countries and their allies, as men flocked to the front and the mass slaughter that prevailed.

World War 2 on the other hand, due to the much faster, greater technological advancement that war brings, saw a much higher casuality rate. Over 60 million people died which amounted to approximately 2.5% of the world’s population*1. This is currently about the size of Nigeria, the world’s seventh largest country*2. The war was so widespread and devastating, that the actual number of casualties will never be known. A new type of war, it spread death and destruction to a much wider audience.

Subsequent wars, have also taken their toll, both in military and civilian terms. Continuing conflicts are, and will account for further deaths, and it is a sad reflection of the world we live in today.

So on this special weekend, during the 100th anniversary of the First World War, we remember those who have given so much so that the rest of us can live peacefully.

Memorials visited during the making of ‘Aviation Trails‘ can be seen here.

Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium

Sources:

Whilst not official, Wikipedia gives some detailed accounts of countries and their casualties.

* Wikipedia, World War 1 Casualties; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I_casualties

*1 Wikipedia, World War 2 casualties; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_casualties

*2 Wikipedia, list of countries by population; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population

20:45 – A tragic time for Mosquito KB 364

November 6, 2014October 26, 2014 / Aviationtrails / 4 Comments

On this night 70 years ago (November 6th 1944), twelve RAF Mosquitoes from 608 Squadron, RAF Downham Market (Bexwell), took off on a raid to attack Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Whilst the raid itself was a success, that night was to be the last for the two crew members of Mosquito KB 364. Pilot Officer James McLean (26) and Sergeant Mervyn Lambert Tansley (21) of the RAF(VR) were to die tragically on approach to Downham Market.

On the return journey, cold air and icy conditions are thought to have caused icing on the controls and wings of KB 364 making it difficult to control and lose height. What happened next was to be tragic, both for the crew members and the village of Bawdeswell.

To see the full story of that night and what happened at 20:45, November 6th 1944, click here

DH Mosquito at the DH Heritage Centre

The Command Structure of the USAAF

November 4, 2014October 26, 2014 / Aviationtrails / Leave a comment

During the Second World War, the USAAF grew beyond recognition. The 16 air forces that made up the overall USAAF covered the globe, every theatre of war saw some action. This ranged from the home regions, protecting the west coast from Japanese submarines and naval attacks, the east coast, searching for marauding German submarines, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific and Japan.

Organising these air forces fell to Commands, the ‘middle management’ of the Air Force. Commands, or sometimes referred to as ‘Divisions’, combined the groups that made up the fighting forces of each of the 16 air forces.

I have broken each one down, listing the groups and main squadrons that fell within each one. Click the link here to see how these Divisions were organised.

The de Havilland Sea Mosquito

November 2, 2014 / Aviationtrails / 7 Comments

The de Havilland Mosquito was undoubtedly one of the Second World War’s most famous and prestigious aircraft, achieving fame alongside models like the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

During recent conversations I’ve had with friends, I was intrigued to know more about the different variants, and in particular, the Sea Mosquito – one I had very little knowledge of.

Built in a hangar (disguised as a barn) on the estate of Salisbury Hall near Hatfield, the Mosquito, or ‘Mossie‘, was a unique aircraft of wooden construction. This design feature eventually gave birth to its nickname the ‘Wooden Wonder‘.

Taking its first flight on November 20th 1940, prototype E0234 (later designated W4050 by the Air Ministry), flew with Pilot Geoffrey de Havilland Jnr at the controls. Its potential as a military aircraft was quickly realised, especially by those who were in opposition of the original idea, and further development trials were organised.

Prototype E0234 (later designated W4050) under restoration at the de Havilland Museum.

The Mosquito went on through various design modifications and variants (41 in all), including fighter-bomber, reconnaissance, target tug and trainer. It also served with numerous air forces across the world, some as far afield as China and Israel. Postwar it obtained notoriety as a film star, the most famous being ‘633 Squadron‘ in which a squadron of ‘Mossies’ attacked the V2 fuel production plant in Norway by bombing an overhanging rock. Film stars such as Cliff Robertson, David McCallum and Gregory Peck have all graced our screens alongside the Mosquito.

With the sad crash of G-ASKH on July 21st, 1996 and the death of both pilot and co-pilot, there is no longer a Mosquito flying in the U.K. On September 27th 2012, Mosquito KA114, restored in New Zealand, took to the skies for the first time making it the only flying example in existence at that time.

Plans to build a U.K. flying example are afoot with ‘The People’s Mosquito’ who are raising money as we speak. It is hoped to get the aircraft built and operational, within a few years.

Undoubtedly a success, the Mosquito was a devastatingly potent aircraft, its speed and agility unmatched by most other aircraft of its time. It is a beautiful aircraft and one that was loved not only by those who made, flew and worked with it, but those who, like me, stood in awe and watched it fly. The sound of its two Merlin engines something to behold.

The Mosquito was a great success in a number of operational configurations, and in different theatres, however, one of the lesser well-known variants, and less successful, was the Sea Mosquito.

Impressed with the performance of the aircraft, the Admiralty showed an interest in obtaining a carrier-based version. The de Havilland Aircraft Company put forward the idea of a redesigned model based on the FB.VI – the concept was soon accepted. Trials began soon after in which Mosquito LR359 was adapted, the body strengthened to take the strain of arrester hook landings; its weight was reduced and the Merlin power plants improved. These tests proved successful, and the first carrier landing completed in late March 1944 by Lt Cdr Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown onboard HMS Indefatigable.

This was a major achievement in many ways, not only for the Navy, but it was the first time any twin-engined aircraft had landed on a sea-based carrier. Further tests followed, and a second Mosquito, also adapted for naval use, joined LR359 in trials onboard naval carriers.

The scene had been set and the Admiralty put forward a specification for a full production naval version, which deHavilland would designate the TR.33.

As with all naval carriers, space was of a premium and so the new version had wing modifications that allowed them to fold. A new and improved landing gear was also needed for the heavy landings that a carrier-based aircraft would be subjected to. Radar was also installed with later adaptations giving the aircraft an odd ‘thimble-shaped’ nose. In addition, attachments for torpedoes were added to the belly of the aircraft giving it greater anti-shipping capabilities.

Modified from a MK.VI, LR387 became a TR.33 Sea Mosquito and appeared on the front of ‘Life Magazine’.

The first production model, TW227, left the factory in late 1945, but orders came through too late to meet the Japanese threat. Of the initial 100 ordered, only 50 were ever completed. Further trials were undertaken, and the TR.33 would be modified to form the TR.37. This had armament modifications and an upgraded radar system. Again, as with the TR.33, only a few ever made it out of the factory, with only 6 of the original order being completed.

Mosquitoes, whilst being outstanding aircraft, only ever made it to one frontline naval service, 811 squadron of the Fleet Air Arm. Most that were produced were operated from land-based stations and were involved in various trials around munitions development and investigations into naval capabilities. Of those that were made, many of them, in particular the TR.33s, were modified back to regular models and sold off to other air forces, notably the Israeli Air Force.

No further seaworthy variants were made and production concentrated on the land-based models.

The hangar used to build the Mosquito is now the home of the de Havilland Aircraft Museum, (previously the Mosquito Museum) and its main exhibits include, amongst others, the original prototype Mosquito (W4050) under restoration. Dedicated to de Havilland aircraft, it has a range of models showcasing de Havilland aircraft production from its early days of the 1920s right up to the later modern production fighters and airliners of the 1960s.

Their website can be found here. I visited them a while ago, and my trail can be found here.

More details on 633 squadron can be found on Wikipedia using this link.

Details of Lt Cdr Eric Brown and his achievements can be found through this link.

A remarkable and detailed book illustrating the development of the Mosquito can be purchased from the de Havilland shop. It gives some amazing photos and development history of the aircraft from its conception to cessation of production, detailing production models, uses and variants; it is a worthy book to anyone’s collection.

de Havilland Mosquito – An Illustrated History Vol 2, Ian Thirsk, Crecy Publishing, 2006.

The People’s Mosquito can be found on WordPress or through ‘Aviation Trails’, alternatively on Facebook and Twitter (@peoplesmosquito).

156 Sqn RAF – a 15% chance of survival!

October 31, 2014October 26, 2014 / Aviationtrails / 2 Comments

Due to high losses, 156 sqn became known as the ‘chop’ squadron and consequently, morale fell. With a 15% chance of survival, morale continued to be an issue and the station was stood down for a short period. In a desperate attempt to bolster the men’s spirits and raise morale, a royal visit was arranged for the Queen. Read more about RAF Warboys and the valuable work they did here.