EXCLUSIVE RARE TORNADO F.2 RESTORED IN UK Cia ano De ame er lela i med ALA lor any . HEAVYWEIGHTS Oo a na ee COUTNUMBERED THREE-TO-ONE ete a - MiG MISSION = Ne ast IMPOSSIBLE? A = auc) ater 0 iiaianilFLY THE WORLD’S ONLY TWO-SEAT HURRICANE Pees Ni ee T aoa ae Raed Pe ven Mananis ad expectations NA Caw dN (=1-<3 Rom) ALE on U) CUE K eid Join the lucky few who have enjoyed a truly awe-inspiring flight in the world’s only two-seat Hawker Hurricane. This iconic aircraft claimed first prize at Goodwood Revival’s Freddie March Spirit of Aviation 2022. Your experience will start with a personal pre-flight briefing, before you climb aboard to take to the skies. Having strapped in for the flight-of-a-lifetime, you will relish the sensational roar of the Merlin engine as your Hurricane climbs out over the beautiful Berkshire countryside surrounding our home base of White Waltham, Choose from a range of flight times and enjoy the exceptional handling of this legendary fighter at first hand, making memories you will treasure. Afterwards ‘there will be ample time to tour the aircraft and take photographs, before you and your guests enjoy the restaurant and fully-licensed bar in White Waltham's period clubhouse. For more information, contact: @ hello@hurricaneheritage.com ®& wwwhurricaneheritage.com HURRICANE & 01628 290282 HERITAGE Photo by Darren Harbar AS FEATURED ON Daily.-.Mail ibyFFL The Commemorative ‘Air Forces majestic B-29 Superforress See page 8 A salute to American military aviation elcome to the November issue of FlpPast. This month's primary focus is on US air power of the previous century. From its earlier identities through to today's USAF, American aviation has played a major role in fighting for freedom in Europe and beyond. Many of its aircraft types are now true legends, none greater than the mighty B-29 Superfortress, which shares the front cover with another heavyweight, the B-24 Liberator. In this edition you'll find coverage stretching from World War One to the Vietnam era, including fighters, bombers and reconnaissance aircraft ~ in short, from biplanes to spy planes! US Medal of Honor actions from both world wars are featured. The restoration ofa licence- built DH-4, Americas first warbird, leads to a courageous story of selfless action from 105 years ago. The following generation of heroes is represented through the daring and perilous B.24 strikes on the Romanian oil refineries at Ploesti. More Medal of Honor awards were won that day than on any other single USAAF bombing mission of World War Two. Staying with bomber raids, Thomas McKelvey Cleaver describes dramatic combat undertaken by escort fighters, the P-47 Thunderbolts of the USAAF’s VIII Fighter Command when it locked horns with the Luftwaffe. Moving on to the jet generation, we have tales of battles in the skies over Southeast ‘Asia, when the air-to-air missile came of a However, vital military roles don’t always involve combat. Following last month's interview with a former SR-7 pilot, the incomparable Blackbird becomes this edition’s Classics subject. I fondly remember seeing these supersonic machines flying from RAF Mildenhall in the 1980s, including the unexpected flash of an afterburner at one of the base's much-missed Air Fétes. I hope the 25 pages dedicated to the Blackbird in this issue will stir similar memories for you too. Returning to restoration topics, associate editor Jamie Ewan travelled to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby to see how it is breathing life into its recently acquired B-25 Mitchell, while Richard Foster reports from the Bottisham Airfield Museum, where Mustang memories abound, Meanwhile, if RAF Cold War types are your first love, be sure to check out our Tornado F.2 restoration news. Finally, I would like to thank all of you ‘who continue to provide such interesting feedback for our FlyPost pages. Keep em coming! Feiror Tom Allett tomaleti@heypublshingcom November 2023 / FLYPAST / 3CONTENTS / No.508 Forces magniicenc bomber 0 = Liberator Dimond Ud and Superfortress FFL Seepage 8 8 American beauty Luke Bimm joins the Commemorative Air Force 8-29 Superfortress and B-24 Liberator crews for part of their annual US tour 16 News and letters ‘The latest historic aircraft and restoration news, plus your letters. This month we include news about a Mustang that’s being Drought to the UK 42 Battle royale 50 Lockheed Blackbird 66 Blackbird’s nest Ie sounded like a suicide mission ~ but courageous USAAF crews ploughed ‘on regardless. Tom Allett describes perilous B-24 raids on Romanian oil refineries 41 FLYPAST / November 2023 ificant air battle marked the turning point in the USAAF's bomber campaign against Germany in 1943, as documented by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver FLYPAST CLASSICS Few aircraft have captured the imagination as much as Lockheed’s Mach 3-capable SR-71 Blackbird. Malcolm V Lowe looks back on the type’s history Dr Kevin Wright recalls the remarkable experiences of Col Don Emmons who served on Blackbirds amid a stellar ‘career that spanned more than three decades84 Silver sereen Sam Edwards tells the story ofthe first television - drama to honour the USAAF’s legendary Mighty Eighth ~ 12 O'Clock High 90 Vietnam Phantoms Countering MiGs over Vietnam was no easy task for US Phantom pilots. Christopher Miskimon describes the action 98 First Lady Thomas McKelvey Cleaver explains how the Great War-era DH-4 is linked with two Medal of Honor winners A small airfield museum in Cambridgeshire is rich in wartime history, as Richard Foster found out 16 « Kirkby Mitchell eee? DO eR Cun CORR se RON 2 ccd Museum B-25 Mitchell be restored to airworth poaeaineatoned ole eae aaa easel) foe ace et eet fac tcc in Lincolnshire? Jamie Ewan talks to its November 2023 / FLYPAST / 5SUBSCRIB TODAY! From the Editor Tom Allett For over 40 years, FlyPast has been at the heart of historic aviation. The magazine prides itself on providing the best coverage of the world of living history: Each issue is packed with the latest restoration news, aircraft movements, preservation, products, events, and air shows. Our team of dedicated freelance and in-house writers also produce fascinating in-depth features on historical subjects covering the men, women, and aircraft from World War One to the Cold War. Dont miss out on this great subscription offer!THE HEART OF AVIATION HERITAGE SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE This book ex: of the aircraft afresh, w SEPT tactical doctrine, strat ve SS Ce ema politics, as well as the changing : OMBINED MUSTANG nature of World War II high-quality magazine binders are the perfect item to keep your back issues in perfect condition. SUBSCRIPTION le 2, yA 0 rom RASS AA sig ‘ NE ONLY £46.99 0 ™szzz"™ by annual Direct Debit EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER- Please quote: when ordering 1s, Mustang: the untold story £20, and a FlyPast binder worth £10.95 ORDER DIRECT FROM OUR SHOP shop.keypublishing.com/fpsubs or call +44 (0)1780 480404 Key PCAF HEAVY BOMBERS. BORN USA hat would you regard as the most significant bomber cof World War Two? In the UK we'd probably nominate the Avro Lancaster, while Americans might point to the Boeing B-I7 Flying Fortress. Others might cite the B-29 Superfortress, this of course being the type that delivered the 8 / FLYPAST / November 2023 Se atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Delving into statistics, however, the seldom acknowledged answer should probably be the Consolidated. B.24 Liberator. With over 18,000 examples built itis easily the ‘most produced bomber ofall time and was used extensively in every World War Two theatre. Earlier this year, [had the opportunity to join the ‘Commemorative Air Force's (CAR) Air Power History Tour around the US - they fly at airshows and offer passenger flights to the public. I would fly onboard their B-29 Superfortress 44-62070 FIFI between Toledo,Ohio and Willow Run, Michigan, and then fly in B-24 Liberator 40-2366 Diamond Lil during a passenger trip from the latter. Formed in 1961 and initially known as the Confederate Air Force, the illustrious group's initial aim was to save an example of every US aircraft type that flew during World War ‘Two. The task may have seemed Two of history's most famous bombers are maintained in airworthy condition by the legendary [assem Commemorative Air Force in the Cae irae United States. Luke Bimm joined SU the team on part of their annual US ‘tour — and flew in both B-29 “FIFI” and B-24 ‘Diamond Lil’ daunting, but the CAF now has aan incredible fleet of over 175 machines and more than 13,000 members. Including my hosts, the B-29/B-24 Squadron, the modern-day CAF comprises 80 different units Back to life For my first flight, I made my way to Eugene F Krantz Airport, located about 15 miles west of Toledo. A joint civil and military [ia airport, its today the venue for ‘hing fare-paying passengers to fly in cone of the two CAF ‘heavies! embarked on this year’s Air Power Historie Tour, which is weaving its way coast-to-coast across America. Visiting as many as 30 cities, the tour has operated. each year since 1976, generating repre ee November 2023 / FLYPAST / 9enough income to be self pilot Victor Agather, he CAF __e allowed to undertake a single sustaining. Today I'm flying had been looking for a B-29 ferry light. After assessing all passenger in the Superfortee but had been explicitly told by _the airframes inthe scrapyard, sitting behind pilot Capt Curt the military that none existed CAF became the owner of Lewis as we transit from Toledo outside of museums — with a 44-62070 on March 23, 1971 to our next destination, Willow few airframes left to corrode Personally funded by Agather Run at Ypsilanti, which will host outside, supposedly beyond to the tune of over $100,000, the Thunder Over Michigan rescue. However, aCAF pilot a maintenance team took nine Airshow over the following two __overflying China Lake sighted a__weeks to restore the massive days collection of about a dozen intact airframe to a flight ready FIFI did not see combat during _B-29s. Afier negotiating with condition. Cannibalising spares her’ service career but from the military who stil technically from other aircraft at the the 3,970 B-29s built, she is one owned the airframe, ownership _scrapyard, they replaced missing of only two that are currently was transferred to the CAF fora instruments and perished hoses, airworthy (the other is Wichita, single dollar, but they would only had new Perspex windows Kansas-based 44-69972 Dod) The CAF machine was built at Boeing's Seattle plant as a B-29A variant, entering USAAF service in July 1945. Soon after entering service, it was converted toa TB-29A trainer variant and initially commenced daties a8 an administrative aircraft before being placed in desert storage. It returned to active duty in 1953, but was finally retired five years later. In sehat appeared to be an undignified ending, it was among a group of 36 B-29s sent tothe US Navy China Lake bombi range in California where i was left in an aircraft scrapyard. Here it was vandalised, looted, and left exposed to desert conditions. Spearheaded by entrepreneur and World War Two B-29 Pe fms eo ca Peat) “Today I’m flying as a passenger in the Superfortress, ea sitting behind pilot Capt Curt Lewis as we transit a from Toledo to our next destination, Willow Run at Ypsilanti” 10 / FLYPAST / November 2023manufactured and made the flying controls operable ~ among a dizzying multitude of other tasks. Finally, they tested the engines and undercarriage. On August 4, 1971, the aircraft took off and flew the 1,250 miles non- stop, taking six hours and 38 ‘minutes to arrive at the CAF headquarters, then at Harlingen, Texas Fighting fire More than three years of exhaustive restoration followed. Vietor was again instrumental inthe process, managing to persuade the military to waive no-fly clause, and also developing the nationwide tour concept that would make the aircraft financially sustainable. Finally, in 1974 the aircraft was declared airworthy and commenced flying duties. In honour ofthe work Victor had done, 44-62070 had the etter ‘A’ embossed on its tail and in a surprise move to Agather, was christened FIFI after his wife Josephine ‘Fifi’ O'Connor Agather ‘As a symbol of wartime service and sacrifice, FIFI spent the next 30 years successfully flying at airshows and touring. In 2006, however, the bomber was grounded following an engine failure. Over the next four years a multi-million dollar project succeeded in fixing the engine problem, The original Wright R-3350-57AM units were replaced by custom-built engines that combined the propellor reduction gear fitted to the accessory elements of a Wright R-3350-95W (as used. by a Douglas A-1 Skyraides) interwoven with the nose case and power section from a Wright R-3350-26WD (Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar). Once installed, this new arrangement proved fo be exceptionally reliable. Chief light engineer John Schauer, who now has over 50 years of experience, reminded me thatthe design and development timeline of the original powerplant was incredibly compressed; there was avear on $0 it was imperative to get the B-29 into service as quickly as possible. The result was that these somewhat flawed engines suffered a variety of problems including uneven fuel Lerma mragieent Sahin ble ‘vetean the CAFS Boeing 6-29 Supertorress 4462070 FF distribution in the 18 cylinders. The units were prone to overheating which could, and frequently did, result in fires Aside from the issues resulting from engine failure, the engine crankease was made from ‘magnesium, which while being usefully lightweight, does tend to burn with ferocious intensity. The problem was so bad that original checklist actions for an engine fire included a guide to identifying the distinctive smoke colour from a magnesium blaze, and instruction to abandon the aircraft. Ignited magnesium is sufficiently volatile to quickly burn through the firewall and main wing spar, resulting in catastrophic wing failure. tert Tians ofthe warbird the CAFS Superforeress tnd Uberator fing together ‘on August 12 November 2023 / FLYPAST / 11CAF HEAVY BOMBERS remarkable Stor forward ‘whe fing In he 29s cockpit with 2 passenger inthe bomb ‘ABOVE: The 8.29 captains lefchand seat ‘which hae been sgh ‘mdi with ‘The trots cnty used by the plo up 0 B0mph for ‘directional contro before the rudder fective nicl: ‘The view echrards ‘fom the rear pinofthe 6-24 Lerstor, Unike noc have a wide range of Unfortunately, these problems did not get resolved until a litany of modifications were completed, most of which were delayed until after the end of the war due to the operational imperatives of the time. View from the cockpit Having climbed up the long ladder into the cockpit, the first thing you notice about FIFI is thatthe interior looks far more modern than other World War ‘Two types. The aircraft has been immaculately restored, including racks of original radios and controls forthe turrets. I's also possible to see down the 30ft crawl tunnel which sits above the cavernous bomb bay. This connects the pressurised front cockpit to the waist area. The cockpit area around the radio operator and navigator stations is roomier than in wartime as the bulky components of the upper and lower front turrets are absent and covered with blanking panels Each of the four engines is named after a famous 19408/50s actress, with the forenames of Ingrid (Bergman), Mitzi (Gaynod), Rita (Hayworth), and Betty (Grable) stencilled on 12./ FLYPAST / November 2023 each cowling. Engine start-up is choreographed between the pilots and flight engineer John who sits immediately behind the right- hand pilot seat, facing backwards towards his banks of instruments and levers. As each of the engines are started, plumes of smoke billow from excess oil left in the cylinders and the aircraft vibrates, as ifcoming alive The outboard engines are sometimes not started until just prior to take-off and are also shut down when taxiing back as the huge propellors have only 14 inches of ground clearance. Despite being very advanced for its time, the Superfortress has no nosewheel steering so directional control on the taxi is done using differential braking resulting in a very ‘jerky’ ride. Whenever wwe turn the brakes are either on or off; there's no option to apply graduated pressure, With the original engines, it was essential to get airborne as quickly as, possible as they would overheat but with the new units prolonged ground running is no longer an ‘After conducting power checks, we line up and the pilots use differential power to keep straight down the runway until ‘80mph when the rudder becomes effective. At this point throttle control is assigned to the flight engineer who is now responsible for any power changes requested by the pilots. The aircraft tnsticks from the tarmac at 125mph, we climb to L,700ft and set course for Willow Run at 200mph. With so many Perspex panels, the incredible view from the cockpit brings to mind the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. Flying in this historic aircraft is a true privilege for me and Icontemplate what it must have been like for wartime crews flying 12 to M stressful, exhausting hours on missions to Japan, being attacked by fighters and targeted by flak. Arriving at the airport, we slow to 180mph to lower the undercarriage and reduce speed to 150 for the final turn and then flare at 125, The view of the runway on landing is quite unlike any I've ever seen from an aircraft ~ normally the threshold disappears from view under the nose, but in the B-29 the Perspex panels actually allow you to view the runway numbers almost all the way until touchdown. When clear of the runveay, we shut down the outboard engines and make our way to the parking apron where a mixture of modern and historic aircraft are already assembling in readiness for tomorrow's airshow Diamond lady ‘The next aircraft I'm flying is B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, an aeroplane with an incredible pedigree. It isthe oldest flying heavy bomber in the world and remarkably, is just the 25th built from a production total of over 18,000. The aircraft is powered by four Pratt & Whitney Twin ‘Wasp engines with three-bladed variable-pitch propellers set into a shoulder-mounted, highly efficient ‘Davis’ wing design AAs well as having a nosewheel tricycle undercarriage and a twin oval-shaped rudders, the design called for ‘oller-blind metal bomb doors that retracted into the fuselage. This reduced aerodynamic drag while on bomb run but also allowed ‘weapons to be loaded from ‘underneath the aircraft despite its very low ground clearance. Produced as a contemporary to the B-17 Flying Fortress, the Liberator typically carried a crew of ten and had a high cruise speed, long range and impressively heavy bomb load. Like FIFI, Diamond Lil is cone of only two of its type still airworthy, the other being the Collings Foundation’s B-24) 44-44052 Witchcraft Initially earmarked for France, the aircraft now flown by the CAF was redirected to the RAF following the fall of France in 1940. Accepted by the British Air Ministry as serial number AMS27, two days later it was handed over to Trans World Airlines who were contracted to train RAF aircrew at the ‘Eagle's Nest Flight Centre’ in Albuquerque, New Mexico Unfortunately, a month later the right main brake locked during landing and the aircraft veered ofthe runway causing the right main and nose undercarriage legs to collapse, resulting in significant damage to the bomb bay area. Consolidated spent the next six months conducting repairs to the aircraft, enabling it to be flown back to their factory in San Diego. Such was the extent of the damage that the aircraft was not returned but instead loaned back to Consolidated as a transport. It was also used extensively in developing the B-24 line, work that included flight tests aimed at improving flight control characteristics. After the war ended, Consolidated took ownership of AM927 and registered it as a US civil aircraft. Three years later, it was sold to the Continental Can Company and converted into a luxury executive transport. After ten years in this role it was sold to Petrdleos Mexicanos (Pemex), a Mexican state-owned petroleum company. Pemex operated it fora further eight years before ownership transferred in May 1968 to the CAF, which named it Diamond Lil in 1972, November 2023 / FLYPAST / 13CAF HEAVY BOMBERS oe Prange Daring 2006 and 2007 the aircraft was returned to its original B-24A configuration. Sadly, in April 2012 it suffered a complete hydraulic failure and subsequent nosewheel collapse that caused significant damage. Asis the case with many historie wwarbirds, replacement parts had to be painstakingly fabricated from scratch. The repairs took over a year to complete, with the charismatic aircraft returning to the US airshow circuit in July 2013 Built for two [climb onboard with Randall Haskin, the CAF pilot who ‘would captain my Aight today. Now a commercial pilot, he has a USAF background flying aircraft such as the F-1SE Strike Eagle and U2, and is one of the experienced volunteer pilots flying both the B-24 and B-28. Approaching the aicraft, my first impression was that the large slab-sided aircraft would be incredibly roomy inside, but that illusion vanished as I made iy way to the cockpit dowa the narrow walkway, ducking under the wing spar but still managing to hit my head. Sitting inthe left-hand pilots seat, [found the view forward remarkably poor fora nosewheel aircraft. I imagine there were more than a few taxi incidents when B-24 pilots would collide with objects obscured from thei view. Another extraordinary aspect isthe cockpit layout, cree 14 / FLYPAST / November 2023 which can be described as an ergonomic nightmare. The propellor, throttle and mixture controls for each of the four engines are so widely arranged in the central console that flying the aircraft would be an exacting challenge, with one outstretched arm controlling the various levers. Randall explained that unlike most aircraft which can normally be flown by just one | pilot, the B-24 really demands the efforts of two. There are situations, such as engine start, when you literally need all four hhands to be simultaneously operating diferent switches and levers. The control yoke also has a long travel when flaring the aircraft on landing and is very heavy, demanding two hands. Itis therefore common practice to have the other pilot handle the throttles during take-off. landing. ‘Talking through the operating procedures, Randall described how prior to engine start, oil is pumped into the engines to give lubrication and the propellors are hand turned to remove any excess oil that might have leaked into the empty pistons. As with the B-29, the Liberator has no nosewheel steering, so while taxiing, turns are done using differential mainwheel braking assisted by adjusting the outboard engine power. Taking off, especially in any crosswind, is demanding as differential power is used to correct any ndswing until the rudders start to become effective at around 60-80mph, Randall explained that this differential power method of steering is an acquired skill - it's easy to overcorrect, resulting in the aircraft swinging the ‘opposite direction. Operating in crosswinds of more than 15mph is therefore best avoided. ‘When you look at a B-24 on the ground you may notice that it sits slightly nose low, so at 80mph during take-off, the nose is slightly lifted to an even keel without actually raising the wheel from the runway. At 100mph the aircraft is airborne. The undercarriage is then retracted - the aircraft cannot turn until the undercarriage is fully stowed as this would create damaging stresses. To decrease load on the hydraulic system, retracting the 10° take-off flap is also delayed until the undercarriage is retracted, at which point the aircraft is accelerated to 150mph for the climb, Randall also described how B-24 pilots would frequently suffer from fatigue = due to a very narrow centre of gravity range, the aircraft is extremely sensitive in pitch which demands constant input con heavy controls. Landing the B24 starts at 150mph with flaps extended to 10°; undercarriage is lowered at 135. By the end of the downwind leg, the aircraft is ideally at 120 to commence the finals turn. Randall commented that when flying a circuit in the B-24A it is very “slippery”, and “reluctantly slows down’, hence a surprisingly low power setting is necessary, although later variants with turrets, such as the B-24), would require more power to counter the drag. While itis obviously a demanding ircraftto fly, Randall described itasa privilege to display part of his nation’s heritage and also offer experience flights to enthusiasts, including relatives, of airmen who flew the type in wartime, Summing it all up in one priceless quote, Randall eloquently concludes that “the B-24 isthe worst flying aeroplane that I love to fly!” For the passenger, or the observer on the ground, both of these machines are reminders off bygone age, and a tribute to those who served, and those who keep them flying today. @ “Summing it all up in one priceless quote, Randall eloquently concludes that ‘the B-24 is the worst flying aeroplane that I love to fly! 8-29 was ramed Fin tribe to ie rescuer’ wife 7} Diamond Us isthe oldest fying heavy bomber i the world November 2023 / FLYPAST / 15.| The latest in aviation heritage Mustang leaving Sywell as another set to arrive North American Following restoration Burma-India theatre. It — P-SID Mustang by Air Leasing, the may be repainted again 45-11518 (G-CLNV) Mustang returned to _in France over the departed Sywell inthe skies over Sywell winter. Northamptonshire with Pete Kynsey ‘While bidding fon September 2. It's at the controls on farewell to one partofthe Paris-based August 25. Having Mustang, Air Leasing/ W Air Collection formerly flown in the Ultimate Warbirds and is likely to be UK asG-MSTG with will be receiving based at La Ferté- Maurice Hammond, another one very Alais alongside the the P-51D now soon. Queensland: exe Kysey fing Mustang G-CLNV on August 25 same organisation's _representsa machine based CAC-built other World War Two ofthe USAAF’s 74th Mustang VH-MET based company. The __ livery, but it’s likely fighter, Supermarine Fighter Squadron, 23rd Snifteris heading to the 1948-built two-seater __to be repainted ina Spitfire FR.XIV Fighter Group, which UK, where it will be is currently painted in different scheme when RM927, served in the China- operated by the Sywell- Korean War-era RAAF it reaches the UK. Crashed Focke-Wulf could be resurrected ArateFocke-Wall Fw Kuhlmey-The units Recovered fom its TBOF-8isupforsale”aimvastocounter | Rassancrash stein inthe USwithvwell. Sovictofemsves, 2018. the Focke-Walf Known warbird broker during the socalled is mow in Minnesota PMtinum Fighters Continuation War. ands desribed Apliydescbedas —OnAugest4, 1944, ean encllent ‘atime capsule", Fw the fighter was shot candidate for a TBOWKNF 501608 downy Soviet rebut abl isaformerL/SG°3 operated Hawker conltion- www. machine tha few Hurcanes Piet platinumfighters. from Alakurtti (then Alfred Kruppa bailed com inFnland but now oat the tncken 7 pertofRusia) as” ght, butdid nor EST oe le, 16 / FLYPAST / November 2023Cor eiCuaaa oed eRe COR Ca Sere) Seer r) ee iy ee ee) Ce eee ery Dee ee Coa a ee worbirds at air shows and the perfect training machine to Pea an ce} Laan) Notas PT EEPALE Neh Lega etl (GR @ tinafly_gmbhNEWS / The latest in aviation heritage Catalina Miss Pick Up marks 80th birthday Duxford-based Montreal, a short while Consolidated Catalina before. After 17 years G-PBYA Miss Pick _with the RCAF and a Up, operated by Plane subsequent career as Sailing Air Displays, a firefighting water- is celebrating her bomber in Canada, 80th anniversary this France and Chile, it October. ‘came to the UK in ‘The aircraft was 2004, Since then, it’s accepted by the Royal flown hundreds of Canadian Air Foree’s displays throughout Western Air Command Europe, as well as con October 27, 1943, taking students to hhaving rolled offthe Greenland and making Vickers production appearances in various line at Cartierville, films and TV shows. Airworthy Corsair on loan to museum Beck, The mov tomes she the closure of its previous home len Pres Wing ofthe North nit Meum Entering US Novy hands in 946 van Fagen (In cockpit) and John Sinclair with Corsair served in Japan. Sanger EE etal being sod Vought F4U-4 Museum inGrante by North Data Casnir BuNo 97388. Fall Minnesota, | wart expert erry wile operated fllwingaloun” Becky sent 1 Fhe Worl Gdyand Whine Meworthyconiton Helicopters destined for restoration in Canada ‘A pair of Pasecki H-21s were delivered to Canada’s British Columbia Aviation Museum on September 7A previous attempt to cmplete the SO0-mie tans rom the town af Golden failed when a erare malnctioned"We ao rocred large inventory of spare pats” the ‘museum's Dave Jackson tld Fyfar."The inal work wil be ta get them Back on chal wheel ean hen up freery what we Rare ad pln restoration” 18 / FLYPAST / November 2023 Fairey Firefly makes Duxford return Firefly 22033 was brought home to Duxford on August 17 14M ‘The Imperial War Museums Fairey Firefly Mk.1 22033 returned to Duxford oon August 17, having spent more than two decades on loan to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton, It’s been placed on display in Duxford’s Air and Sea hangar. Delivered to the Fleet Air Arm in 1944, it served with 731 NAS and was used after the war to train pilots how to land safely on an aircraft carrier. It flew with Svensk Flygtjnst in Sweden as SE-BRD from 1949, but returned to Britain in 1964 when it was acquired by Staverton’s Skyfame Collection. It later entered IWM hhands and arrived at Duxford in 1978. 1¢ hhas been painted to represent Firefly MK. DKa31 Evelyn Tentions, which conducted ground attack missions against Japan in the hands of Lt Cér Robert MacWhirter of I77LNAS.fad (CI www.corgi.co.uk aia oy ee Oa ae MU ua UL Government Aircraft Factories (GAF] Canberra Mk.20, A84240 id e'Royell Australian Ait Force aircraft of thet fought in both the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War on secondment to the United States Air Force. The aireraft wos ‘operated by RAAF No.2 Sqn, know as The Magpies’. AB4-240 ‘survived and is tday proudly maintained and preserved ‘at The Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Ths release marks the return of he Canberra fooling tothe Aviation Archive range forthe firs fime in sixteen years, and isthe rst fime Corgi has modelled a RAAF version ofthe lype. ee aE eaNEWS / The latest in aviation heritage Back in black - rare Panavia Tornado F.2 restored in September 2015 and the company wantinga D899 was one of then holditin storage ‘Tornado as an addition only 18 production before delivering and toaprivate collection. Tornado F.2s built assembling itat Bury’s The aircraft required for the RAF, eight of Greater Manchester Fire repainting and afull which (including this and Rescue Training cosmetic restoration _one) were fitted with Centre. The Tornado after its time outside. As dual controls and were formed part ofa disaster the client requested an unofficially known training scenario with all-black gloss scheme as F.2(T)s. Asa trials the jet installed next the seed was planted aircraft it was used for toarow of collapsed _tocreate something _radar/weapon systems structures to simulate special, Only one proving work and an incident wherean Tornado ADV(F.3._ effectively became an aircraft has crashed. 2757) had ever been _F.3 avionics prototype ‘After two years in this painted black in service, as it was fitted with role, itwas transferred which a the time a twin IN navigation toJAAon the proviso created controversy as __ system. In homage to that the company the 43 Squadron 90th its time at Warton, extracted itfrom the Anniversary special where it was used for site scheme had not been autopilot trials, the : Tn early 2023, private approved by the ‘top fin was re-marked Yi Aom Oe Bec client of JAA contacted brass ‘ATY, which also “The jetas been restored in a glossy bck scheme for a prvate chee aes Ce Wit) Yorkshire-based Jet Experimental Art Aviation (JAA) Establishment and has completed the British Aerospace at restoration of Tornado Warton, Last flown in F.2ZD899. Known 2004, the jet was then as‘ATI; this was the used as a spares source first production ADV at Boscombe Down to (Air Defence Variant) support other Tornado Tornado and spent the test airframes. majority ofits ‘lif’ asa__JAA was contracted tals aircraft allocated — to first dismantle and to the Aeroplane extract the airframe & Armament from Boscombe Down November 20193 JAA team extracts the Tornado rom 3 fie and rescue training entre Te. ‘Back rom the brink ~Tornado F2.ZD899 flowing restoration 20 / FLYPAST | November 2023emphasises the point rear navigator's cockpit that this aircraft = he was the unit's was the veryfirst_ CO during the 90th production Tornado anniversary. Lastly, ADV. Airbourne the two crew chiefs Colours cartied out names, Cpl Clifford and refinishing work SAC Gavin, have been and Serco assisted applied to the left-hand with stencilling and nose undercarriage = door exactly as when “We aimed to 2G757 was painted like replicate the paint this in 2006.” www. scheme ofthe 90th _jetartaviation.co.uk ‘Anniversary jet a5 closely as possible,” RIGHT: Te efchand ide JAA boss Chris of he fn bears the serial ZGTS7 among oer dts Wilson told FlyPast “The fin hasbeen gerowsThe aierat marked up with the following completion by Jt 43 Squadron crest AreAviton and 90th anniversary 5 sy ry jt avy dates 1916 t0 2006, Arjourne Colours pant plusablack-and- Shop ac Ease MdlandsArport white chequerboard carer tis year fin cap withthe unit's ‘Fighting Cocks’ nickname. It has the serial 2G757 on the left-hand side of the fin (the aireraft we ‘were replicating) while retaining its original serial ZD899 con the other side. “The canopy is marked with the names of No.43's founder Maj Sholto Douglas, and Wg, (Cdr Beach on the “ November 2023 / FLYPAST / 21NEWS / The latest in aviation heritage Starfighter to be repainted at new home ‘Canadair CF-104 Air Force (RCAF), Starfighter 731has having achieved a arrived at Canada's speed of Mach 2.4 British Columbia during a test flight on Aviation Museum November 4, 1974 following an epic Eighteen former two-night, IS2-mile Starfighter pilots were road journey from con hand for a short its previous home at arrival ceremony, the Comox Air Force including 100-year- Museum on Vancouver old Maj Gen Ken Lett, island. ‘who began his career The jet spent its entire flying Supermarine operational career Spitfires with the at CEB Cold Lake RCAF’s 402 Squadron in Alberta, where it during World War was used to train new Two. A new paint Starfighter pilots from scheme will be chosen 1962 to 1983. Itcame once the CF-104 has tobe regarded as one been stripped and of the fastest CF-104s surveyed. www. in the Royal Canadian beam.net Tuskegee Stearman arrives Welsh attraction at Ohio museum welcomes Jet Provost acquired through an | ‘The Tornado University, the jet hed ‘exchange with the Heritage Centre at the been in storage or Collings Foundation’s | Hawarden Aviation confined to barracks for ‘American Heritage | Park in North Wales around four decades. Museum in Hudson, | received Jet Provost It joins Tornado 3 Massachusetts. Rob’ | T.4 XPS85.on August ZE966 on static display Collings described the | 13. Formerly at at the Hawarden transfer of the aircraft | Wresham's Glyndwr attraction as bittersweet: “It is a little emotional. The National Museum of Bosing PTT Stearman 41-25454 wll z00n be on displ 3 Dayton N-USAP Ls ey the USAF is such a spectacular museum Dayton, Ohio's PT-17s formerly used and this aircraft National Museum of by the Tuskegee deserves to be on the the USAF recently Airmen, the famous __ national stage. ! hope it welcomed the arrival of black American combat will inspire everybody Boeing PT-17 Stearman unit, for training during who comes through. I's 41-25454.1one World War Two. in the right location. It cof only two existing ‘The biplane was needs to be here. ore cere eee es et eterno een yas Perret ny : tery vale & 5 os 22 / FLYPAST | November 2023PLAY NOW FOR FREE WARTHUNDER.COM/FLY chr en Pra A 2 * ~ tia =NEWS / The latest in aviation heritage ‘Working’ Meteors showcased at Chalgrove he decades of Gloster Meteor fight was marked at Chalgrove, Oxfordshire on Seprember |, Photographers had the opportunity to shoot both the Martin ‘Baker Meteors, 77s WL419 and WA63E, which are si acive in Mgheeesing over 8D years after the debut Might of prototype DG206 The shoot was arranged by ‘Threshold Aero, wih some proceeds ging to Marti-Sskers choren charg che RAF Benevolent Fund fics Hal New Zealand museum Junkers replicas cleared gets a Lockheed Orion for passenger flying Club members can by German sow flies inthe now book sightsesing entrepreneur Dieter US as NISJU. Its figs in pair of Morszec, scoessors, HD-RIA Junkers F 13 replicas The F 13 prototype and HB-RIO, now fly in Germany, Toflyon first flew in 2016 regularly in Germany one of the distinctive at Duebendorf, and Switzerland, aircraft, which are ‘Switzerland, and Stefan Schmoll modern recreations of the 1920s all- metal airliner, passengers need to bbe members of the Junkers Luftverkehr ‘The Air Force Museum had been a long wait to | association. “The Orion fying in 2005 fom Auckland RNZAF of New Zealand getan Orion: “To say | The aircraft have has welcomed the we're excited would be | recently been joined latest addition tots. an understatement. |_by a couple of newly collection, Lockheed “NZ4203 will be the | produced Junkers P-3K2 Orion NZ4203. largest aircraftin our | A SO Juniors - one In an illustrious collection and one of | ofthe two-seaters 54-year career, the most significant. | is now based at NZ4203 has flown “We look forward to | Leverkusen and ‘more than 27,000 hours being able to tell the | may be operated for the RNZAF since many stories associated | by members in the entering service in April with this extraordinary | future 1967. Museum boss type which served usso | ‘The reproductions Brett Marshall said it well for so long.” were initiated 13 replas HB-RIA and HB-RIO inaction Stein Sa pares eae a tet - ete Sener ne eee : Cen es eee - Paar Seren & 5 os 24 / FLYPAST | November 2023AWARD is proud to have struck the commemorative Cold War Medal to pay tribute and honour those who served in Britain's and our allies Armed Forces from 1945, to 1991, a period of world confrontation during which our country was no more than 4 minutes away from annihilation. { 3 totaltarion reine of the Commuist Pac and direct descendants may also ppl. ride, not alongside gallantry decorations, bt sepanatey and dsincthy The miniature ‘medal an ‘all other ters are available without restriction, Personalised Medal Presentation Set Featuring an engraved fultsize medal, a ‘miniature Cold War medal and matching ribbon bar, all elegant displayed in an ‘attractive case personalised with your service details as engraved on the medal AWARD PROUD TO SERVE Proud supporters of Veteran Groups and Charities for over 37 years. The Medal J Obverse: The obverse of the medal [comprises the roled-up flags ofthe three main players in the Cold War, the Soviet Union is being contained by the United ‘States and the United Kingdom showing the dates 1945-1991 Reverse: The reverse of the medal features the Russian Bear, set on top of a fortified wall, clutching a missile which is symbolic of the USSR stand-off, confronted by the Lion representing the forces of the United Kingdom and is allies. The Eagle of the United States completes the combined Jopposition to the Soviet Union atthe time ofthe Cold War. Ribbon: The ribbon has a configuration similar to that commonly used on Soviet medal ribbons with the red, white and blue lon the leftedge representing the Alles and the bright red ofthe Soviet fag on the right. /Medal Engraving: Your service number, rank, name &&intials and service or regiment can be professionally engraved Jon the edge of the medal Individually Engraved Clasps: Specially lengraved clasps (max of 20 characters) [designed to match the finish of the medal highiight the details of your service. ‘CWeM Fullsize Commemorative Medal £5950 ENGR Medal Edge Engraving 1250 INIEC Nickel Gasps (ost per asp) ‘3.00 ‘Cunt rinatue Meda 1750 JEWRB Ribbon Bar +600 MPP. Perconalsed Medal Presentation Case £1450 curs Medal Presentation St 6450| The latest in aviation heritage Legion Condor Messerschmitt for sale Messerschmitt BF Withdrawn from use in 109E-1'6-88',arare 1950, it was recovered veteran ofthe Spanish from Leén in 1981 vil War-era Legion by Robs Lamplough Condor, has been made and exhibited fora available for sale via time at the Tangmere Platinum Fighters. The Military Aviation aircraft has been in the Museum. Following a care of Meier Motors in period in storage it was Bremgarten, Germany, transferred to Meier where it has been under Motors for restoration restoration for several to flight. Once years, complete, it’s been Flown in combat by _ earmarked to receive Hpt Siebelt Reents of the German registration 1./]88 from September D-FCON and will be 1938, it remained the oldest airworthy in Spain after the F109 extant. www. hostilities and was platinumfighters. assigned to Grupo 25. com 1096-1669 being restored to fin Gecmany Fe Hunter and Hawk on Caravelle restored for show at Wickenby airport display ———S—— Following the transport Initial restoration of Sud Aviation work was performed Caravelle SE-DAF by volunteers from from Sweden's Arlanda the Aviation Museum Airportto Finland in Society Finland. The August 2022, the 1962- reassembly took se built airliner has been days, Ithas been reassembled at Turku painted to represent Set | Airport, where it will OH-LEA, Finnair’s first Hawher Huncer GA.I1 XE695 at Wickenby in Aust Picard remain on display. Caravelle Two airframes once Viper and was flown BAe Hawk XX227 7.1 resident at RAF onthe UK’ airshow (XX226/BAPC 152) Seampton have Circuit until the tam isa full-scale repic arrived atthe former disbanded in 2012, previously used as BomberCommand ‘Theaireraftwasthen a recruiting aid by airfield at Wickenby, acquired by Hawker the RAF Directorate Lincolnshire, and are Hunter Aviation Ltd, of Recruitment and currently on static ditasa Selection. Following display Source ofspares to this role, it had a spell Hawker Hunter GA.1L keep its Seampton-_on display at the RAF XE695 (G-GAII) was based Hunters Seampton Heritage | carole SE-DAF hs ben resembled Tartu conce part of Team airworthy. Centre. Richard Hall |= currently on daply inside Terminal re ib nchide Piper PA-I8 Super cere eee ene & 5 os ms een eat 26 / FLYPAST | November 2023AE EOE U Eu Se ean omens Le eee) eee Mic eens) A iF iz oA e aren g Aircraft Covers & Cambral Ground Equipment aR CNB as] DUTT SU Hse ema ee it eas a aes ees > eos a red ed fig oH picants oe a eee ss eee rc OTs ey yer ts e PRA ReFLYPOST / Readers comment, events and more Photographic memory — the seminal TSR.2 me forever. ‘Another surprising encounter with a TSR.2 came while visiting Cranfield’s I College of Aeronautics con June 13, 1977. L was confronted with what appeared to be a gun wielding pilot on toy the camera crew. I believe the aircraft was being used to replicate the MiG-25 flown by Viktor Belenko when in 1976 - note the red. photo, My TSR.2 keepsake is a rather crude scale line profile drawing. It ‘Another rarely sen view of XR2I9, with i brakes deployed An unusual perspective showing XR219in ight September'sexcellent Unfortunately for him, variety of cutters, ina lifetime’ sight of was given to my dad by articles about the BAC it was discovered bya donot know what it inflight. During -__a friend, both of whom TSR.2 brought back fellow worker during the components were a shopping trip in worked at the Strand many memories. low tide but they may have Preston, Theard a Road plant. !am rather ‘was an engineering later worked inthe been used in the rear jet. Ilooked up to see ashamed to admit that apprentice/machinist experimental machine fuselage assemblies ~ so XR2I9 flying over;a__Thaven't gota clue ‘with English Electric in shop, next tothe TSR.2 Like to think I played beautiful white aircraft where it is, but I know Preston between 1960 rear fuselage assembly a.small part inthe against adeep blue sky. it hasn't been thrown and November 1965. line. One of my jobs TSR.2 programme. It was only visible for away! [recall that one of was machining titanium My most abiding afew seconds, but the Malcolm English the milling machines @ components using a memory was a‘once memory willive with Via email few yards from me was tasked with machining the large taileron spigots. These were larger than anything else in the machine shop and the process ‘was quite complex. It may be apocryphal, but was told that one of the machinists scrapped a spigot and, ina panic, managed to smuggle it out ofthe factory, tipping it into the nearby river Ribble, ‘An extramely rare view ofTSR2 Ik up onthe runway Post, PO Box 100, facebookcom! swietercom! ——— frost Stamford Lines UK Sypastoeial Iypastmag Aypastmagazine ypu Corer rom renders ate says wee er ht eateries in fort ar ot acne thos of th Edrrcr pubs Lar maybe aed seo eg Neos soca ued wig ecu lp res pr oon a feo ys 28 / FLYPAST | Novernber 2023,North Coates Strike Wing — | was there! April’s FlyPast included a feature on the North Coates Strike Wing, of which I was a member. With my pilot Fit Lt Tony Adams, we were on the June 15, 1944 strike. See below for a copy of my description of the event, which I sent to the RAFA Air Mail Tam now 108, but unfortunately Tony in the intelligence unit until the station closed. Then I went to various other units and 16 Group HQ, All interesting. My wife, daughter and I were at the unveiling of the statue at Cleethorpes. We also attended Westminster Abbey when Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the Coastal Command was killed on July 20, Memorial. 1944, when wehad RAF Langham, 15th tocome back from June 1944: Norway with engine trouble. We crashed into the sea vertically at 300mph. The aireraft disintegrated and I was trapped in the wreckage, but by a miracle I managed to escape and was picked up from a minefield by a Grimsby trawler. My flying days were over. Afier seven months in hospital I returned to North Coates serving ‘Tony Adams and I were part of the 254 Squadron contingent sent to Langham on June 14 from North Coates in torpedo- armed Beaufighter NE428 [a “Torbeau’]. We stayed there overnight and had a thorough briefing, a meal and sleep. For weeks the Dutch Underground had kept us informed about progress of the two main ships ~ the Coburg of 7900 tons and Gustay Nachtigal cf 3,500 tons ~ which ‘we understood were en route to the Baltic for final fitting out. ‘We were up early and took off at 0345hrs,, forming up with all the participating ‘Beaus’ from Langham ‘Wing, We picked up cour Polish escort of Mustangs at Coltishall and headed for the Dutch coast. In front was the top cover, which was to come down steeply to smother the ships cannon and machine gun fire. As their fire hit vessels, the rocket- firing Beaus let loose, and smothered the vessels as the ‘sitting duck’ Torbeaus flew straight and level to release their torpedoes. ‘The German convoy was sighted off Schiermonnikoog and cour aircraft deployed into attack. In addition to the main ships they were surrounded (we were told) by 18 escorts The attack was on, and all hell let loose, aircraft flying over from every direction. As soon as, cour torpedoes had been launched we ‘jinked” all over the place. Then it was off to Langham. The convoy looked like ithad been hit very hard. I watched one of the big ships sip stern first under the sea and there were burning and sinking escorts all around. We were told 17 ofthe 18 were sunk or beached and burning. The Polish escort leader called our wing leader and uttered an epic sentence which has always remained with me: “Oh Wing Leader, oh Wing Leader, what a bloody ‘good show!” Back at Langham it ‘was obvious many Beaus had been hit, but by a miracle none had been los Undamaged aircraft landed first, and ‘crews went to the control tower to ‘watch the ‘cripples’ as they belly-landed in clouds of grass and soil. All crews seemed tobe safe. We were debriefed, cleaned up, had a snack and a tot ofrum ~ a Langham tradition. The aircraft ‘were checked, re-armed and made ready to do it all again if necessary. Luckily, PRU Spitfire had checked the site and reported there was nothing left to attack = s0 we went back to North Coates. Arthur Steel Ex-245 Squadron Historic aircraft shed = use, particularly over ‘Aormer srraft shed ssl in we tthe former Bramham Moor aerodrome osenior Aireraft Shed at ‘what used to be REC Bramham Moor, later RAF Tadcaster. The airfield opened in 1916, its aim being to defend York, Leeds and the West iding from possible Zeppelin attack. Anarticle in the July issue by Ken Ellis referred to the aircraft sheds at Old Sarum in Wiltshire. Here in West Yorkshire, just off the Al near Wetherby, we have a fine surviving example of a General Purpose This shed has an 80ft single span roof of Belfast truss construction, lightweight but strong, manufactured by D Anderson of Belfast t's in excellent condition, extremely known as Tadcaster ‘on the formation of the RAF on April, 1918. 1's possible to large with clear floor space. It's now part of the University of Leeds’ Experimental Farm Estate and look at the building used asamachinery from a nearby lane, store. Some parts of and the A64 Leeds the interior still show signs of their original road, but access isnot generally available to the the doors. public Originally known Roger Taylor as Bramham Moor, Wetherby, the airfield became Yorkshire “The roof dstnctve Beet us consruction Roy Tor November 2023 / FLYPAST / 29FLYPOST / Readers comment, events and more 1 was with great interest that I read the August edition’s article on the 617 Squadron Lancaster remains stil lying in Sweden. 1 heard the story of this, crash-landing from inne ofthe crew back in 1967, when I was involved in getting Lancaster NX6II (Just Jane) back in the air in order to fly to the Dambusters reunion at Scampton, Gerry Witherick, rear gunner on the ill-fated ‘Lapland Lancaster, came to Biggin Hill, and subsequently flew in NX61I on several other flights. He was considered a lucky ‘mascot on account of his wartime record, which I think exceeded 100 operations in the Walking away from the wreck rear turret. He told us ofthe flight and. subsequent crash- landing, and how they tried to set the wreckage alight by firing Very cartridges into the wing tanks, having hacked them ‘open with an axe but Easy Elsie refused to ignite. I was therefore surprised to hear that the forward section had indeed been burnt. Gerry also claimed he should have been put on a charge when they returned home, as he had omitted to switch off the aireraf’s battery master switch, He explained that he always knew when the Dutch coast was coming up, as it took ‘a can of orange juice and three cigarettes” to ‘cross the North Sea, 1967, Gerry is on the What a character! right by the tailplane The photograph was wearing his customary taken shortly after sheepskin coat, To his NX6II had landed at right is another veteran, Scampton on May 19, Basil Feneron, and beyond him with the white hair and glasses is Sir Barnes Wallis. ‘Martin Collins Lindfield, West Sussex ‘A crowd gathers around NX6I at Sampton in May 1967 Courtesy arin Coles The Eder Dam memorial ‘The memo plaque and ‘wreaths near Germany’ Eder Dam Ainanin In the August edition of FlyPast, Daniel Wright mentions in his letter the possible absence of a memorial at the Eder Dam ~ scene of one of the Dambusters’ legendary strikes. [can confirm that there is now a small memorial plaque attached to a wall close to the southern end of the dam. When | went recently for the 80th anniversary of the attack, with a Leger battlefield tour company group, several wreaths had. been placed there in commemoration ‘As Daniel correctly pointed out, you ‘The articles detailing really do geta good the BAC TSR.2 in impression of the September's FipPast difficulty of the prompted me to approach for the attack. dig out a treasured ‘And of course the souvenir I was given Dambusters had to do by my late uncle Bob itallat night ~ we were (Peyton-Bruhl) in looking at it in daylight! 1964 when I was just Alan Ashman seven. It was that Sedgley, West year’s Battle of Britain Midlands Souvenir Book and ithad TSR.2 on the TI cover, with some detail about its low Flying capabilities inside. There were also many other interesting article, about the Mosquito, the P1127, Short Belfast, NATO, the Far East Air Force and other fascinating snippets. The back page had an advert for Senior Service ‘recone vw of he Eder Da cigarettes along with a 20./ FLYPAST | Novernber 2023, Treasured souvenir Belfast. Smoking was evidently safe in those days! My uncle had been a tailgunner on ‘Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys daring World War Two and survived to tell the tale, After the war he was stationed in Akrotiri in Cyprus during the troubles, there. I think he had been in Aden too. ‘fier leaving the RAF he worked for an engineering company, and made small parts for TSR.2. Ionce spent a whole hour at Cosford just looking at TSR.2 XR220, and it still makes we weep. Jeff Peyton-Bruhl Brackley, NorthamptonshireVISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP TO VIEW OUR FULL RANGE OF BOOKS, SPECIALS, MAGAZINES AND MODELS. shop.keypublishing.com WW2 AVIATION AND SPITFIRE ‘SPECIALISTS Roeser fee ne shop.keypublish Ts bs Rey tare Call+44 0)1780 480404, UNS UT eae alo eee eR enc a PGE are Mas ue ak FEM g Ogu ke Tou ge ead Ree oun Coe eer ae cd Ie Med Cee LL ood TePanes ROMANIA ne can only imagine the Cee ‘thoughts and fears See aE Ea in the minds of the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) airmen when their target was revealed to them. In daylight, and without fighter escort, they were to face .2,400-mile flight to attack one of the most heavily defended targets in Europe. Their mission vwas to destroy the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania and their chances of survival hung upon the element of surprise Flying at very low level and in complete radio silence, the force hoped its arrival would shock the defenders, overwhelming them by the sheer number of bombers striking in just afew minutes. However, in war, even the best plans often disintegrate soon after the task begins. On August 1, 1943, Operation Tidalwave was no different and for many ofthe aircrew the situation they found themselves in must have resembled their worst nightmares. A standout target From its 1942 arrival in Europe, the USAAF maintained its doctrine of precision daylight raids upon specific military oF industrial targets while the RAF pursued its night area bombing strategy. Together, they formed the Combined Bomber Offensive providing a relentless ‘around the clock’ attack upon enemy- occupied territory until the very last weeks of the war in Europe. In addition, both the RAF and USAAF had studied what might be achieved through bombing oil refineries and disrupting fuel supplies. Ploesti was the standout target Itwas estimated to be producing about a third of the Axis forces’ cil needs but its remote location from Allied countries meant it ‘would require avery long-range strike to destroy it. An RAF plan drawn up in 1942 envisaged bombers flying at night from Egypt to join up with Ameri aircraft operating from North Arica at dawn, It called for long flights, a precise rendezvous time 32./ FLYPAST | November 2023GN) Ney sree uR eas Vee none ra the war? Tom Alllett studies the dangers faced by the crews attacking Enel iC eedraed ROMANIA RIGHT: The low sletude spect ofthe rid ean be seen the rama image taken fom nother 8:24 a RIGHT 8-24 Uerators en route for Pres, Romans, Note the lack of ball turrets on these siren UA and at least part of the attack happening in daylight, but there was no clear understanding of what defences they would encounter. Soon after the US entry into World War Two, the USAAF studied the concept of using a group of Consolidated B-24 Liberators as a potential long- range strike force capable of hitting targets in the Far East. Its potential operational area ‘was later changed to the Middle East and southern Europe and, under the command of Col Harry Halverson it became known as the Halverson Project (HALPRO). Halverson was an obvious choice to organise the attack. A pilot during World War One, he went on to co-ordinate and participate in several record breaking and pioneering ‘around the world’ flights during the 1920s. Planning the frst strike upon Ploesti would fall to him and 23 of the HALPRO B-24s, left the US on their 4,000-mile journey to Egypt on May 22, 1942. The force stopped for fuel and recuperation at Khartoum, 24-/ FLYPAST | Novernber 2023 Sudan, before continuing to RAF Fayid in northern Egypt. All 23 arrived safely, but the marathon trip took a toll maintenance wise. Ploestiis in southern Romania, some 30 miles north ofits capital, Bucharest and 125 miles west of the Romanian coast. Round- trip the attack route from Egypt stretched to about 2,600 miles. At the time, the B-24 was the only bomber with the range to reach Ploesti and return to base in North Africa, However, because ofthe long distances involved and the need to conserve fuel, Halverson ordered the force to proceed directly over Turkey. It was clearly a violation of the country’s neutral status and put the American bombers at risk of being intercepted by Turkish Air Force fighters, but it was deemed worth the risk, ‘The date chosen for the raid was June 11, 1942. That day, technical problems limited the number of availabe aircraft to just 13, but the mission went ahead on schedule, Being the USAAF’s first bombing raid against a European target in World War Two it was 1 major milestone in the force's history. But with hindsight, despite the crews’ best efforts it arguably did more damage to the USAAF than to the cil refineries Cloud obscured part of the target area and disrupted the bombing pattern, The defences were largely taken by surprise, Only limited flak and fighter opposition was, encountered, and some refineries were damaged, but they were quickly repaired, Although none ofthe attacking force was shot down, five Liberators were forced. to land in Turkey where they and their crews were interned. The USAAF hierarchy considered the raid a failure. From the Allies’ point of view, the ‘real damage’ was that Romanian and German defences were now aware the oil fields were being targeted. Any future attacks would be far better defended. Second attempt ‘The oil refineries remained on the target ist, but with the enemynow alerted, a new approach was needed. The number of Luftwaffe and Romanian Air Force fighter units in the area had more than doubled, specifically to defend the oil refineries, and more than 100 extra anti-aircraft guns were deployed along with barrage balloons. For their size, the Ploesti refineries we among the most heavily defended Axis targets in Europe, Would- be attackers would run the gauntlet of more concentrated flak significantly earlier than before, and the need to take the defenders by surprise was greater than ever. With Ploesti still far beyond the range of Allied escort fighters, the USAAF deemed a low-level attack to be the only option. This time a force would fly from Benghazi, Libya. It was still an 18-hour and almost 2,400-mile round trip and the need to fly at low level fora significant portion of the journey would increase the aircrafts’ fuel burn and add to the bomber crews’ concerns. Modified machines In January 1943 the Allied leaders meeting at the Casablanca Conference decided to attack Ploesti again. General Henry ‘Hap’ Arnold asked Col Jacob Smart from his advisory council to prepare the plan which eventually took the name Operation Tidalwave. Smart envisaged something completely different from normal US bombing missions, proposing a mass, tidal wave-like, low-level “If all of you do your assignments and bomb your targets tomorrow, it will be worth it — even if we lose every airplane” attack upon on the nine most productive Ploest refineries. The plan called or five B-24 bomb groups (BGs), two from the 9th Air Force in North Africa and three seconded from the 8th Air Force in England. It won Arnold’s approval and by July 1943 comprised five groups, the 4th, 93rd, and 389th BGs from England joining the 98th and 376th BGs at Benghazi Libya After multiple low-level training exercises and conventional missions over North Africa, the B-24 crews were deemed ready for their daunting mission, whatever it was. Rumours had spread about a possible raid upon Ploesti, and the chances of survival unnerved many. Ominously, after one ofthe last mission briefings, Gen Lewis Brereton called the senior flying officers ofthe five bomb groups together and asked them to consider themselves already dead, a ifthey had died when they volunteered for service. He ended by saying: “I want you to know this. fall of you do your assignments and bomb your targets tomorrow, it will be worth it - even if we lose every airplane Aircraft modifications Being drawn from both the 8th and 9th Air Forces, the aircraft were easily identified by their colour schemes, The former were painted olive drab and the latter (98th and 376th Bomb Group) sand (also referred to as desert pink). There were also some variations in their markings. In addition to their US stars most, if not all, carried RAF fin flashes on their vertical stabilisers. Ped a cen Romanan my November 2023 / FLYPAST / 35raed ROMANIA RIGHTELE Col ‘Addon Baker, seen here wring Ina logoook was the aptain ofthe frst aerate co rep its bombs Se Foes Eighty yrs after his Seath, DNA aralysis enabled Ie remaine to be denied before reburia atArington Cemetery Washington DC BELOW:Msj John Jorsad stands beside 5.240 Liberator 4.23771 Jere ‘Naural The sirerafe was ‘seconded tothe Sthair Force In North Afr for Tidahave and flown by Le ‘Wilt Sten Despite repeated bate on hi rere Sten was able to iver t Sy and his erew survived USAF Some photographs seem to show aircraft with the 1941-style flash with equal width red, white, and blue colour bands although most appear to have carried the 1942- style version with the narrower white band in the centre of the flash. The new method of attack, swapping from a medium altitude to a low-level attack, required aircraft modifications. ‘The B-24Ds were equipped with the standard high-altitude Norden bomb sights which ‘would be completely ineflective at low level. The solution was to replace the Nordens with simpler 1N-7 units, modified versions of gunsights usually associated with fighter and fighter-bomber types. Many of the B-24s were fitted with ball turrets before being sent to Europe, but all the Tidalwave aircraft had theirs removed to save weight, and therefore fuel, during this extremely long-range mission, In a further effort to extend their ange, every Ploesti aireraft was fitted with at least one extra fuel tank. In the case of the newest ‘machines, which had greater ‘wing fuel tank capacity, a single extra tank was fitted in the front left bomb bay. The older airframes were fitted with two, one in each of the 26 / FLYPAST | Novernber 2023 forward bay positions. Through a timely coincidence, the armament was beefed up too. Many of the participating 8th Air Force aircraft already had two extra 50-calibre machine guns fitted on flexible mounts within the aircrafts ‘chin’ before arriving in the desert. The extra guns were becoming standard “kit to help defend against head-on fighter attacks during raids over Europe, but several older B-24s had them fitted in theatre. Although these modifications were not specifically for Tidalwave, they ‘were an apt addition for some of the crews that day. None of the 9th Air Force B-24s had the flexible 0.5s, but some were fitted with two fixed forward- facing 0.5s in approximately the same position. A handful of 9th AF aircraft were also fitted with twin 0.5s in the waist gunners’ positions in place of the previous single gun. The Tidalwave ‘The date was set for August 1, 1943, and this time the route ‘would take the 178 aircraft across the Mediterranean and over the Pindus mountains to enable a bomb-run from an easterly direetion, ‘The raid’s mission commander was Gen Uzal Girard Ent, the commander of the 9th Air Force. He chose to fly in Teggie Ann, the Liberator operated by Col Keith Compton, commander of the 376th BG. Alter starting out asa single formation, the 8th and 9th Air Force elements became separated dduring the sea crossing, splitting into two parts. The first was led by Compton, together with aircraft from the 376th and 93rdfie L— #NEW arene TSR] erevonc ye = aenwinc ae ap Nese a SN ot, rod ae 010 ok ae, oaraed ROMANIA altitude to allow the crew to RIGHT: The crow of Ok Kekopoo bail-out. They didn't make 38-24 bomber it it was over in seconds and own the bomber crashed killing all ch 85, 389ch aca i foc, onboard curing As the survivors ofthe ist Tw. Fture group emerged from the hemeeoac ‘maelstrom over Ploesti and ye ghee began their run for home, is standing athe Kane's group arrived to find oo some of ts intended targets already ablaze and the sky filled with smoke belching from the explosions. As briefed before take-off, they searched for alternative targets. Col Kane of the 98th BG and Col Leon Johnson of the 44th “The defenders had wreaked havoc headed north towards the Astra among the attacking force - 88 B-24s, {ni uietgte t managed to return to Benghazi, but defender were endfor hr many were badly damaged” offal to meet them, Several aircraft from the group were — downed but Kane and Johnson held formation and pressed on nicht: The BGs. The second was led by Col Compton’s group, recognised through the storm surrounding commander of John ‘Killer’ Kane, commander _the navigational error, sighted them to bomb their targets. Caigatge, ofthe 98th BG together with Ploesti to his left and turned Both were able to make it back vs hed B-24s of the 44th and 389th towards it. He tried to warn to base and were later awarded Seon wie BGs. The plan was beginning to Compton of is error but the Medal of Honor for their sryngtolandtis unravel. The overriding need for received no reply and the committed leadership. Cipplet rene radio silence prevented the two mistake meant Chicago-born formations from reassembling, __—Baker, assisted by co-pilot Unintentionally, Compton's Maj John Jerstad, flying Hells formation was gradually Wench, would attack frst. palling ahead of Kane's, so the opportunity fora single Maelstrom over Ploesti force mass attack to try and Approaching the target with overwhelm the defences was about three miles to run, Hell's Jost. Although Compton's group Wench was struck by anti- reached Romanian airspace aircraft fire which punched first, after descending to low holes in the fuselage and wings level Ent misidentified the first and set the No.3 engine ablaze. turning point. Approaching Although Baker and Jerstad sill Ploesti from the west he made _had the opportunity to belly the grave error of ordering his _land their machine on open pilot, Compton, to turn south ground ahead of them they instead of continuing north to _continued towards their target. the correct turning point. They _By the time their bombs were were now heading towards released over the aiming point, Bucharest and its defences. the flames had spread and the Ent was warned of his error end was near. As their target by the aircraft's navigator and disappeared behind them, other crew members, pls radio Hills Wench turned cals from other aircraft whose away from the crews decided the situation surrounding was serious enough to justify aireraft and breaking radio silence began to Flying behind Teggie Ann, Col climb, almost ‘Addison Baker, commander certainly to of the 93rd BG within gain enough 38 / FLYPAST | Novernber 2023