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M A Kinnear - Artist Details and Print Database

M A Kinnear

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M A Kinnear Art Prints, Paintings and Drawings

Handley Page Halifax LK797 LK-E. by M A Kinnear.


Handley Page Halifax LK797 LK-E. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

SE5 Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear.


SE5 Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Short Stirling MkI R9257 MG - C. by M A Kinnear.


Short Stirling MkI R9257 MG - C. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00


Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.


Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.
2 of 3 editions available.
1 of 2 editions featuring up to 10 additional signatures are available.
£75.00 - £190.00

Fairey Swordfish Mk I W5984 H. by M A Kinnear.


Fairey Swordfish Mk I W5984 H. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Hawker Typhoon Mk Ib R7752 PR-G. by M A Kinnear.


Hawker Typhoon Mk Ib R7752 PR-G. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00


Hawker Tempest Mk V JN751 R-B. by M A Kinnear.


Hawker Tempest Mk V JN751 R-B. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Gloster Meteor Mk F.1 EE227 YQ-Y. by M A Kinnear.


Gloster Meteor Mk F.1 EE227 YQ-Y. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

De Havilland Mosquito FBVI HX922 EG-F. by M A Kinnear.


De Havilland Mosquito FBVI HX922 EG-F. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00


Gloster Gladiator Mk II L8011 YK-O. by M A Kinnear.


Gloster Gladiator Mk II L8011 YK-O. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Avro Manchester Mk Ia R5770 ZN - G. by M A Kinnear.


Avro Manchester Mk Ia R5770 ZN - G. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Mosquito Coast by M A Kinnear.


Mosquito Coast by M A Kinnear.
One of 2 editions available.
£85.00


Avro Lancaster Mk III ND845 MG-C. by M A Kinnear.


Avro Lancaster Mk III ND845 MG-C. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Supermarine Spitfire MKVb W3458 YQ-X. by M A Kinnear.


Supermarine Spitfire MKVb W3458 YQ-X. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4277 XT-M. by M A Kinnear.


Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4277 XT-M. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00


Handley Page Hampden Mk I AE193 ZN-A. by M A Kinnear.


Handley Page Hampden Mk I AE193 ZN-A. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Hawker Hurricane MkI P2725 TM-B. by M A Kinnear.


Hawker Hurricane MkI P2725 TM-B. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Hawker Hurricane Mk I P2544 YK (T) by M A Kinnear.


Hawker Hurricane Mk I P2544 YK (T) by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00


Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4590 PR-F. by M A Kinnear.


Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4590 PR-F. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Supermarine Seafire MkIII LR866 (S121) by M A Kinnear.


Supermarine Seafire MkIII LR866 (S121) by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00

Kampfgeschwader 27 (KG 27 Boelcke) Ident codes 1G. by M A Kinnear.


Kampfgeschwader 27 (KG 27 Boelcke) Ident codes 1G. by M A Kinnear.
One edition.
£10.00


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Text for the above items :

Handley Page Halifax LK797 LK-E. by M A Kinnear.

Pilot Officer Cyril Joe Barton, VC: Born 5th June 1921 in Suffolk, Cyril Barton volunteered for aircrew duties and joined the RAFVR on 16th April 1941, qualifying as a Sergeant Pilot 10th November 1942. He and his crew went to No.1663 Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU) at Rufforth in Yorkshire. On 5th September 1943, they joined No.78 Squadron. Barton was commissioned as a pilot officer three weeks later. Undertaking their first operational sortie (a raid against Montlucon) they served with No.78 squadron until 15th January 1944. Having completed nine sorties, they were posted to No.578 Squadron. Their second sortie with the squadron, was against Stuttgart in Halifax LK797 which was a brand new aircraft. On 30th March 1944, having now completed six sorties in LK797 - which the crew had named Excalibur, they took off on a raid against Nuremburg. Whilst still 70 miles from the target, they were attacked head on by two enemy fighters. Excalibur had two fuel tanks punctured, both the radio and rear turret disabled, the starboard inner engine was on fire and the intercom lines were cut. Despite several determined attacks by a Ju88 nightfighter, and with the aid of his crew, Barton managed to avoid the attacks. Unfortunately following the first attack, the navigator, bomb aimer and wireless operator had misinterpreted signals given to them and bailed out. Despite these difficulties, Barton decided to press on to the target and drop his bombs. Guided only by the Pole Star and his pilots flight map, Barton started for home, crossing the English coast ninety miles north of Burn. Low on fuel he ordered the three remaining crew to crash positions behind the main spar. Soon after three engines cut out and Barton attempted the forced landing. He made a gallant attempt to put down clear of the houses over which he was flying and the aircraft ploughed through several gardens and greenhouses. The rear fuselage broke off and landed in a deep railway cutting with the three crewmen inside. Excalibur had crashed near Ryhope village colliery, Co. Durham. Pilot Officer Cyril Barton died of his injuries but as a result of his selfless actions, the three crewmen survived. On 27th June 1944, Cyril Barton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.


SE5 Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear.

Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5.a D3540. The Artful Dodger was the personal aircraft of Wing Commander G.H. Lewis DFC and the aircraft in which he claimed four of his twelve victories. Aircraft History: The third S.E.5 produced (A4563) became, in effect, the prototype S.E.5a with a 200hp Hispano Suiza power plant and shorter span wings. The S.E.5.a went to No56, No.40 and No.60 squadrons from June 1917, and by the end of the year Nos 24, 41, 68 and 84 squadron had taken them on charge. After troubles with the reduction gear of the Hispano Suiza together with a general shortage of these power plants, the direct drive Wolseley Viper became the standard S.E.5a power unit. The S.E.5.a built a fine reputation for strength, performance and general flying quality, which together with the Sopwith Camel was the main reason for the Allies gaining and maintaining air superiority during 1918. Some aircraft were fitted with four 25lb (11kg) Cooper bombs on under fuselage racks. The S.E.5.a also service in the Middle East and several home defence units in 1918. At the end of World War I over 2,000 S.E.5.a aircraft were in service with the RAF. The type had served with 24 British, 2 US and 1 Australian Squadrons. After its demob 50 of these aircraft were supplied to Australia, 12 to Canada with several more to other countries including South Africa, Poland and the United States of America. 50 came onto the British register and were used for developing the art of sky-writing. The S.E.5.a will always remain one of aviations great warplanes.

Wing Commander Gwilym H. Lewis, DFC: Born 5th August, 1897, Gwilym Lewis qualified for his aviators certificate number 2116 on 27th November 1915. He was posted to France with 32 Squadron at he age of eighteen flying the DH2 single seater scout aircraft. Later after a period as an instructor he was posted as a flight commander to 40 squadron flying the famous S.E.5.a. By the end of the First World War, Gwilym Lewis had amassed a personal tally of 12 enemy aircraft destroyed and had been awarded the DFC. After leaving the RAF he went into insurance working for Lloyds Insurance Brokers, Sedgwick, Collins & Company Ltd. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II, he rejoined the RAF and became a member of Winston Churchills Joint Planning Staff in the underground Central War Room. After World War II, he resumed his successful career in insurance and retired in 1974.


Short Stirling MkI R9257 MG - C. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: R9257 was one of a batch of 150 Mk I Stirlings delivered to the RAF by Short Brothers between January 1942 and January 1943. Initially with Telecommunications Flying Unit, R9257 went to No.7 Squadron, where it eventually became the personal aircraft of Hamish Mahaddie and his crew from 8th February 1943 until he completed his operational tour with the PFF (Path Finder Force) at the end of March 1943. The aircraft then went on to No.1657 Heavy Conversion Unit at Stradishall, before being sent to No.214 Squadron. On 12th August 1943, whilst leaving RAF Chedburgh for a raid against Turin, R9257 swung on take off and the undercarriage collapsed. The aircraft was categorised as damaged beyond repair (DBR). R9257 replaced Hamish and his crews earlier Stirling MK I, R9273 also MG- C which had been attacked six days earlier by a Ju88 nightfighter. After evading the attack, they managed to bring the aircraft home. Next morning, Hamish counted 174 cannon shell holes in the aircraft - which he named C for Colander.

Group Captain Thomas G Hamish Mahaddie DSO, DFC, AFC, CzMC: Born in Keith, Edinburgh on 19th March 1911, he joined the RAF as part of the 17th Entry at Halton in January 1928 and trained as a metal rigger, after which he was posted to Cranwell on ground servicing duties. In 1933 he boarded a troopship bound for the Middle East where he joined No.4 FTS at Abu Suier for pilot training. Gaining his wings in 1935, his first air crew posting was to No.55 Squadron at Hinaidi flying Westland Wapitis and on his return to England in 1937, he joined No.77 Squadron flying Whitleys from Driffield. During World War II he completed a tour of operations with No.77 Squadron before moving to Kinloss to instruct with No.14 OTU. On completing another tour, this time with No.7 Squadron (which he joined on 2nd August 1942) at Oakington on Stirlings, he joined HQ Staff of No.8 (Pathfinder) Group and Group Captain Mahaddie finished the war as Station Commander at RAF Warboys, home of PFF Navigation Training Unit. In June 1945 he was appointed to command No.111 Wing in Germany followed by a spell at the Staff College, Haifa in 1947. His postwar duties also included two tours of duty at the Air Ministry, as OC Flying Wing at Binbrook, and also as Station Commander at Sylt and Butzweilerhof in Germany. He finally retired from the RAF in March 1958 and became involved with the film industry as an aviation consultant working on many films including the Battle of Britain - for which he amassed an incredible number of Spitfires, Hurricanes, Messerschmitts and Heinkels. Thomas Hamish Mahaddie passed away on 16th January 1997.


Enemy Coast Ahead by M A Kinnear.

Avro Lancaster W4118 (ZN-Y) piloted by Wing Commander G.P. Gibson CO of 106 squadron en-route to attack Schneider Armament works at Le Creusot in 1942.


Fairey Swordfish Mk I W5984 H. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: W5984 was built by Blackburn Aircraft Ltd at Sherburn-in-Elmet near Leeds and was delivered to 825 Squadron 1st January 1942. The aircraft was crewed by Lieutenant Commander E Esmonde DSO (Pilot) Lieutenant W H Williams (Observer) and Leading Airman W J Clinton (Telegraphist/ Air Gunner) Sadly on 12th February 1942, W5984 was shot down over the English Channel whilst leading Operation Fuller, the attack against the German ships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen. All three crew were killed.

Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde VC DSO: Born 1st March 1909 in Ireland, Esmonde joined the Royal Air Force in 1928 as a fighter pilot. He left the RAF in 1933 and joined Imperial Airways, flying passengers, mail and freight to Australia and the Far East. In January 1939 he was offered a commission in the Fleet Air Arm as a Lieutenant Commander of 825 squadron. On 23rd May 1941, Esmonde led his squadron on a search for the Bismarck. After locating the target, he led 825 into the attack. Flying through heavy anti-aircraft fire, one of 825s torpedoes hit the Bismarck amidships. For his courage and skill Esmonde was awarded the DSO. On 12th February 1942, 825 took off from RAF Manston to attack the German ships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen, in the English Channel. Despite heavy anti aircraft fire, and ferocious attacks by enemy fighters, the six Swordfish bravely pressed home their attack, but all 6 were shot down. Out of a total of 18 aircrew only five survived, four of whom were wounded. Esmondes aircraft was seen crashing in flames into the sea. His body was later found washed ashore at the mouth of the River Medway, April 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.


Hawker Typhoon Mk Ib R7752 PR-G. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: First delivered to 609 West Riding Squadron June 1942. It was the personal aircraft of Squadron Leader Roland Beamont whilst he was the Commanding Officer at 609. R7752 was damaged by enemy anti aircraft fire off Vissingen and crash landed at RAF Manston on 1st June 1943. The pilot, Squadron Leader A Ingle DFC, AFC, the Commanding officer of 609 at the time, was uninjured. R7752 was struck off charge 25th August 1943.

Wing Commander Roland P Beamont, CBE, DSO and bar, DFC (USA) DL: Born 10th August 1920, Roland Beamont joined No. 87 squadron in France during November 1939. Returning to England 20th May 1940 (having destroyed a Do17 and an ME109) he went on to destroy a further three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In June 1941, he was posted to No.79 Squadron as Flight Commander. In December 1941 he went to Hawker Aircraft Ltd as a Service test pilot flying Hurricanes. On 29th June 1942, he was posted as Flight Commander to Hawker Typhoon equipped 609 Squadron at Duxford, and took command of the squadron in October. He returned to Hawker Aircraft during May 1943, to test fly the Tempest. In February 1944, he was tasked with forming the first Tempest Wing, No.150 at Castle Camps and later Newchurch. When leader of the five squadron Tempest Wing No.122 over Germany on 12th October 1944, Roland Beamont was shot down by ground fire and became a POW. During his time with No.150 and No.122 Wings he destroyed one Bf109, one Fw190, one Ju188 on the ground, and thirty two V1 flying bombs. After the war Roland Beamont became Chief Test Pilot for English Electric, test flying the Canberra, P1, Lightning and TSR2 aircraft. He was the first British pilot to fly a British aircraft at Mach 1 in level flight, and later Mach 2. After serving as Director of Flight Operations for the Tornado test programme he retired and became a respected author.


Hawker Tempest Mk V JN751 R-B. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: JN751 was built at Hawkers Langley factory and delivered to No. 20 MU at Aston Down 20th February 1944. Delivered to No.486 (NZ) Squadron initially, and subsequently received by No.3 Squadron, it became the personal aircraft of Wing Commander R P Beamont. On 8th June 1944, it became the first Tempest to shoot down and enemy aircraft (Bf109G-6, JN751 was hit in the starboard wing by a cannon shell in this combat) and during June/August it shot down over 30 V-1 flying bombs. On 1st September, following an engine failure on take-off, JN751 made a forced landing at Langley. Repaired 2nd September, Wing Commander Beamont collected the aircraft from Langley on 5th September and returned to Newchurch - this was his last flight in JN751. Returned to No.20 MU on 3rd October 1944, it was delivered to No.287 Squadron at Hornchurch on anti aircraft co-operation duties. On 18th May 1945, whilst trying to avoid a fog bank JN751 crashed on the Isle of Sheppey, killing the pilot, Flight Sergeant P.C.A. Redstone.

Wing Commander Roland P Beamont, CBE, DSO and bar, DFC and bar, DFC (USA), DL: Born on 10th August 1920, Roland Beamont joined No87. Squadron in France during November 1939. Returning to England 20th May 1940 (having destroyed a Do17 and an Me109) he went on to destroy a further three enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain. In June 1941 he was posted to No79 Squadron as a Flight Commander. In December 1941, he went to Hawker Aircraft Limited as a Service test pilot flying Hurricanes. On 29th June 1942, he was posted as Flight Commander to Hawker Typhoon equipped No.609 (WR) squadron at Duxford, and took command of the squadron in October. He returned to Hawker Aircraft during May 1943, to test fly the Tempest. In February 1944, he was tasked with forming the first Tempest Wing, No.150 at Castle Camps and later Newchurch. When leader of the five squadron Tempest Wing No.122 over Germany on 12th October 1944, Roland Beamont was shot down by ground fire, and became a POW. During his time with Nos 150 and 122 Wings he destroyed one Bf109, one Fw190, one Ju88 on the ground and thirty two V1 flying bombs. After the war Roland Beamont became Chief Test Pilot for English Electric, test flying the Canberra, P1, Lightning and TSR2 aircraft. He was the first British pilot to fly a British aircraft at Mach 1 in level flight, and later at Mach 2. After serving as Director of Flight operations for the Tornado test programme he retired and became a respected author.


Gloster Meteor Mk F.1 EE227 YQ-Y. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: EE227 was 13th out of a batch of 15 F.1 aircraft delivered to 616 Squadron during 1944. Following service with 616, the aircraft was transferred to the Royal Aircraft Establishment and then to Rolls Royce, where it became the first aircraft to be fitted with turboprops (Rolls Royce Trents) It then went to the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment before returning to Rolls Royce and finally going back to the Royal Aircraft Establishment. After a distinguished career EE227 was struck off charge 27th June 1949.

Squadron Leader Dennis Barry, Croix de Guerre Avec Palme: Born on 26th August 1921 in London Dennis Barry joined the Royal Air Force in October 1940. In 1941, following pilot training, he was posted to 504 County of Nottingham Squadron and flew both Hurricanes and Spitfires. In August 1943 he was sent on a flight leaders course at Charmy Down and posted to Ibsley as a Flight Commander in 616 South Yorkshire Squadron. In June 1944 with other 616 pilots he was sent to Farnborough for a conversion course to fly the new Gloster Meteor. During this period, USAAF daylight bombers were under attack by German Me262 jet fighters so, together with three other pilots, Dennis was attached to Debden, where they staed mock attacks against 180 bombers and fighters to help the Americans gauge the speed of jet aircraft. In July 1944 616 moved to RAF Manston and was involved with the interception of German V-1 flying bombs and on 29th August he flew EE227 on an operational sortie. In February 1945, Dennis took four meteors Mk III to Brussels/ Melsbroeck. To enable Allied ground forces to distinguish the Meteors from the German jet fighters, the aircraft were painted all white. Prior to the end of hostilities, as the Allies moved through Europe, 616 were involved with numerous attacks on airfields, road and rail traffic. They moved to Lubeck at the end of the war, from where Dennis Barry led the Squadron on a victory fly past at the Copenhagen air show. In May 1946 he was demobilised from the RAF and re-joined 616 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Finningley in March 1948, remaining with the squadron until July 1951. During this period on 8th January 1950 he probably became the only pilot to successfully bale out of a Meteor without the aid of an ejector seat.


De Havilland Mosquito FBVI HX922 EG-F. by M A Kinnear.

Group Captain P.C. Pick Pickard, DSO, DFC, CzMC: Born 16th May 1915, at Handsworth Sheffield, Percy Charles Pick Pickard stands out as one of the truly great characters of the 1939-45 Air War. His long operational career, covering many aspects of aerial conflict, included some of the most daring episodes in the RAFs history. In Air Force circles he was admired for his consistent leadership, determination and courage. Outside the RAF he was well known as Sqd Ldr Dickson, the skipper of Wellington, F for Freddie, in the popular Crown Film Unit 1941 production Target for Tonight. Back on operations he played a key role in the successful airborne Commando raid against the German Wurzburg Radar Installation near Bruneval, and flying numerous cloak and dagger sorties, carrying supplies and agents for the S.O.E. into Nazi occupied Europe. He was the leader of the legendary Amiens Prison Raid (Operation Jericho) which saved the lives of Resistance fighters. Operation Jericho was an immediate success as a positive direct result of the two leading squadrons (No.s 464 and 487) accurate bombing. On seeing the outcome, Pickard told the third wave (21 Squadron) to return to base. As Pickard and Broadley flew away from the target, at 500ft, their aircraft was attacked from astern by Fw190s and their first burst of fire severed the Mosquitos tail section. The aircraft flicked onto its back and dived into the ground, exploding in flames on impact. Pick Pickard and Bill Broadley, aged 28 and 22 respectively had made their last flight together.

Flight Lieutenant J. A. Bill Broadley, DSO, DFC, DFM: John Alan Broadley was born in Richmond, Yorkshire in 1921. Joining the RAF on leaving school, he trained as a Sergeant Observer, and flew many operations over Germany during the first two years of war. He joined No.9 Squadron May 1941, and became Pick Pickards regular navigator. During June-August he flew with Pickard against major German targets such as Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Cologne and was awarded the DFM for outstanding ability and courage. In August 1941 he was posted to No.138 Squadron, a special duties unit, supplying the resistance and dropping / recovering agents. November 18th 1941 he was commissioned as Pilot Officer and moved to No.51 squadron. During the night of February 27th/28th 1942, he flew with Pickard on Operation Biting, which involved dropping paratroops to recover parts of the German Wurzburg radar from Bruneral, near Le Havre. July 1942 he was posted to No.296 Squadron a glider towing unit. During November, Broadley moved to No.161 Squadron, another special duties unit and whilst here was awarded the DFC, DSO and also gained promotion to Flight Lieutenant. On 1st December 1943 he made his final move to No.21 Squadron part of 140 Wing, 2nd Tactical Air Force. Appointed Wing Navigational Officer during January 1944. Flew many low level raids with Pickard, culminating with Operation Jericho.


Gloster Gladiator Mk II L8011 YK-O. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: Built by Gloster Aircraft, L8011 was one of a batch of 28 Gladiators delivered in September 1938 to the Royal Air Force. Allocated to 80 Squadron, L8011 saw service in North Africa and Greece, until it was transferred to the Royal Hellenic Air Force, 15th December 1940.

Squadron Leader Marmaduke T St. John Pat Pattle, DFC: Born on 3rd July 1914 in Butterworth, Cape Province, South Africa, Pat Pattle joined 80 Squadron in 1937. The Squadron was sent to Egypt in April 1938, and Pattle became a flight commander in 1939. During August 1940 the Squadron moved up to the Libyan border. Whilst escorting a Lysander, Pattles flight was engaged by a force of Italian fighters. Pattle (claiming 2) was forced to bale out inside Italian territory, but returned to base the next day. The Squadron moved to Greece in November in support of Greek forces on the Albanian border. Pattle was awarded the DFC in February 1941. In March he was awarded a bar to the DFC promoted to Squadron Leader and given command of 33 squadron equipped with Hawker Hurricanes Mk I. By this time he was credited with 23 victories. Due to the chaotic conditions during the British and Greek retreat, records were lost. However, relying on personal records and memories, it appears that his score of victories was 50 (possibly as high as 60) making him the highest scoring RAF pilot of the war. On 20th April 1941, he led the combined remnants of No.s 33 and 80 squadrons from Eleusis airfield. Although suffering from influenza and fatigue and on his third sortie of the day, Pattle led the remaining Hurricanes to intercept a German formation over Eleusis Bay. He was seen to shoot down a Bf110 but two other Bf110s then attacked him. Pattle was hit and he was seen slumped forward in the cockpit of his aircraft as it fell into the Bay.


Avro Manchester Mk Ia R5770 ZN - G. by M A Kinnear.

Wing Commander Guy P. Gibson VC, DSO, DFC: Born 12th August 1918, Guy Penrose Gibson commenced pilot training with the RAF 16th November 1936, gaining his wings in September 1937. His first posting was to 83 Squadron RAF Scampton. During his first operational tour (which he completed after 42 sorties in September 1940 and was awarded the DFC) Gibson managed to shoot down a Dornier bomber. Following a brief spell on instructor duties, Gibson returned to operational flying in November 1940, when he joined Bristol Beaufighter equipped 29 Squadron, which was based at RAF Digby on night defence duties. His tour with the squadron ended in December 1941, during which he completed 99 sorties, destroyed 3 enemy aircraft with 1 probable and 4 damaged. He received a bar to his DFC and was promoted to Squadron Leader. Following a 3 month period as Chief Flying Instructor at RAF Cranfield, Gibson on 13th April 1942 commenced his third tour as commander of Avro Manchesters, two of them (Rostock 25/4/42 and the Heinkel works at Warnemunde 8/5/42) in R5770. Soon after 106 re-equipped with the Avro Lancaster. Gibsons first operational sortie on Lancasters was 8th July 1942 bombing Wilhelmshaven. Gibson completed his 29th and final sortie (against Stuttgart) with 106 squadron on 11th March 1943. During this tour he dropped the first 8,000lb bomb from a Lancaster on Germany, was awarded the DSO and bar, had taken part in the famous Le Creusot raid - bombing the transformer station at Montchanin from 500ft - and on 16/17th January 1943 he took BBC radio broadcaster Richard Dimbleby on a sortie to Berlin. On 21st March 1943 Gibson was directed to form 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) at RAF Scampton. On the evening of 16th May 1943, following specialised low flying training in specially adapted Lancaster aircraft, 617 squadron attacked the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams. Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross and with the other surviving crews, was taken off operations. For the next year Gibson was officially rested, but managed to take part in 4 sorties. Eventually, he was granted one more operational sortie. On the night of 19th September 1944 Gibson took off in a 627 Squadron Mosquito with his navigator Sqd Ldr J Warwick DFC. They were to act as master bomber on raids against Rheydt and Munchen Gladbach. After the last aircraft had released its bombs, Gibson headed for home. His aircraft was seen in difficulties over Steenbergen, Holland, and its engines were heard spluttering and then stopping. The aircraft was seen to crash in flames. Both Guy Gibson and Jimmy Warwick are buried in Steenbergen Cemetery.


Mosquito Coast by M A Kinnear.

No text for this item


Avro Lancaster Mk III ND845 MG-C. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: ND845 was one of 600 Mk III Lancasters delivered to the RAF from December 1943 to May 1944 by A V Roe (Chadderton) Delivered to No.7 Squadron, it was lost on the night of 19th/20th May 1944, whilst acting as Master Bomber on a raid against the railway marshalling yards at Le Mans. It is believed it was in collision with another No.7 Squadron Lancaster JB653 (MG - R) piloted by Squadron Leader J M Dennis - the Deputy Master Bomber. There were no survivors from either crew.

Wing Commander James Fraser Barron, DSO, DFC, DFM: Born on 9th January 1921 in Dunedin, New Zealand, James Fraser Barron commenced training in the RNZAF on 2nd July 1940. Following his qualification as a Sergeant pilot, he arrived in the UK and was selected for bomber training and after leaving No.20 Operational Training Unit at RAF Lossiemouth - where Barron and his crew survived a ditching in a Wellington- they were posted to Short Stirling equipped No.15 Squadron at RAF Wyton, completing his first tour. Posted to No.1651 Conversion Unit, Waterbeach as an instructor he was commissioned as Pilot Officer in March 1942 and in May 1942 was awarded the DFM for his service with No.15 squadron. During this period he managed to take part in further sorties including the One Thousand Bomber Raids against Cologne, Essen and Bremen. In September 1942, Barron joined No.7 squadron, flying 16 sorties on this tour - during which he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, followed in December 1942 by the award of his Path Finder Force badge. At the end of his tour in February 1943, he was awarded the DFC and a fortnight later his first DSO. He was then posted to No.11 OTU, Wescott. Tiring of the training environment, Fraser Barron eventually persuaded Hamish Mahaddie (at one time his flight commander) to approve his return to operations - an approval regretted by Hamish. Fraser rejoined the now Lancaster equipped No.7 Squadron in December 1943, which was for Bomber Command a period of heavy losses. Fraser took part in several sorties including on the night of 19th/20th February 1944, the Leipzig raid - during which the RAF lost 78 bombers. He was promoted to Wing Commander in February 1944 and on 28th April was appointed C.O. of No.7 Squadron. Fraser and his crew were now often used as Master Bomber to control bomber attacks and for one such attack on Nantes on 7th May 1944 he was awarded the bar to his DSO. On the night of 19th/20th May 1944, whilst on his third tour - his 79th sortie in all, Fraser Barron and his crew were lost during a raid against the railway marshalling yards at Le Mans. He was twenty three years old.


Supermarine Spitfire MKVb W3458 YQ-X. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: First flight 11th July 1941, then onto 12 Maintenance Unit 16th July 1941. W3458 was delivered to 616 Squadron on 23rd July 1941. It failed to return from operations over Northern France on 9th August 1941.

Squadron Leader LH Buck Casson DFC, AFC: Coming from Sheffield Lionel H Casson was one of the original volunteer pilots to join 616 (South Yorkshire) Auxiliary Air Force Squadron on its formation at Doncaster in 1938. After pilot training, he served briefly with 79 Squadron flying Hurricanes from Biggin Hill before rejoining Spitfire equipped 616 at Leconfield in July 1940. With the squadron he flew south to Kenley in mid-August and over the next three weeks was involved in fierce fighting during the Battle of Britain. On 30th August he was credited with a probable and a damaged HE111. Two days later he claimed a Bf109 followed by the destruction of a Do17. After suffering severe losses, the squadron was withdrawn to Kirton-in-Lindsay on 4th September and after a rest period, 616 moved to Tangmere in February to join the Bader Wing. On 5th May 1941, Casson shared in the destruction of a Ju88 but was hit by return fire and was forced to bale out. Flying on daily sweeps and bomber escorts over Northern France, he destroyed a Bf109 on 22nd June and he claimed a damaged two days later. He was made Flight Commander in July and claimed two Bf109s as probables. On 9th August as he was leading his flight over St Omer, his aircraft was hit and he was forced to crash land. He was soon captured and spent the rest of the war in the infamous Stalag Luft 3. Shortly after his capture he was awarded the DFC. After his release four years later, he rejoined the peacetime 616 Squadron, equipped at first with Mosquito night fighters and then Meteor jet fighters. He was appointed as Commanding Officer in December 1950 during which time the Squadron won the coveted Esher Trophy awarded to the top Auxiliary Air Force squadron. After three years in command, he retired having been awarded the AFC for his outstanding leadership.


Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4277 XT-M. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: First flight 27th August 1940. X4277 was delivered to No.6 Maintenance Unit 28th August, and then delivered to 603 Squadron, 30th August. The aircraft was shot down in flames off the North Foreland (between Margate and Broadstairs) and crashed in to the sea 3rd September, 1940.

Flight Lieutenant Richard Hope Hillary: Born on the 20th April, 1919 in Australia. Richard Hillary came to England aged three, when his father took up a post as a government official at Australia House in London. He later attended Oxford, was a member of the University Air Squadron and was called up in October 1939. He completed his training and was initially posted to No.1 School Army Co-operation, followed by a posting to No.5 OTU - to convert to Spitfires- and then on to 603 Squadron at Montrose. He shot down his first enemy aircraft on 29th August 1940, but his aircraft was badly damaged forcing him to crash land, Hillary surviving unhurt. He obtained his fifth victory on 3rd September 1940, but was then shot down by Hptmn. Bode of II/JG26. He had to abandon his blazing Spitfire (X4277) by parachute, landing in the sea with severe burns to his face and hands. After some time in the water he was rescued by the Margate lifeboat. He spent the next three months in the Royal Masonic Hospital, and was then transferred to the Queen Victoria Cottage Hospital at East Grinstead, where he began a long period in hospital as one of the first guinea pig patients under the care of plastic surgeon Archibald McIndoe (later Sir Archibald McIndoe) It was during his recovery that he wrote his famous book The Last Enemy which has since become a wartime classic. Following great personal effort, he was posted on a nightfighter training course to No.54 OTU, flying the Bristol Blenheim. During the early hours of 8th January 1943 whilst on a night flying exercise, his Blenheim crashed in poor weather, both he and his navigator were killed.


Handley Page Hampden Mk I AE193 ZN-A. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: First Operation with 106 was a raid on the Nazi HQ at Aachen on 9/10th July 1941 with Fl Lt Stenner at the controls. Wg Cdr R S Allen, DFC, piloted this aircraft on 24th July 1941. The target was the German ship Gneisenau which was berthed at Brest. AE193s final operation with 106 was on the night of 28th/29th August 1941, with Sgt E R Lyon as pilot. Whilst returning from Duisburg, both the aircrafts engines cut out, and the crew were forced to ditch the aircraft in the North Sea. All four crew got into the dinghy and were rescued (after four days and nights at sea) by a Dutch fishing boat, and became prisoners of War.

Wing Commander Robert S Allen DSO, DFC: Born in Manchester in 1914, Robert Allen was educated at Westfield High School, Manchester and HMS Conway ( a training ship anchored in the River Mersey off Rock Ferry, Cheshire) and joined the RAF as a pupil pilot in 1935. He was promoted to squadron leader in 1939. During June 1940 whilst en-route to bomb a target, he observed an He III and despite bad weather conditions and intense darkness he manoeuvred his aircraft to enable Sergeant Williams (WOP/AG) to fire at the enemy aircraft and shoot it down. Soon after the same tactics were employed against a Ju87 with the same result. Squadron Leader Allen then continued to his objective and bombed the target successfully. He was flying Hampdens with No.49 Squadron at the time, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for this action. The award of the bar to his DFC followed in October 1940 while still with No.49 squadron. Following promotion to Wing Commander, he then went to No.106 Squadron at RAF Coningsby and on 24th July 1941, whilst flying AE193 Wing Commander Allen led a daylight attack through heavy anti aircraft fire and fighter opposition against the German battle cruiser Gneisenau, which was in dry dock at Brest. For his leadership on this operation he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) After leaving No.106 squadron, he served on the Air Staff Mission in China between 8th July 1943 - mid August 1945. On 13th February 1945 he was awarded the Cloud and Banner decoration (Special Rosette) and ward confirmed by the President of the Nationalist Government of China. After leaving the RAF, he became a publican. He died in 1982


Hawker Hurricane MkI P2725 TM-B. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: The Hawker Hurricane MkI was part of the first production batch of 500 built by Gloster Aircraft Co. Ltd, Brockworth during 1939/140 under contract number 962371/38/C.23A/ Delivered to 504 squadron, P2725 brought down the first enemy aircraft over London on 15th September 1940, piloted by Flight Sergeant R. T. Holmes. Ammunition exhausted he deliberately rammed a Dornier causing it to crash on Victoria Station, P2725 was badly damaged as a result of this action and Flight Sergeant Holmes had to leave the stricken aircraft by parachute. The Hurricane crashed in the vicinity of Victoria Station.

Flight Lieutenant Raymond T Holmes: Born and raised on the Wirral Peninsula, Ray Holmes was the 55th volunteer for the RAFVR on its formation in 1936. As a sergeant pilot he was credited with being the first to bring down an enemy aircraft over London during the Battle of Britain whilst with 504 County of Nottingham Squadron flying Hawker Hurricane P2725. After flying convoy protection duties he was posted to Murmansk with 81 Fighter Squadron, escorting Russian Bombers over Finland. Upon his return to Britain he qualified as a flying instructor and spent two years at the Central Flying School. This was followed by a move to 541 Squadron at Benson, flying PR Spitfires, photographing targets such as Berlin, the Ruhr and Hitlers hideout at Berchtesgaden. At the end of the war he was appointed Kings Messenger flying mail for Winston Churchill. Ray was demobilized in October 1945 to return to the Wirral and his pre-war career of journalism.


Hawker Hurricane Mk I P2544 YK (T) by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: P2544 was one of 729 Mk I Hawker Hurricanes built by Glosters at Hucclecote and delivered to the RAF between November 1939 and July 1940. One of the first delivered to No.274 in North Africa, Autumn 1940, P2544 served with the squadron until Spring 1941 when it was sent to No.71 OTU. Severely damaged on 6th June 1941 after a forced landing at Ismailia, the aircraft was used as an instructional airframe, until struck off charge.

Flight Lieutenant Arthur Adrian Percy Weller, DFC: Born 21st December 1917 in Watford Hertfordshire, Sam Weller was posted to No.80 Squadron at Amriya near Alexandria in September 1939. His fellow officers included the legendary Pat Pattle and Imshi Mason. Soon after the outbreak of war with Italy, Weller achieved his first success witha shared probable, shooting down an Italian SM79 with Flying Officer G F Graham. In August 1940 Weller transferred with No.80 Squadrons Hurricane flight to form the nucleus of the newly reformed No.274 Squadron under the command of Squadron Leader P H Dunn. During the months which followed, the Squadron operated from various locations in the Western Desert, which were often little more than landing grounds and sand and scrub. Weller flew P2544 on several offensive patrols in the Bardia area in November and December 1940. Whilst flying Hurricane V7300 on 14th December 1940, he shot down an SM79 aircraft with a second one unconfirmed. Five days later he fired at seven SM79 aircraft setting one on fire. His own aircraft was riddled with bullets, but he landed safely. On 27th April 1941, he undertook a lone attack on enemy aircraft at Benina near Benghazi, a mission which required him to fly 880 miles. Pressing home his attack with great skill he destroyed seven Ju52s causing heavy casualties to the troops on board them. For this action he was awarded an immediate DFC. The following month Weller took part in the defence of Crete and on 27th May damaged his Hurricane at Heraklion. Unable to get away from the island, he was eventually evacuated and returned to Egypt, finally being posted to No.71 OTU as an instructor. On 13th December 1941, when the unit was stationed at Gordons Tree near Khartoum, he was tragically killed in a flying accident.


Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4590 PR-F. by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: First flight 30th September, 1940. Delivered to 609 West Riding Squadron October, 1940. On 21st October, 1940, whilst flown by pilot officer S J Hill it shared in the destruction of a Ju88 which was 609 Squadrons 100th victory. X4590 was damaged on 25th October, 1940. After repair it was delivered to 66 Squadron. This aircraft is now preserved in its 609 Squadron markings in the Battle of Britain Hall at the RAF Museum, Hendon.

Pilot Officer Sydney Jenkyn Hill: Born April 1917, Sydney Hill joined 609 West Riding Squadron at RAF Middle Wallop in October 1940. On 21st October, 1940, whilst flying Spitfire Mk I PR-F serial X4590 he shared in the destruction of 609 Squadrons 100th victory (a Ju88) with Flight Lieutenant F. J Howell, DFC. On 18th June, 1941, whilst flying Spitfire MKVb PR-H serial W3211, he engaged Bf109s off Cap Gris Nez. Although his aircraft was damaged he managed to get back to the English coast and was seen gliding down towards Dover. Sadly, he crashed 5 miles west of Dover and was killed.


Supermarine Seafire MkIII LR866 (S121) by M A Kinnear.

Aircraft History: Built by Westland Aircraft Ltd. Yeovil and delivered to 39 MU on 12th December 1943, it went to 880 squadron May 1944 then onto 887 squadron September 1944. Whilst being flown by S/L V Lowden on 15th August 1945 LR866 was credited with 2.5 destroyed and 2 probable A6M5 Zeke fighters. This was the last air combat of the 1939-45 conflict.

Sub Lieutenant (Air) Victor S Lowden DSC, RNVR: Born in Bangkok, Siam September 1923, Victor Lowden joined the Fleet Air Arm in July 1942 and commenced his basic flying training at Sealand UK and then Kingston, Canada. After converting to Seafires in August 1943, he joined 899 squadron in Northern Ireland and with the unit embarked on the escort carrier HMS Khedive. His first operational sortie in a Seafire took place in June 1944 in Air Defence Great Britain at Peterhead in Scotland. Further sorties on the type soon followed, notably over France during Operation Dragoon and then on to the Aegean in September 1944 with operational Aplomb and Outing. After arriving in Australia in April 1945 aboard HMS Chaser, 899 squadron was dismantled to provide pilot and aircraft for the Fleet Carrier HMS Indefatigable to which Victor found himself attached. He officially joined 887 squadron as part of the British Pacific Fleet in Task Force 37 off Sakashima, Japan in May 1945. Moving on to Task Force 38 in July of that year, he was engaged in dive bombing, strafing and providing Combat Air Patrols off Shikoko and Honshu. During the next few weeks, more Ramrod operations followed, attacking shipping and shore installations off Sendai, Japan. On 15th August 1945 whilst leading a flight of Seafires Mk III in LR866 escorting Fireflys and Avengers attacking targets south of Tokyo, he ran into a force of approximately 15 A6M5 (Zeke) fighters and an intense dogfight ensued. The enemy accounted for one Seafire (out of 7) and one Avenger but in doing so paid a high price 8 Zekes were shot down and a further four counted as probables. Victor Lowden was credited with 2.5 destroyed and 2 probables/damaged. This engagement subsequently proved to be the last aerial combat of the 1939-45 war, for shortly after landing back on the Indefatigable the official ceasefire flag was run up and flown on the ship. After the Tokyo Bay surrender, the carrier returned to Sydney and Victor was awarded the DSC. In mid September 1945 he sailed back to the United Kingdom for early demobilisation. Today he lives happily with his wife Helen in Scotland.


Kampfgeschwader 27 (KG 27 Boelcke) Ident codes 1G. by M A Kinnear.

Formed May 1939 KG 27 was part of Luftflotte 3 during the Battle of Britain, with their Headquarters and I Gruppe based at Tours, II Gruppe at Dinard and Bourges, and III Gruppe at Rennes. KG 27 was equipped with Henikel III before and during the Battle, using this type for most of the War - including operational service on the Eastern Front.

Oberleutnant Gerhard Krems: Born 4th May 1920, Gerhard Krems joined the Luftwaffe on 9th November 1938 commencing pilot training on 15th March 1939 at LKS (2) Flight Training School, Gatow, Berlin. He graduated to multi-engine training at FFS (C) 3 School at Lonnewitz, 1st November 1939 followed by night and instrument flight training at Stargard, which he completed 15th April 1940. The next day he started operational training on the Do17 at the Reconnaissance Flying School, Grossenhain. Promoted to Leutnant 1st June 1940, Gerhard was sent to a holding unit at Weimer-Hohra to await a posting to operational staffel. On 15th August 1940 he joined Stabsstaffel/KG 27 in France. During the Battle of Britain, Gerhard completed 39 operational sorties (most of these being in the Heinkel III IG+BA, the subject of this aerofile) and was awarded the Iron Cross Second Class (EK II) 21st October, 1940, First Class (EK I) on 18th November 1940. On 22nd April 1941 he was awarded the Bomber Aircrew Qualification Clasp in Bronze for completing 20 operations. The following day Gerhard completed his 39th and final operation over England, after which he along with KG27 was sent east to take part in the invasion of Russia. On 30th June 1941, Gerhard was awarded the Wound Badge, followed by the award of the Silver Aircrew Clasp on 25th July, for completing 60 operations. He was then awarded the Gold Clasp, 10th October 1941, for completing 110 operations, followed by the Honour Goblet on 26th October 1941. Transferring to 2 Staffel KG27 on 27th January 1942, Gerhard became the first in his unit to be awarded the Knights Cross (RK) 25th May 1942. This was followed by the Russian Front Medal on 25th November 1942, and on 20th December 1942 by the Gold Clasp with Pendant for completing 200+ operations. On 15th March 1943, Gerhard gained the Krimschild for the Crimean Campaign. Transferred to Ia/Stab Gen. Kdo. I Fliegerkorps on 21st May 1944 which he served with until the War in Europe ended on 8th May 1945 - 4 days after his 25th birthday - when he was interned by Russian forces. During his wartime service, Gerhard completed 250 operations, and was held in captivity until release on 20th October 1945. From 1946-1950 he studied at Berlin University and graduated as an engineer. During a long career in the water industry, he became internationally well known, especially for his scientific research work for well constructions. He finally retired in 1980.

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