[no4mkit]

Impressive gun camera pics - thanks JPN! I already wanted the Elaborate Halifax - now I want it more!

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by no4mkit

Impressive gun camera pics - thanks JPN! I already wanted the Elaborate Halifax - now I want it more!

That's really something, isn't it? Happy to oblige!

JPN

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by JETFAN

As I recall, the Rockcliffe Museum had a number of salvaged panels of nose art from the No 6 Group Halifaxes. Can anyone confirm this?

This could be difficult to confirm, using online only sources. For instance, the Rockcliffe Museum is now called 'Canada Aviation Museum' in Rockcliffe. At the same time, the Canadian War Museum is apparently looking after these 14 or so original Halifax nose art panels. I'm not sure if that answers your question, but that's the best I have. If I find out more, I'll let you know, OK?

JPN

[smartd]

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

This could be difficult to confirm, using online only sources. For instance, the Rockcliffe Museum is now called 'Canada Aviation Museum' in Rockcliffe. At the same time, the Canadian War Museum is apparently looking after these 14 or so original Halifax nose art panels. I'm not sure if that answers your question, but that's the best I have. If I find out more, I'll let you know, OK?

JPN

The panels are not on display at the aviation museum.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by tank nut

I would love to see Vicky the vicious virgin, I have a few books with a pic of it and it is cool

TN, do you know how to post pics? If so, don't just TELL us about it, SHOW it to us!

[smartd]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

TN, do you know how to post pics? If so, don't just TELL us about it, SHOW it to us!

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by Captain Eddie

TN, do you know how to post pics? If so, don't just TELL us about it, SHOW it to us!

He did -- post #15.

JPN

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

And to further that . . . :

I'm sure a number of you here are saying "Why should I bother with that desert Halifax Mk V?"

Well, as the story goes, on September 17, 1943, this aircraft towing a Horsa glider, was attacked by eight JU-88s. Its pilot, Flight Officer Norman, refused to jettison his glider and skillfully evaded cannon and rocket fire from the JU-88s. The glider crew released themselves to give Norman a better chance, and he made it to Sale on three engines following two rocket hits. His tail gunner, Sgt. Grant, received a DFM for shooting down one of the attackers, while Norman received a DFC. Following the completion of its service with No. 295Sq., DG396 was passed to No.148 (Special Duties) Squadron and eventually SoC on April 1, 1945. 'So what' you say? OK -- have you seen the gun camera photos of this event? WHOA!!!! (I trust Shamrock and Hornchurch have) Check it out HERE. You may wish to reconsider.

JPN

Originally Posted by no4mkit

Impressive gun camera pics - thanks JPN! I already wanted the "Elaborate" Halifax - now I want it more!

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

Yeah -- that was a classic example of betting on the wrong horse. Corgi could have gone either way on that turret issue, but someone/something guided the direction to that most disliked Martin dorsal turret -- which depicts the aircraft in its current form. I may have considered this plane with the ORIGINAL turret, but certainly not this lame substitute. I just think the CWHM should have gone the extra mile to create that FN turret, considering it is integral to the story -- sheesh! Dare I say it? -- everbody else does! JPN

Sure thing J.P.N - sure have !!!!!!!!!!!!

A.F.A.I.K the (now) famous 'gun-camera' shots taken from the attacking Ju.88's (whilst shooting at DG.396 ) were first shown to the general public at large in the U.K. back in 1992/1993, when they were published in Flypast Magazine.....Britain's biggest-selling aviation monthly-magazine........

They drew A LOT of feedback/comment, & I know that I was shocked to the core when I first saw those pictures...!!!!!!!!

AMAZING !!!!!!!


I've had that same site that you 'linked', on my 'X.P.' fave's for around a year now, (as my Flypast-mags are packed away).

JUST MAKE SURE YOU RESSURECT-IT WHEN CORGI actually release 'DG.396' on sale...........!!!!!!!

Being made aware of the incident/combat, to people who would otherwise not know, will certainly help boost DG.396 'Desert-Halifax' sales, as it's an amazing account that's been captured on film........
............... a moment in aerial-warfare/history that has few equals.

Not only are the photo's in 'mid-combat' during the 'Life/Death' struggle (which, on the face of it, looks SO ONE-SIDED !), but, unlike many others of their 'ilk', the actual combatants (on BOTH sides) are known........!!!!!!!!!!!


It's (no-doubt) because of this amazing individual struggle/combat incident, that DG.396 was chosen, out of all the middle-eastern based Halifaxes (including those operating against Bulgaria & over other parts of the Adriatic-Sea, that aren't so well-known !

The Mynarski/Brophy incident is another that stirs the 'imagination' & makes you admire courage & fortitude & has passed into Aviation-Legend.

This incident deserves the same admiration, as there are few other sequences of aerial combat quite so astonishing & with the suprise-outcome, for the so-called 'underdog'..... both out-gunned & outnumbered !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Thanx for the additional insight, Hornchurch. I do agree, this really is an amazing struggle that was captured for all time on film -- a true rareity. Going the extra mile to preserve this unique event in ones collection would be the ultimate tribute. I know I will be doing that now. Thanx again!

JPN

[JustPlaneNuttz]

So it looks like we have the radial engined Mk III Halifaxes covered for next contenders. Thanx all!

NOW -- anyone have any suggestions of notable ones for the Mk II (or Mk I / V version), aside from my "Ruhr Valley Express" one? (Don't forget the pics!!)

JPN