[parsig9]

New Dragon BOB Spitfire looks to be a sure win. Hope this is a sign that we'll see more 1939-1941 Spits from Dragon. Here is the history of the plane and pilot.



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 After suffering severe losses, the squadron was withdrawn to Kirton-in-Lindsay on 4th September and after a rest period, 616 moved to Tangmere in February to join the 'Bader Wing'.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.

[bsmith13]

Dragon is doing full-winged Spits!?

When? Does the Mule have etas yet?

[Kaptin_Kirk]

It's about time. Thanks Dragon.

[mustangdriver]

Very nice. THe spitfire is just a beautiful plane. Very graceful.

[parsig9]

Do any of you guys have this yet so you could post a few photos?


Mark, if you are listening...

[johnnyboy]

Got this picture of the Spitfire looks ok, apart from the aerial which is missing and cannons not fitted.

[parsig9]

Thanks, look like the exhaust is better than on my Corgis.

I like these Dragons

[von hitchofen]

Originally Posted by parsig9

On 9th August as he was leading his flight over St Omer, his aircraft was hit and he was forced to crash land.

and allegedly shot down Douglas Bader, just beforehand

[Tyler109]

I promised myself I'd stop buying spitfires

[Lofty]

Originally Posted by Tyler109

I promised myself I'd stop buying spitfires

Its real easy.....just run out of cash.....worked wonders for me!