When I was building my recent Devastator model, I was reminded of the brave U.S. Navy aircrews who took off from their carriers during WW2 to attack enemy targets and then had to return to their ships across miles of empty ocean. Some didn't make it.
One mission was undertaken in the knowledge that the raid was at the extreme range of the aircraft involved, yet it was accomplished. But at a huge cost.
Due to lack of fuel, a high percentage of aircraft were lost en-route back to the carriers. Sad last messages were received from the ditching crews. Many were thankfully rescued by picket destroyers placed along the route home, but some aircraft were lost. The return journey was at dusk/night time and to assist the returning pilots locate the task force, all the lights on the carrier were turned on.
I remember a build I did a fair old time ago, so as a little tribute to the brave Navy aircrews of all nations lost forever in the waters of the Far East, I've dug up a model, and I think the word is "Rehash"
I've added to the sea, re-painted and generally freshened up the model.
Here it is.....
The pilot having survived the ditching, is checking on his crew, but sadly both were killed by A.A. fire during the attack on enemy targets...
This picture was a little bit freaky, same session as the above photos, i just turned the model into the direct sunshine. Somehow, It gave an image of the moonshine, so It must have been summat like this when some aircraft ditched at night. Lucky picture, or what?
Cheers.
Ron
One mission was undertaken in the knowledge that the raid was at the extreme range of the aircraft involved, yet it was accomplished. But at a huge cost.
Due to lack of fuel, a high percentage of aircraft were lost en-route back to the carriers. Sad last messages were received from the ditching crews. Many were thankfully rescued by picket destroyers placed along the route home, but some aircraft were lost. The return journey was at dusk/night time and to assist the returning pilots locate the task force, all the lights on the carrier were turned on.
I remember a build I did a fair old time ago, so as a little tribute to the brave Navy aircrews of all nations lost forever in the waters of the Far East, I've dug up a model, and I think the word is "Rehash"
I've added to the sea, re-painted and generally freshened up the model.
Here it is.....
The pilot having survived the ditching, is checking on his crew, but sadly both were killed by A.A. fire during the attack on enemy targets...
This picture was a little bit freaky, same session as the above photos, i just turned the model into the direct sunshine. Somehow, It gave an image of the moonshine, so It must have been summat like this when some aircraft ditched at night. Lucky picture, or what?
Cheers.
Ron
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