Harry Moyle's collection.

Dear Barnstormer,

I’m interested in a couple of photographs for a film project from the Chris Ashworth collection, which I believe you hold. I’m not sure how to PM you, so would you be able to email me?

My address is: david@tallboyfilms.co.uk

Thanks!

David Fairhead

Is there any reason for the lower case ‘a’ code letter? Is it the 25th aircraft allocated in the squadron or something?

Good Morning, David;
That is a beautiful painting. Perhaps I need to stop by and see it one of these days, as you are just “down the road…”:)
Or,Perhaps you may wish to stop by, here, as well. to enjoy some of the 200 or so original aviation paintings I have left, here, (Over 100 were part of a famous Smithsonian Air Museum Exhibition, circa 1960.)

I’m sorry to say that I see no Hampden images for 97 Sqn, here.
I have Hampdens for the following Sqns:
44; 49; 50; 61; 75; 76; 83; 106 144; 185; 408; 414; 415;455; 489; and 521.
There might be a “typo” or two in there, as some of the handwritten descriptions are in a loose style of handwriting..
Seem to be approx 130 postcard-sized, photo prints, with some duplications, in addition to the negatives.
There are also numerous negatives that may have the aircraft numbers only, without Squadron ID.

I shall email you with details of the shot at the top of this thread, and other 50 Sqn Hampdens, and we can sort out your specific requirements.

In this painting of AE 116 by Mark Postlethwaite Pilot P/O Carter has slid his canopy back; the Navigator P/O Davidson is in the nose and Sgt. Layne the Rear Gunner has opened his canopy. All are searching the mist covered Lincolnshire countryside for Waddington airbase moments before running out of fuel and crashing.

On arrival at Waddington the starboard engine cut out and a one engine circuit of the airfield was made. Mist prevented the aerodrome from being seen and the aircraft made a forced landing in a ploughed field going through a fence in the process. Fortunately without injury to the crew. It was later determined that the fuel gauges were inaccurate.

At this time the pilot, P/O Carter had a total of 140 flying hours, 46 of those being night and 39 hours on Hampdens. On this operational flying time of 9.35 hours was logged by the crew.

I believe that all of the reserch material for Harrys book went to the RAF Museum.

Many thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks Barnstormer, I am intrigued to see what you have,
Do you have anything relating to 97 Squadron?
Thanks, David.

David; I shall look again,in the morning, for 97 Sqn, before I respond..

Many thanks Barnstormer, I am intrigued to see what you have,

Do you have anything relating to 97 Squadron?

P.M. is on its way.

Thanks, David.

Hello David;
I have much of the Chris Ashworth aviation photo and negative collection
(120,000 negs and 30,000 prints). I have this image in both 35mm negative (So, I assume it is a a copy negative. And Ashworth often traded negatives with many other photo collections) and I have an Ashworth photo print of the same image of the AE116/VN-A crashed Hampden that is 8.5 x 11.5 cm. * It notes that AE116 was later repaired…The 3200 dpi negative scan produces a nice clear 8 x 10 inch print from the scan image, if needed.
I also have various other 50 Sqn Hampden negative and print images from 1939-1943. (Scans are easy to email.) I see 50 Sqn Hampdens VN-G; VN-Z; VN-J; and QX-D. most are dated with location etc. A few come from Wing Cmdr. Jefford. PM me for details