Picture of the day 25/11/01

You too, kev35

Thanks very much, kev35 — certainly seems as though this might be the man, the difference in rank notwithstanding.

I’d guess the RAF during WW2 awarded all officer ranks initially on an Acting basis, and only confirmed them as Substantive ranks (sometimes backdated) later.

Thanks again,

Snoopy

RE: Thanks, Ant

Snoopy
I’ve found a flying officer Frederick Neal Robertson in Aces High. He was one of the pilots who flew Hurricanes to Malta from a carrier and flew with 261 Squadron. His total score was 11 and 1 shared destroyed, 3 probables and 7 damaged. He was awarded the DFM during 1941 and was also commissioned. He also flew Spitfires, Defiants, Beaufighters and Mosquitos. He collided with a B-17 while night flying durind August 1943 and was killed aged 25. It is likely that a pilot with his experience may well have had the acting rank of Flight Lieutenant while retaining the substantive rank of Flying Officer. All in all, I think this might be your man…
Hope this is of interest

kev35

Thanks, Ant

Ant, many thanks for the history details. To me, they confirm that the Sand / Stone scheme in use at the time of Operation Hurri would have been applied to eight-machine-gun versions rather than four-cannon versions. Also, that the fin flash would likely have been the early version, in which the leading vertical stripe extended up to and “wrapped around” the leading edge of the vertical stabiliser.

You’re absolutely right about the penalties of fitting a tropical filter, of course … just put it down to my South Asia enthusiasm speaking there!

Now if I may be forgiven for reverting to this — does anyone know anything about Flt Lt Robertson … ?

Thanks again, Ant,

Snoopy

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

The colour scheme on PZ865 was worn for the 1994-98 period.It represents one of a number of Hurricanes flown off the carrier HMS Eagle to Malta in November 1940,as part of ‘Operation Hurri’ (appropriate), all of them Mk.1’s.
For the first couple of years PZ865 flew,as she had done for many years,without the wing cannon,but was fitted with them in the winter of 96-97,so the armament and colour scheme from then on didn’t mix too well.
As for the SEAC scheme,she is painted to represent a Mk.IV (4) Hurricane operating in Burma,although I don’t know the squadron her colour scheme represents.It would be nice to fit a tropical filter to match the colour scheme,but you’d prob have a heck of a job finding/building one,and there are other things to condsider aswell,eg the extra drag necesitating higher power settings and increasing fuel consumption and engine wear etc.

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

I might have some NX611 photos at home. If my experiment with scanning in the TFC Beaufighter pics goes okay, I’ll try NX611 as well.

Thanks + Correction to Sqn No

Thanks, Hatton — I thought the serial number seemed familiar — no doubt those of you who closely follow every change of livery at the the BBMF will find that thought hilarious!

Small correction, for those interested — the Corgi special edition Hurricane model represented an aircraft of No 261 Squadron, not 257 as I had incorrectly posted earlier.

A rambling thought is that the SE Asia livery would be appropriate for a four-cannon version of the Hurricane; but to be completely accurate shouldn’t it also be fitted with the tropical filter under the nose?

Anyway, thanks for the info. Does anyone out there know any more about Flt Lt Robertson?

Cheers,

Snoopy

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

Can answer one of your questions if it helps, snoopy. It’s one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurri’s ( PZ865 ), flew in that scheme a few seasons ago. Now flies in, correct me if im wrong, South East Asia markings.

PS, love the picture. any Just Jane Lanc photos?

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

great pic

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

Nice one, Philo!! Thanks as always.

A few questions and comments:

Do you have any background on this particular aircraft / shot? The colour scheme and the identification letter on the side seem the same as that of a Hurricane special edition model that Corgi was offering in its 1/72 line. From memory (can’t swear to its accuracy!), that model represented an aircraft flown by Flt Lt Robertson of No 257 squadron. However the fin flash and serial number are different; and that model represented an eight-machine-gun version rather than the four-cannon version in your picture. Going by the pilot’s helmet, I am guessing your picture was taken long after WW2. Can anyone guide me:

1: Is the scheme in your photograph meant to represent the same aircraft as the Corgi model?

2: Which is more accurate — the model or this picture?

3: Anyone know anything about Flt Lt Robertson? The packaging on the model gives a little background about the Squadron, but nothing about Flt Lt Robertson.

Many thanks to Philo again, and to anyone with answers in advance. Cheers,

Snoopy

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

brilliant one (again)
rabie :9

RE: Picture of the day 25/11/01

OOPs here it is.
Sorry
Phil
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