Apparently on the 19th of May 1940 a squadron commander was shot down during the Battle of France. He was stuck in No Man’s Land, so the RAF despatched a Master and two Spitfires of No. 54 Squadron from Hornchurch to go and pick him up. One of the Spitfire pilots was Alan Deere (one of New Zealand’s greatest aces).

The Master successfully landed and picked up the officer. Then the escorting Spitfires were jumped by twelve Me109’s. Not only was this Al Deere’s first combat encounter, but the first time the Spitfire ever met the Messerschmitt 109, so an amazingly historic occasion. Between them, the two Spits shot down three 109’s and damaged two more. The Spits were undamaged and all three RAF aircraft returned to Hornchurch safely.

This incident was recounted in our February 2001 newsletter …
http://www.aero51.plus.com/pdf/feb01.pdf

Dave

Thanks for the story. We are always interested in hearing stories from people who worked at Woodley for Phillips & Powis, Miles or Handley Page.

Lots of ex-employees come to visit us, but I am sure that not all of them want to talk about their experiences, which is sad.

Anyone fancy a forum meet there one Sunday?
They do Tea’s there if nothing else.
I’d like to look at the Martinet though.
Book here!!
Andy

I am the Chairman of the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, and we would be pleased to show a group around !

We would even open up on a Saturday if anyone is interested …

Museum of Berkshire Aviation

My favourite 🙂

“Double Strike On The Zuider Zee”
April, 1945 – The last full month of WW2. 2nd Tactical Air Force, RAF.

Message from Dutch Underground. German Army, desperate in retreat, were planning to blow up the Zuider Causeway. If accomplished, Holland would be flooded with sea water, for one hundred years. Orders to 132 (Norwegian) wing. “Destroy any German Transport which might be carrying high explosives to breach the dam”. Read the whole amazing story in “Spitfire Diary” by E.A.W. Smith published by Eakin Press (512)288-1771.

In this print Michael Short brings vividly to life the spectacle and drama of air to ground combat during the final stages of WW II and shows the Spitfire LF Mk XVI 9N-Z as flown by F/O Smith. All prints are individually signed and numbered by the artist and F/O E.A.W. “Ted” Smith.