I spoke to one of the divers who helped lift this a/c many years ago. He told me that they put steel chains around the undercarriage legs and got it up that way – it was a protracted effort, the 109 acquiring the name of “the reluctant messerschmitt” as has already been mentioned.

I also recall reading – I think in an after the battle publication that a second 109 had been found in the sea not too far away. I always wondered what happened with this one… Anyone comment? Andy perhaps?

That’s the vickers viking on Irish Law near Largs.

Well done Vega – impressive.

You have a very rare memento from the Suez Conflict of 1956.

Ref Wing Over Suez by Brian Cull ISBN 1-898697-48-5

Page 169 – Concerning the preparation of Sea Hawks for the opening strikes of Nov 1

“It was decided to put in a dawn strike”….. “”All this called for a night launch , a form up without help from the seaborne radar or radio”…… “To achieve this I (Lt Cdr Bruce Clark OC 899 Squadron) had each flight’s aircraft fitted with a light shinning aft [which became known as mosquito landing lights]. These were operated from the cockpit and were retracted when switched off. They were adopted by all other squadrons”

The inventor, Lt Cdr Bruce Clark, was awarded £60 for his suggestion.

Good stuff Jeff

Peter – the two handles in the last picture were used as part of the quick release system on some turret lap straps. They may have had other uses, but I have one of these for my front turret.