Initial perceptions can be very misleading. I thought the problem was on the port side but having downloaded my photos it seems to be the starboard outer that is smoking (I was viewing the aircraft from the port side). In the sequence of photos there is nothing to be seen until about half a mile from touchdown when there is smoke from the exhausts.

Vera carried out a short local flight this morning routing Saltburn and Hartlepool but landed back at Teesside Airport with smoke evident from one of the port engines. May have a tech issue?

Had noticed that there was no senior discount for the D-Day and September Shows. However at the moment they are still showing a senior discount for Legends so even more inconsistency.

Hello Andy

Is this the kill by F/O T.D. ‘Dixie’ Dean? According to my records the V-1 from Dean’s attack crashed 4 miles south of Tonbridge. 616 Sqn did claim another V-1 that day (4/8/44)when F/O J.K Rodger shot down a V-1 which crashed 5 miles NW of Tenterden.

I seem to recall that Pilot’s Notes for the Lightning stated that the pilot should eject if the undercarriage remained UP.

However there were at least two aircraft that were landed wheels up by accident and neither cartwheeled. Also there were four cases of failed take offs where the aircraft sank back onto the runway after the gear had been retracted and ended up off the end of the runway. All four remained upright.

Hello Andy

I have some combat reports for 264 Sqn when the unit was at Biggin Hill between 11/1/41 and 14/4/41. During this period the radio call sign was ‘Plater’ but unfortunately can’t confirm if this was also used in the Battle of Britain

Peter

I don’t suppose the fact that the author will sell way more books when the word Spitfire is in the title has anything to do with it?

Tom

The lack of detail in the ORB doesn’t surprise me but not mentioning a mid-air collision it taking it to the extreme!

By the way I did a Google search for Sgt Mobberley and turned up another article in the Brentwood Gazette (sorry, don’t know how to do links). It mentioned Jim Barton who is re-union co-ordinator for 72 Sqn. He has apparently put Mobberley in touch with Sydney Hyams so the latter might be able to pass on his address to you.

Peter