Fellow Aviation Forum Members,
I wanted to update you about this aircraft and my father, Orlando “Bill” Allin, a US Army Air Corps C-47 pilot. He flew this aircraft during the D-Day/Normandy invasion of World War II. After meeting up with his former aircraft (the Drag ‘em Oot) and its new owner, Paddy Green in Great Falls, Montana, USA, the aircraft was flown to its new home in Leeds, England north of London.
My dad had a great response from the news articles written about his reunion. He heard from many people across the state and country. Of particular delight was hearing from a classmate of his from grade school in Seattle who now lives just a few miles from him in Olympia. They had not seen each other since the 1930’s and became reacquainted after the story came out.
The aircraft has been undergoing restoration to its wartime configuration and markings and will be a key part of the 2006 D-Day commemorations in France in early June. My father and mother have been invited by Mr. Green to join him during the events in Normandy and fly on the aircraft during some re-enactment flights and drops of parachutists over the World War II landing areas.
Following is a link to a British newspaper’s article of the plane, its current owner and plans for the D-Day celebrations in June: http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflintononouse/news_06_30.html
Mr. Green has sent me photos of the completed aircraft and it looks smashing.
Respectfully,
Gary Allin
Olympia, Washington, USA
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