Finished off a 1/72nd scale model of a Fairey Swordfish Mk.1 the other day. It is No.825 Naval Air Squadron, based out of Manston, England in February 1942. As flown by Lt-Commander Eugene Esmonde V.C., D.S.O. Esmonde and his crew (Petty Officer Clinton and Observer Lieutenant Williams) were to be killed in action in this aircraft whilst attempting to sink German Naval vessels. To launch their torpedos, the pilots had to fly low and level and slow, whilst being shot at by anti-aircraft guns, machine guns and cannon from not only the enemy ships, but also their accompanying aircraft cover provided by Luftwaffe Me 109's and FW 190's. Needless to say, despite the Swordfish's ability to take severe punishment, losses in combat were high. Esmonde and his crew were to receive posthumous awards for gallantry, Esmonde receiving a Victoria Cross.
No comments:
Post a Comment