March 2025 Warbirds (1 Viewer)

[wayne556517]

March Aviation Preview News Dear All A frantic week in politics in the USA for sure, no lack of entertainment for sure! For those of you in the USA worried about tariffs, all country of origin declarations on our Customs forms are either stated as manufactured in the Philippines or the UK, therefore there should be no tariffs on our products for the time being. Politics aside welcome to our aviation release newsletter for March 2025. All our hand carved Mahogany aircraft take in the region of 180 days to make, sometimes longer and are limited to a few pieces worldwide. They are all available n limited numbers now and are on our website www.jumpthegunn.co.uk. A big thank you to Dr Mark Dyer who helped us out with some of the research on these Warbirds. We offer instalment payments for those of you who wish to spread your finances over a few months, drop us an email for details.

 

[wayne556517]

WOW568 Dayton-Wright DH-4. 11th Aero Squadron ("Mr Jiggs" ), France, 1918 The Airco DH.4 was a British two-seat WW1 Bomber, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and was the first British two-seat light day-bomber capable of defending itself without a fighter escort. On 6th April 1917 when the US entered WW1 she was unprepared with no aircraft suitable for combat, leading to the deployment of American industry for the production of combat aircraft. The Bolling Commission, was set up and dispatched to Europe to seek out the best available combat aircraft and to make arrangements to enable their production in the US. There were 4 aircraft selected, the DH.4, Bristol F.2 Fighter, the SE5A and French SPAD S.XIII. On 27 July 1917. A single DH.4 was sent to the US as a pattern aircraft. In 1918 that year the first American-built DH.4s came off the production line. Featuring over 1,000 modifications from the original British design, to equip the American air services. American manufacturers received orders for 9,500 DH.4s, with 1,885 reaching France during WW1. The American Liberty engine, which had proved suitable as a DH.4 power plant, was adopted by the British to power the DH.9A variant of the type. The DH-4 was the only U.S. built aircraft to see combat during WWI and flew with 13 U.S. squadrons, by the end of 1918 aircrew operating the DH-4 aircrew were awarded 4 of the 6 Medals of Honor awarded to American aviators. Two of these awards were as follows: First Lieutenant Harold Ernest Goettler and Second Lieutenant Erwin R. Bleckley received posthumous awards after being killed on 12 October 1918 attempting to drop supplies to the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division, cut off by German troops during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Second Lieutenant Ralph Talbot and Gunnery Sergeant Robert G. Robinson of the US Marine Corps were awarded the Medal of Honor for beating off attacks from 12 German fighters during a bombing raid over Belgium on 8 October 1918. After WW1 the US had a large surplus of DH-4s, with the improved DH-4B becoming available, none had been shipped to France. There was no point in returning aircraft across the Atlantic, so those remaining in France, together with other obsolete observation aircraft, were burned in what became known as the "Billion Dollar Bonfire". With limited funds available in the US to develop and purchase replacements, the remaining DH-4s formed a major part of American air strength for years, with as many as 60 variants produced. DH-4s were widely used for experimental flying, being used as engine testbeds and fitted with new wings. They were also used for the first trials of air-to-air refuelling on 27 June 1923 and one carried out an endurance flight of 37 hours, 15 minutes on 27-28 August 1923, refuelled 16 times and setting 16 new world records for distance, speed and duration. The DH-4 remained in US until 1932. The Thomas Gunn DH-4 is in the markings of the 11th Aero Squadron, a US Army Air Service unit that fought on the WW1 Western Front. As a Day Bombardment Squadron, performing long-range bombing attacks on roads and railroads; destruction of material and massed troop formations. As well as performing strategic reconnaissance over enemy-controlled territory, and tactical bombing attacks on enemy forces in support of Army offensive operations. The 11th squadron received battle honours for the Lorraine, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne Offensives. George McManus, creator of the Mr. Jiggs in his syndicated comic strip, 'Bringing Up Father', was a member of the squadron and designer of the squadron insignia, a mischievous Jiggs expressing devilment and hustling along with a bomb under one arm. This 1/30 scale Mahogany model is priced at $750 plus postage with 1 left available in stock. The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.

 

[wayne556517]

The Westland Lysander: The Unsung Hero of the Skies This month, we’re diving into the story of a true legend – the Westland Lysander. If you’re a fan of daring missions, covert operations, and an aircraft that defied expectations, then buckle up because the Lysander has it all! A One-of-a-Kind Aircraft The Lysander, or "Lizzie" as it was affectionately called, first took to the skies in 1936. Designed for army cooperation and reconnaissance, it quickly became clear that this rugged little machine had far more to offer. With its high-wing design and fixed landing gear, it might not have looked like much, but it had one ace up its sleeve – the ability to land and take off from ridiculously short, rough airstrips. Perfect for sneaky missions! Secret Agent Taxi Service Forget the James Bond gadgets – during World War II, the Lysander was the real deal when it came to covert operations. Specially modified for clandestine missions, it was used to drop and pick up secret agents deep behind enemy lines. Its incredible STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capabilities made it ideal for slipping into small fields under the cover of darkness. Resistance fighters, downed pilots, and spies all owed their lives to the trusty Lizzie. Tough as Old Boots Despite its slow speed compared to fighters of the time, the Lysander was built like a tank and could take a beating. Many returned from missions with bullet holes and damage, yet still managed to bring their pilots home safely. It also had some nifty tricks up its sleeve – pilots could fly it at incredibly low altitudes to evade enemy detection, and its unusual shape sometimes fooled enemy gunners into thinking it was something else entirely! Where to See One Today If you fancy seeing a Westland Lysander up close, you’re in luck! A handful are still flying today, thrilling crowds at airshows across the UK. The Shuttleworth Collection has a particularly fine example, lovingly restored and regularly taking to the skies. If you haven’t seen one in action, it’s an absolute must! Final Thoughts The Westland Lysander might not be as famous as the Spitfire or the Lancaster, but its role in the war was just as vital. A true underdog of aviation history, it proved that sometimes, the most unassuming aircraft can be the most extraordinary. So next time you hear about daring secret missions of WWII, spare a thought for the Lysander and the brave souls who flew it. We have 2 versions of the 'Lizzie' available as follows: WOW688 RAF Liaison Version WOW689 SOE Night Version Please note because of the difficulty and expense in making this high wing style aircraft there will be no more Lysanders for the foreseeable future. Both types of model are priced at $999 plus postage. The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.

 

[wayne556517]

Night version

 

[wayne556517]

WOW683 Messerschmitt Me 110​ The Messerschmitt Me 110 was one of Germany’s most iconic aircraft of World War II. Initially designed as a long-range fighter and bomber escort, the Bf 110 earned a reputation as a versatile but controversial aircraft. Despite early struggles, it played a pivotal role in various theaters of the war, especially as a nightfighter during the Battle of Britain and beyond. The Me 110 was developed by Messerschmitt in the late 1930s, designed as a heavily armed twin-engine fighter capable of escorting bombers in long-range raids. However, the Bf 110 faced challenges when it encountered more nimble single-engine fighters like the British Spitfire and Hurricane during the Battle of Britain. Its larger size and slower speed compared to these agile adversaries often made it vulnerable in dogfights. The aircraft featured two Daimler-Benz DB 601 engines, providing a top speed of around 350 mph, and it was armed with a variety of heavy weapons, including a mix of 20mm and 30mm cannon. The Bf 110 also had a robust radar system, which became crucial in its role as a nightfighter later in the war. While the Me 110 initially struggled in daylight combat roles, it found its niche as a nightfighter, where it excelled. In the early years of World War II, the Luftwaffe needed a specialized aircraft to combat the growing threat of Allied bombers attacking German cities at night. The Me 110, with its powerful radar and ability to carry heavier weaponry than single-engine fighters, proved to be an effective nightfighter. Notable Combat Operations Battle of Britain: During the Battle of Britain, the Bf 110 was initially used as a bomber escort. However, it struggled against the faster and more maneuverable British fighters. Its losses were high, which led to a reassessment of its role. Night Fighting: The Me 110's transformation into a nightfighter was a significant turning point. Armed with advanced radar and equipped with twin engines that allowed it to fly long distances, the Me 110 proved highly effective in defending Germany from the night bombing campaigns of the Allies. It was involved in intercepting British bombers during the Blitz and played a crucial role in night operations against Allied forces in Europe. The "Zerstörer" (Destroyer) Role One of the Me 110's primary design philosophies was to function as a “Zerstörer,” or “Destroyer,” an aircraft designed to destroy bombers and heavy enemy aircraft. This was reflected in the Me 110’s heavy armament, which included powerful cannons and machine guns, as well as the ability to carry bombs for ground attack missions. Despite its early shortcomings in dogfighting, the Messerschmitt Me 110 proved to be an invaluable asset in specialized roles, particularly as a nightfighter. By the end of the war, it had racked up impressive success in shooting down Allied bombers, contributing significantly to the Luftwaffe's efforts. Its legacy as a multi-role aircraft in the night skies and its influence on later nightfighter designs made the Me 110 a crucial player in the air war over Europe. As time passed, newer models like the Bf 109 and the Focke-Wulf 190 overshadowed the Me 110 in other roles, but the Me 110 remains one of the most fascinating aircraft of World War II, especially in the context of its adaptation to the challenges of night combat. Despite its heavy armament and formidable presence, the Messerschmitt Me 110 was affectionately nicknamed the "Beep" by its Allied enemies, due to the distinctive sound of its engines and the radar warning systems on board. Our latest Messerschmitt Bf 110C, coded M8+NP, of 6./ZG 76 is as it appeared in August 1940. Headquartered at Abbeville, the unit used Le Mans and occasionally other bases such as the Channel Islands as forward locations. This aircraft’s pilot was recorded as being Hptm Heinz Nacke. It bore the unit’s prominent sharkmouth marking on its lower forward fuselage/ nose. We have 3 x 1/30 scale Me 110's available priced at $999 plus postage. The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.

 

[wayne556517]

WOW640 Handley Page Halifax Bomber The Halifax bomber was one of the key British aircraft used during World War II, primarily by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. Here’s a brief history of the aircraft during the war: The Handley Page Halifax was designed by the British company Handley Page, originally as a replacement for the Vickers Wellington bomber. The design was intended to be a heavy bomber that could carry a substantial bomb load over long distances and operate at night. First flight: The Halifax made its maiden flight on October 25, 1939. The aircraft was powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, which gave it enough power to reach top speeds of around 280 mph (450 km/h). The Halifax was capable of carrying a bomb load of up to 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg), making it one of the most capable bombers of its time. The Halifax was used in a variety of bombing roles, including strategic bombing against German industrial targets, transportation infrastructure, and military installations. It was part of the RAF’s No. 6 Group and operated alongside other bombers like the Avro Lancaster. Key features of the Halifax's role included: Night Bombing: It was primarily used for night raids, where it was a vital part of the RAF’s Bomber Command in campaigns over occupied Europe. The Battle of the Ruhr (1943): The Halifax was heavily involved in the bombing of the Ruhr Valley, one of Germany's most important industrial areas. The Dambuster Raid (1943): Though the Lancaster is more famous for its role in the Dambuster raid, the Halifax was also used for similar specialized operations, including attacks on dams and other targets that required precision bombing. Transport and Supply Drops: Halifax bombers were also converted for airborne operations, including dropping paratroopers and supplies during key military operations, such as the Normandy landings in 1944. Over time, the Halifax underwent several modifications to improve performance and increase its versatility. Some of the notable variants include: Halifax Mk I: The initial version, used mainly for bombing raids. Halifax Mk II: This variant included improved engines for better performance and more reliable bombing capabilities. Halifax Mk III: The final version, which had enhanced bombing systems and could carry more payload. Halifax B Mk VI: A dedicated aircraft for "Special Duties," used for dropping supplies and airborne operations. Halifax GR Mk II: A maritime patrol version used for anti-submarine warfare. By the end of the war, more than 6,000 Halifax bombers had been built. It was one of the most successful bombers of WWII, second only to the Lancaster in terms of production numbers. Although not as famous as the Lancaster, the Halifax was considered a reliable and effective bomber by the crews that flew it. Its robustness and ability to take heavy damage and still return to base made it a favorite among pilots. The Halifax’s ability to carry large bomb loads, operate in various roles, and be adapted for other duties, such as transport and anti-submarine warfare, made it an indispensable part of the RAF’s bomber force. After WWII, the Halifax was gradually phased out of service, with the last examples retiring by the late 1940s. The Halifax was replaced by newer bombers and jets as the nature of warfare evolved. The Halifax bomber is often overshadowed by the Lancaster in the popular memory of WWII bombing campaigns, but its contributions were significant. Today, the Halifax has a dedicated following, and several examples of the aircraft have been restored for display at museums such as the Royal Air Force Museum in London and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario. In conclusion, the Handley Page Halifax played a vital role in the RAF’s efforts during World War II, helping to strike at Germany’s industrial heartland and contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. It remains a symbol of the sacrifice and ingenuity of the wartime aircrews who flew it. Our 1/32 model 'Excalibur' is one flown by FO Cyril Barton VC, this is his story: Flying Officer Cyril Barton VC was a British pilot who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his bravery during World War II. Barton was a pilot in 61 Squadron RAF, flying the Halifax bomber. On July 23rd 1943, during a mission over German, his aircraft was severely damaged by continued attack by German night-fighters. Despite the extensive damage and three of the crew bailing out by mistake over enemy territory, he continued to fly the plane to the bombing target area, personally releasing the bombs himself over Hamburg. Barton remained at the controls despite being severely wounded and having no navigator, keeping the bomber airborne long enough to return to Great Britain. By this time almost out of fuel and with three of the Halifax's engines failing, Barton ordered the remaining crew to adopt crash positions whilst he attempted to land on one engine. Barton died shortly after the crash landing but his remaining three crew members survived. As you can see from the WW2 photo of Barton's Halifax, the immense damage to the front of the aircraft made it impossible for him to survive. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor, for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice. His VC citation describes how, even with grave wounds, he showed immense determination and leadership, putting the safety of his crew above his own life. His bravery and selflessness make him a hero of the war, and his name is remembered for his ultimate sacrifice. We have 3 x 1/32 scale versions of this iconic bomber available priced at $1800 plus postage. The TG/K&C figures are for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.

 

[wayne556517]

That's it for this month guys, our figures will also be available this week and are being shipped as soon as they arrive. In the meantime do not hesitate to email us with any orders or queries. We look forward to talking with you soon. The Team@Gunn

 

[Panzer ace]

Thanks for posting.

They are all incredible, especially the Me 110.