Pathfinder 2 Piece Set – Avro Lancaster 635 Sqn & DH Mosquito 109 Sqn RAF 1944

Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72 scale AA99133: Two piece set set comprising Lancaster BV1 of 635 Sqn & Mosquito B1X (OBOE) of 109 Sqn, which make up the WW2 Pathfinder Set. Limited edition of 2,300 pieces.

Lancaster Length 11.75 inches    Wingspan 17 inches

Mosquito Length 6.75 inches     Wingspan 9 inches

PLEASE NOTE: Box on this set has the usual light scuffs and indents associated with something of this size, age and weight. Models are new

In August 1942 Arthur Harris, head of Bomber Command, asked Donald Bennett to establish the Pathfinder Force, an elite night-bombing squadron. The strategy was for the Pathfinder pilots to be the first over a target and to drop flares and incendiaries in order to assist the aim of the main bombing force. The basis of Pathfinder tactics at this time was visual marking of the aiming point, either in the light of flares, or occasionally in moonlight, but the usual method was to make a timed run from a visually identified landmark. Using Wellingtons, Stirlings, Halifaxes, Lancasters and Mosquitoes they were formed under the auspices of No. 8 Group. The Lancaster seen here was flown by 635 Squadron from Downham Market, Norfolk in 1944 and is recognisable by its deleted nose and dorsal turrets and striped tail fin. The Mosquito served with 109 Squadron for 18 days between 17th June and 5th July 1943. LR507 carried out a diversionary operation dropping target indicators over Cologne for the main force attack on Aachen. In April 1944 it dropped Tl’s for the first of three waves of Mosquitoes involved in the raid on Berlin.

Lancaster: Designed to meet a specification for a new generation of “worldwide use” medium bombers, the Avro Lancaster was first flown on January 8, 1941. The design of the Lancaster evolved from an unsuccessful two-engine aircraft called the Manchester. The heavier Lancaster had four engines and an extensive bomb bay, with later versions capable of carrying 22,000 lb bombs. Used primarily as a night bomber, the Lancaster was a versatile aircraft that became most famous for its role in the 1943 “Dam Buster” raids on Germany’s Ruhr Valley dams. Between 1942 and 1945, Lancasters flew 156,000 sorties, dropping 608,612 tons of bombs on enemy targets.

Mosquito: Designed in a private venture as a high-altitude, high-speed unarmed bomber, the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was first flown on November 25th, 1940. The Mosquito was one of the most successful aircraft of the Second World War. Only the Ju 88 could rival its versatility. Powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the all-wood Mosquito was as fast as a fighter and could carry the payload of a medium bomber. During its lifetime, the Mosquito was used in varying roles, which included night fighter and ground attack. It carried radar systems and cannons, and there was even a carrier landing version.