Westland Lysander MkIIIA, – JR-P, 161 Sqn RAF A Flight, July 1944

Corgi Aviation 1/72 scale AA36810: Westland Lysander MkIIIA, JR-P of 161 Sqn RAF A Flight, July 1944. Limited edition of 850 models.

Length 5.25 inches Wingspan 8.25 inches

In the months leading up to and just after D-Day, the Westland Lysanders of 161 Squadron RAF made a significant, yet largely unheralded contribution towards the success of this massive Allied operation. Flying incredibly perilous clandestine ‘Spy Shuttle’ operations, unarmed Lysanders were flown on nights where they could rely on the light of the moon, carrying up to 3 agents, or ‘operatives’, into enemy occupied France and often bringing others back on the return flight. These operations were vital in providing the Allies with intelligence information and disrupting German activities right across Europe but were incredibly perilous for those involved particularly as they were taking place right under the noses of the Germans.

One of the most unusual Lysanders to ever take part in these famous clandestine operations, this aircraft was flown by pilot ‘Lucky’ Newhouse and sported D-Day identification markings around its rear fuselage, but significantly, not on its wings. A rather unique aircraft, squadron records show that Newhouse flew this Lysander for the first time on the night of 4/5th August 1944 during ‘Operation Scimitar’, where he landed in France delivering three agents, bringing back another three on the return flight back to England. Even with the addition of D-Day markings, these nocturnal Lysanders were unusual in that they often came under fire from both enemy and friendly forces, so secretive were their important missions.

Designed to meet an Air Ministry specification for an army co-operation aircraft, the Lysander was first flown on June 15th, 1936. This unconventional looking aircraft had contoured wings that were angled slightly forward so that the pilot was positioned in front of the wing. Its roles included reconnaissance, message pickup, artillery spotting and some limited bombing, but its superb short takeoff and landing capabilities are what set it apart from other aircraft of its time, making it perfect for special night missions such as transportation of agents and supplies to and from mainland Europe.