You can download a high quality version HERE
30/10/2007
Beaufighters of 455 Squadron Movie
This movie is based on historical events. It was produced by Russell Boyd using the IL2 Flight Simulator game.
455 Squadron of the RAAF moved to Dallachy in October 1944 and flew anti-shipping missions during World War 2 . W Mullen was aquainted with some of these men shown in the pictures.
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9 comments:
terrific site ...wonderfully done.
Our thanks, Barbara & Gerry Mullen
My pleasure. I'm glad you like it.
Nicely done. My dad flew for 455...don't know about torpedos though, I think 455 was just cannon and rockets.
My grandfather was in 455, and i am delighted find some more information on what he did. Although like previously mentioned, they used rockets with armour piercing heads, but otherwise really good.
A great sight Russell; nice shots and video as well!
Thanks for the Intel Gerry!
Mike
visited the sites of dallachie and banff whilst on holiday and since wondered at the exploits of their brave men. many thanks..moblew
LAC W Taggart, engine fitter 144 SQD.(d1984)occasionally flew on air tests with 404 SQD pilot but prevented by Flt. Sgt. i/c hangar on day his Beau. crashed on take-off due to seized engine, ground loop and fire. canadian pilot was alone having been unable to get anyone else to fly with him.Anyone got any more info. please let me know: jm.taggart@hotmail.co.uk
Excellent video, first time I have ever seen a Beaufighter in flight for more than the 1 second (usually) in World War II documentaries. Lets hope they can get the Duxford Beau. flying before too long. If I win the Lottery it will be flying sooner than later. Lastly, thanks to all those men and women who "did their bit" in Coastal Command. Their name liveth for evermore as far as I am concerned.
Thank you for the use of your impressive site, helped me to inform a fellow hear more about his Dad. If you want all can Email! Details - Publication: Newcastle Herald
BILL Atkinson was 10 years old and living in a small Queensland town when he learned his true identity. As his mother packed him off to boarding school in Sydney she told him that the man he had always known as his father was not. The man he had called father was really his mother's second husband. Her first, Bill's father, was a decorated World War II hero, Wing Commander Richard (Dick) Atkinson, who was shot down and killed in Norway in 1944 while Bill was still a baby.
He "pulled strings" with old RAF connections and in late 1943, after just a few months at Rathmines, he and his wife were on their way across the sea to the United States, en route to England where Dick was to fly Mosquitoes - the fastest bombers then available.
Joan Atkinson's recollections take up the story again: "It was with no fear or forebodings we sailed out of Melbourne on the American ship SS Lurline. Japanese submarines patrolling the Pacific so we sailed a zigzag route south where I saw my first sight of the magnificent albatross, and then north arriving in San Francisco. "Three days there and then by train to New York. More new sights - Negro porters and waiters and avocados! Three fabulous weeks in New York at Christmas time waiting for a ship. A hotel on Central Park - snow sprinkling, the skaters in their red velvet dresses, Xmas bells ringing, theatres, restaurants, luxury stores - all overwhelming to this 20 year old. "However life changed dramatically on Boxing Day when we sailed out of New York harbour across the Atlantic bound for Liverpool. We went in convoy with other ships but we were far away the smallest - only 12 passengers, and the waves whipped up by the blizzard we encountered crashed down upon us. Eighteen days of misery. . ."
In the UK, Atkinson first commanded No 248 Coastal Command squadron operating from Cornwall over Southern Europe. During this period he was awarded a bar for his DFC.
The citation read: "In September 1944, this officer led an attack on two merchant ships both of which were sunk. In October 1944, W Cdr Atkinson led a formation of aircraft in an attack on a large barge, a tug and two escort vessels. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire . . . the two escort vessels were set on fire and the tug was seriously damaged . . . By his gallant leadership, and great tactical ability, W Cdr Atkinson played a prominent part in the successes obtained."
Atkinson's career came to a tragic end on December 13, 1944, when he and his navigator were shot down in their Mosquito over Eidsfiord, near Eidsvoll, Norway. The official record reads: "Atkinson led in the attack of a strike force of 16 Mosquitos, and his aircraft was seen to be hit by flak in the starboard wing while over the target. As he pulled away from the attack, the starboard wing broke off, the aircraft rolled over and it crashed into the sea."
Back home in Banff, Scotland, Joan Atkinson had listened, with the couple's baby, Bill, as the squadron took off. After every sortie her husband flew low over the house so she knew he was back. That morning Joan heard the planes come back, but there was no deep rumble over her roof. THAT might have been the end of the story. Joan Atkinson returned to Australia and remarried, young Bill grew up and made a life of his own.
Regards john cross
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