Devilfish Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 No. 85 Squadron was formed at Upavon on the 1st August 1917. Initially equipped with Sopwith Dophins, but quickly changing to S.E.5a fighters. 85 have the honour of being the only Sqn to have been commanded by 2 VC holders, and has had more than its fair share of aces in both wars. In a period of 14 days during WW1, 85 Sqn accounted for 39 victories. They were disbanded in 1919, but reformed in 1938, initially flying Gladiators, but again, quickly moving over to Hurricanes. 85 Sqn were one of the squadrons sent to France as part of the BEF and during the 10 days of the Battle of France, they claimed 90 confirmed enemy aircraft destroyed.(further claims remained unsubstantiated) A further 54 victories were gained by the Sqn during the Battle of Britain. After the Battle of Britain, 85 were reassigned to the night fighter role, which they also excelled at. John “Catseyes” Cunningham was one of the most prominent pilots, helping to raise the wartime tally to 278 kills and 33 V-1 flying bombs. Post war, 85 Sqn entered the jet age, flying Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.11, 12 and 14s, then moving on to the Javelin. By the mid 1960’s they had become a target towing and AI training squadron. In 1975, they gave up their aircraft and began a 26 year vigil, protecting the East coast from Soviet bombers, with the Bloodhound Mk2 Surface to Air Missile. 85 Sqn are no longer operational, finally disbanding in 2011, having been a training squadron, flying Grob Tutors. A rather ignominious end to such a proud squadron. However, had they still been operational, what would they be flying? Well, given a choice of….one….aircraft, they would be undoubtedly be equipped with the Eurofighter Typhoon. So, to celebrate 100 years of the Squadron, I present my one and only anniversary build…. Revell 1/48 Typhoon DSC_0081 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0072 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0073 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0076 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0074 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0063 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0061 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0083 by Paul Carter, on Flickr DSC_0058 by Paul Carter, on Flickr 20 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackem01 Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 Lovely build and well thought out markings. I like it alot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celt Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 Well tidy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vultures1 Posted August 1, 2017 Share Posted August 1, 2017 That is a great what-if (or is it 'if only ...') presentation. I really like your concept for an 85 Sqn centenary scheme ... and your modelling skills are impressive too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcNewitt Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 That is an awesome scheme, nice to see 85 sqn celebrating their 100th anniversary even if it is only on a modelling forum. Fantastic model, very well done! Marc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85sqn Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 Very cool! I was on the last course on the Grob at Church Fenton on 85 Sqn winter 2010/2011. best regards Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TME3 Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 That's fantastic...! Nice concept and presentation on the scheme... very well done...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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