Lockheed Ventura AE660

[Hugh Thomson]

I have decided to complete the 1/72 Academy Lockheed Ventura II using the new DK decals for RAF/RNZAF/RAAF examples as operated in NW Europe. One example appears on DKD 72030, AE660, with the port wing and port side of the fuselage painted black (possibly for Operation Starkey), as an aircraft of 487 (New Zealand) Squadron with the code EG-Y (and the letter 'H' blacked out) in 1943.  This seemed an interesting choice.

 

However, the Imperial War Museum website has a photo of this aircraft (with port side painted black) but they say it was with 21 Squadron with the code YH-Y (and a blacked out letter 'H'), though the codes cannot be seen given the angle of the photo.

 

Of course it's possible that AE660 was transferred between the two squadrons and 21 and 487 both were stationed at Methwold at this time - but the possibility that this happened with the port side painted black seems remote.

 

My instincts are to follow the IWM website and complete the model as YH-Y of 21 Squadron but wondered whether anyone might have any other information to confirm one way or the other. 

 

   

Edited September 3, 2017 by Hugh Thomson

[TBC]

From Air Britain's The Lockheed Twins.

 

 

 

[Seahawk]

1 hour ago, TBC said:

From Air Britain's The Lockheed Twins.

 

 

Which means that, if the stated date of the photo (27 Feb 43) is correct, the code should have been 487's "EG".

[TBC]

 

 

Edited September 4, 2017 by TBC

[Hugh Thomson]

Thanks to everyone for the input. Much appreciated. My Ventura will be finished as EG-Y of 487 (New Zealand) Squadron.