Airfix 1:72...
Fairey BattleFlown by Donald Edward Garland VCHe was 21 years old, and a Flying Officer in No. 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force during World War II, when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 12 May 1940, over the Albert Canal, Belgium, two bridges, Veldwezelt and Vroenhoven, were being used by the invading army, with protection from fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft and machine-guns. The RAF was ordered to demolish one of these vital bridges, and five Fairey Battle bombers were despatched with Flying Officer Garland leading the attack. They met an inferno of anti-aircraft fire, and the bridge was hit but not put out of commission. Garland and his navigator, Sergeant Thomas Gray, attacked the bridge at Veldwezelt. They died either crashing in the village of Lanaken, or in the hospital in Maastricht, Netherlands. Only one bomber managed to return to base. The VC was a posthumous one.
Finally complete!!
Victoria Cross iconsHughie Idwal Edwards – Bristol Blenheim
Awarded his VC for leading a bombing raid against the port of Bremen. He survived the war.
Donald Edward Garland – Fairey Battle
Awarded his VC in 1940 attacking bridges in Belgium. The VC was a posthumous one.
John Hannah – Handley Page Hampden
Awarded his VC for gallantry in tackling a fire on his plane that was caused by anti-aircraft fire during the attack on Antwerp.
James Brindley Nicholson – Hawker Hurricane
Awarded his VC after shooting down a Bf110 while on fire. He survived but was badly burnt.
Custom painted stand: