Witty WTW-72-015-003 Question

[spinnaker987]

Just wondering if anyone can help with information about this model, which I'm considering adding to my collection for reasons I am about to describe;

This model represents a Sea Fury from 805 Squadron, operating from HMAS Sydney during the Korean conflict. I have just learned that 805 Squadron was commanded during this "scrap" by W.G. "Jimmy" Bowles, who was a Kiwi. During WWII he flew Hurricanes, Martlets, Hellcats and Fulmars in the FAA.

I have in my collection a small display of aircraft either operated by the RNZAF, or flown by Kiwi's. It's a small display because to-date most diecast manufacturers have ignored us. (Despite the fact that there were more Kiwi's in the RAF during WWII than any other nation apart from England, Commonwealth or otherwise!)

So, can anyone help me? Does anyone know if 805 Sqd assigned individual aircraft to pilots, or were they just "pooled"? And secondly, could this particular aircraft have been flown by Jimmy Bowles.

Basically, I'm just looking for an excuse to buy a second Sea Fury - I already have WTW-72-015-001!

[planejunky]

I agree, the Kiwi's played an enormous part in the FAA and RAF during WWII, and in the years after. Even the legendary Ray Hanna hailed from New Zealand!

Now I could be wrong, but I think you will find that the aircraft were pooled as part of a NSW (Naval Strike Wing) with pilots taking what was servicable rather than any personally assigned machine.

[spinnaker987]

Thanks for your comments Planejunky. I guess you have confirmed my thinking. I have found out a little more about this particular aircraft, thanks to the ADF Serials website (http://www.adf-serials.com/na2.shtml0.

VX724 carried the RAN number of 101K, and was delivered to the Navy 10 December 1950. She was lost "29/12/53, the aircraft on being launched from HMAS Sydney crashed into the sea ahead of the ship killing the pilot SBLT(P) Beardsell,RN of 850 Squadron."