Short Stirling & RAF Bomber Command Forum

Hello

I've commissioned a model as a memorial and tribute to the crew and 11 paras who were lost with the above aircraft. It was lost on DDay with no trace ever found.

To make it as realistic as possible I'd like a photo of the plane showing the nose art. The plane was known as Hellzapoppin'

I'd also like to know any other details such as how many missions etc

Is there any archives that I could obtain photos and service records for the aircraft?

Or better still does anyone have them or access to... Long shot I know.

Thanks

Andrew

Andrew,
In response to your PM that you sent to me, hope these help a little....

Thanks mate... All help is appreciated.

If you can message me your email, i will send you the 299sqdn ORB appendices for 5/6th June. Several pilots report seeing large red/orange explosion near drop zone. This may or may not have been LJ819 crashing, as there seems to have been a bit of flak judging by the damage to various aircraft in the reports for 5/6th June.

Hi,

My uncle Frank McMahon was on this aircraft. I do have a picture but not sure if it is LJ819.

I also have quite a lot of correspondence and Frank’s belonging.

I also have pictures of Frank and possibly two other members of the flight crew

Not sure how to attach in here.

Let me know if you want anything.

Kind regards

Thanks Helen, email and PM sent...

Hi,

I have replied to your e-mail.

Kind regards

Helen

The finished model by Ian Collis. What can I say, the blokes a genius. The kit was from Italeri and wasn't the easiest build he's ever had. There was a multitude of problems from poor casting, I'll fitting bomb bay doors, over complicated engine parts, poor decal sizes and many other problems...

He also altered the kit to show the para hatch and added a few extras to the kit.

Butl he overcame them all and the results are fantastic.

Here's a link to the build. Check out some of his other models as well, there some crackers...

https://www.facebook.com/31582963843730 ... 507341152/

Great to see all the efforts that have gone into this particular inquiry.
Marvellous efforts also in the making of the Stirling model, above.
John