Frank Bray's Spitfire PR XI from the Moehne Dam

[tempest]

Hello

I'm looking for the 542 Squadron codes and serials for the plane that Squadron Leader Bray used to photograph the Moehne Dam after 617 Squadron broke it.

Thanks

 

[fubar57]

Regarding the PR.XI. Are you sure his last name is Bray? I've found a Squadron Leader Frank Fray with 542 Sqn. I've seen a handful of photos and none carry squadron codes

 

[fubar57]

It's only taken 12yrs to get you the answer but with the help of some great guys you now have it. The info comes from the 542 Sqn ORB. Squadron Leader Frank Fray flew Spitfire Pr.Mk.XI, coded "E", s/n EN343. Notice that the code "E" is under the serial number, apparently common to 542 Sqn. Its a wonder that I never noticed any codes

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Discussion here...

Sqn Ldr Frank Fray Spitfire PR. Mk.XI

 

[herman1rg]

And today's record for the Oldest Thread resurrection goes to MR Fubar57

 

[fubar57]

He had something else posted here yesterday but it has since been moved. It was the only reason I saw this thread . Nice that he makes his only two posts 12 years part. Maybe 12 years from now he'll see the answer to his question

 

[buffnut453]

Hey, we may not be fast...but we're really, REALLY good!

I saw your thread on Britmodeller, Geo...in fact 'twas I who dug out the pics of EN434. Really like the first one. It's a great pic of such an historic airframe.

 

[fubar57]

Great job Mark. The avatar should have tipped me off

 

[tempest]

Regarding the PR.XI. Are you sure his last name is Bray? I've found a Squadron Leader Frank Fray with 542 Sqn. I've seen a handful of photos and none carry squadron codes

Yep... I'm quick like that. Thanks for the response. Have just returned to scale modeling after a long break hence the resurgence of interest...and I remembered my password.

Thanks for the picks.

Allan

 

[fubar57]

Welcome back to modeling.

 

[tempest]

Regarding the PR.XI. Are you sure his last name is Bray? I've found a Squadron Leader Frank Fray with 542 Sqn. I've seen a handful of photos and none carry squadron codes

 

[tempest]

Yes quite. Apologies to Frank Fray about getting his name wrong.

The pics you attached were helpful. My 48th Spit XI is now finished and hanging up with the others

Thanks again

Allan

 

[fubar57]

What did you use to make a Mk.XI?

 

[tempest]

It was a Legato resin kit that sat unloved and unfinished for years, probably the 12 years you pointed out.

A resin kit was probably not the thing to make your modelling comeback with.......a bad workman etc.

Anyway, I finished it and on to the next thing.

I'm siting in the Cafe at the Air Force Museum at the former RNZAF Base Wigram so something of a pilgrimage.

All the the Kiwi VC winner displays have been rotated out of public exhibition TFN. Very disappointing. I've done the Lloyd Trigg Liberator GR V and the Ventura II that Leonard Trent was flying over Holland, both in 48th and one of the next projects is the Wellington that Jimmy Ward did the aerial fire-fighting on for his VC.

Great place to visit.

Allan

 

[fubar57]

Nice tribute Allan. I know the story and posted it and a photo here. I see Airfix make a 1/72 kit with the markings. I remember the Legato Spitfire kits. I really wanted to get some as they offered some unique marks but they seem to have all but disappeared. Hopefully you'll post the results of your Wellington here. I'd be very interested in seeing it

 

[tempest]

Nice tribute Allan. I know the story and posted it and a photo here. I see Airfix make a 1/72 kit with the markings. I remember the Legato Spitfire kits. I really wanted to get some as they offered some unique marks but they seem to have all but disappeared. Hopefully you'll post the results of your Wellington here. I'd be very interested in seeing it

Lloyd Trigg VC's GR V at the Willow Run end of my bench.

 

[fubar57]

Very nice