A line of factory-fresh Taylorcraft Auster IVs awaiting collection at Rearsby early in 1944. MT177, in the foreground, served with 659 Sqn until it crashed on August 2, 1944. In the background is a Turbinlite Havoc, fitted with a high-powered searchlight in the nose.

Taylorcraft Auster IV MT242 of 651 Sqn flying in Italy in 1944. This aircraft was struck off charge in July the following year.

Taylorcraft Auster III LB319 pictured in October 1942

Taylorcraft Auster III MZ108 operating in Italy in 1943. Built at Rearsby early in 1943, it was finally struck off RAF charge in August 1944.

A member of the Leicester Home Guard seated in an Auster IV in early 1944. The radio equipment is mounted in place of the front starboard seat. The pilot’s seat was armour-plated and pulled forward to give access to the back seat.