Boulton Paul Defiant I T4037 wearing the codes of 256 Squadron in October 1941. Note how the rear fuselage top-decking and the upper portion of the fairing between the cockpit and the turret lowered to improve the turret's arcs of fire.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boulton Paul Defiant / P.82 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

Merlin XX-powered Defiant II AA370 at A&AEE Boscombe Down in August 1941. After conversion into a target tug this machine served with 22 Anti-aircraft Co-operation Unit, finally being struck off charge on November 30, 1944.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boulton Paul Defiant / P.82 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

Defiant DZ-V of 151 Sqn, the unit in which the author served, displays conspicuous radar aerials on its wings. The red squadron codes are barely visible here against the night-fighter’s matt black overall finish.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boulton Paul Defiant / P.82 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1937

Westland Lysander IIIA V9602 was used for trials at the A&AEE and AFEE. The author found the "Lizzie’s” Fowler flaps somewhat alarming at first, but soon adjusted to its habits.
The Westland Lysander was designed to Specification A.39/34 for a two-seat Army co-operation aircraft, the prototype making its first flight in June 1936. The “Lizzie” entered RAF service in May 1938 and served throughout the war in an impressive variety of roles including reconnaissance, air-sea rescue and spy-dropping.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Westland Lysander - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

Lysander IIs of 239 Sqn. The nearest aircraft, L4798, which had previously served with 16 Sqn, later went to India and was transferred to the Free French Air Force.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Westland Lysander - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1936

Affectionately dubbed “Shagbat”, Supermarine’s Walrus amphibian made an excellent ASR aircraft. This one is being flown by Lt Voak on October 26, 1942.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Supermarine Walrus/Seagull V - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1933

The author did his conversion to single-engined aircraft on the Bristol Mercury-powered Miles Master II, represented here by AZ247. After serving with No 8 FTS and No 2 Flying Instructors School, this aircraft went to No 7 Pilots Advanced Flying Unit, where it met its end in a crash while making a forced landing at Denton on October 22, 1943.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Miles Master II M.19 / Master III M.27 - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1939