From the 'gone but not forgotten' file, I decided to dig out a selection of shots of the world's last flying Mosquito, RR299, G-ASKH as it was operated by British Aerospace.
It's remarkable to look back and think how we assumed it'd always be there.
As a kid (many years ago now) I was trudging seawards in some massive dunes at Braunton Burrows, North Devon, when, looking out to sea, the Mosquito came howling in from the sea and whammed overhead inland. I’ve seen this Mozzie on countless occasions and the tragic loss of her crew is still difficult to accept, but for me that’s what flying, not static aviation is all about. It was about 10sec total, but it’s unforgettable.
I was suddenly like a small boy in Holland, 1944.
Thanks for the memories.
It was lost in an accident which also tragically killed the pilot and engineer, this machine had been flown on the UK display scene for decades, and was almost being taken for granted - but a Mosquito in the air is not something you can overlook.
There's film of a very typical display at North Weald's Fighter Meet (as seen immediately above) here.
And we should see one, maybe two Mosquitoes return to the air in the next couple of years. More on them anon.
Meanwhile, ave atque vale, RR299.
James
