In past years, we have enjoyed the awesome sight and sound of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster over Pre-War Prescott. This year the Flight has allocated us their iconic 1942 Douglas C-47 Dakota ZA947.
The Flight has now confirmed that the Dakota will arrive over Prescott at 1355 hrs precisely, which is perfect timing – immediately before the hill re-opens for afternoon climbs at 1400 hrs, and immediately after the conclusion of the lunchtime auction being organized by Hereford Vintage Auctions.
ZA947 is currently painted to represent Dakota FZ692 of No 233 Squadron, around the D-Day period in 1944. This aircraft, which was named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, was involved in para-dropping operations on the eve of D-Day and subsequently in re-supply and casualty evacuation missions into and out of forward airfields in the combat areas. The female nurses who escorted the casualties on these flights became known as ‘The Flying Nightingales’.
By the end of 1944, 1,092 stretcher cases and 467 sitting wounded had been evacuated to England by the 233 Squadron Dakotas. The Dakota will make a stirring sight and sound over the hill on Saturday. To read more about the 233 Squadron operations, Dakota FZ692 ‘Kwicherbichen’ and aeromedical casualty evacuation in 1944, go here.
In other news, we hear a distinct rumour that there might very well be a Vulcan flight simulator in the Paddock on the day for YOU to fly – watch this space for further news!