Originally Posted by
SLXOwft
So taking hits is a family habit?
Impressive that he got it on deck and then he could walk away from that, I assume he couldn't or chose not to lower his hook? I have always thought Seafire pilots had to be bloody brave to fly one never mind fight it.
Strikes me 894 NAS's war service would have made a great book.
I believe that his hook was down but was taken off by the round down, leaving a dent that was still there when she was eventually scrapped. The final 1st Lt (Lt Cdr Sir Keneth Craddock-Hartopp DSC BT RN - He of Yeovilton gin pennant fame) said years later that it was impossible to get the rust out of the crease to repaint it! The Captain of Indefat remarked to Mog senior that he had now destroyed 5 aircraft, 2 of which were hostile!
Mog