RAF Douglas C-54 Skymasters
 

Am researching the Skymaster in RAF service, 1944-46. Winston Churchill had one (briefly) and the type was operated by 232 Sqn at Palam, India, plus 246 in England. If anyone has photos in private collections that they'd be happy to share I'd be very interested to hear from them: [email protected]

Dear Tony,

I have a couple of photos taken by my late father at RAF Pomigliano on 28 Dec 1944 of the C54 used by Winston Churchill on his trip to an from Greece if you are interested.

I will email them to you if you are interested.

Regard

QP

RAF Skymaster
 

Would be most grateful to receive them, particularly as they feature such an interesting location. Will, of course, provide customary creditif used in an article.

RAF Skymaster
 

Tony,

I am having trouble with my normal photo hosting site so bear with me please if this does not work.
The two pictures are recorded as EW999 and were taken on 28th Dec 1944 after Winston Churchill arrived from Greece before flying home the next day. My father was with 293 Squadron at the time and they provided an ASR Warwick presence during the Med part of the flight out and back.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2e1hw6t.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2z73387.jpg



Just to add a little more flesh to the story, below are the two extracts from my father’s diary for the 28th and 29th Dec 1944.



Thurs. 28/12/44 Cold but fine all day. Did a spot more painting on the towing arm. Mr. Churchill arrived back on the drome from Greece. “L” escorted his Skymaster all the way. F/Lt. Lucey stated that Mr. Churchill addressed them before they left Greece. Another Walrus L 2170 was written off at Bellaria yesterday. Early night tonight for a change.

Fri. 29/12/44 Mr. Churchill returned to England today, he left the drome at approx 8.30 accompanied by one of our Warwicks, which incidentally had not returned by the time we left the drome at 5 o’clock. Must have been one of the coldest days yet. Vesuvius was topped with snow for the first time this winter. Collecting spares for the forthcoming detachment has been a bind but now thank goodness I have practically gathered it all in.


Hope you find the pictures interesting.

QP

RAF Skymaster
 

Spot on QuePee, & appreciate the informative caption.