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Attention: Calgary Area IPMS'ers -(but other members are invited to check this out, too)414 Sqn Mustang I - Dieppe 1942 |
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Attention: Calgary Area IPMS'ers -(but other members are invited to check this out, too)414 Sqn Mustang I - Dieppe 1942 |
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Scott Fraser, a former IPMS Canada member (and former producer of Tally Ho decals) living in Calgary contacted the head office with an interesting idea for a new article for RT, one which would also pay tribute to two former Mustang I pilots of the RCAF's 414 'Sarnia Imperials' Sqn during WWII. Here are extracts of the e-mail conversations that discussed Scott's proposal:
"I recently discovered that one of my friends, Ian Clarke, is the son of a Canadian veteran. His father, F/L F.E. Clarke, was on 414 Squadron at Dieppe in 1942. F/L Clarke and his 'Weaver', F/O Hollis Hills, flew two sorties that day. F/L Clarke was shot down and rescued offshore, while his wingman, F/O H.H. Hills, was credited with the first kill by a Mustang when he shot the Fw 190 off of F/L Clarke's tail. This was an historic engagement, and part of an historic battle."
"My friend wants a model of his Dad's aircraft, and another for "Uncle Hollie". His father is still alive, as is Hollis Hills. He says he has his Dad's logbook and it contains many photos of 414 Sqn, and it's possible that there is more in the possession of Hollis Hills. This is a rare opportunity to do something for those who fought for Canada, and a chance to add to the historical archives available to IPMS Canada and the wider public. Mr. Clarke is getting on, so time is a consideration."
"So here's an idea. Combine their photos, with their story, with a recap of how the models were built and photos of the completed models and maybe a shot of them being presented, put it all in an article for RT. Talk about a feel-good story! It combines all the elements — new material related to historical research (previously unknown photos), a significant historical event (the first P-51 Mustang kill), acknowledgement to veterans (presentation of models) and a modelling article (414 Sqn Mustang I). This is the stuff of dreams!"
"Perhaps if any members are interested in 1/48 scale aircraft, they might be willing to take it on. I know that Accurate Miniatures released a model of a P-51 that would be suitable after some conversion work, and I know the old 1/72 FROG kit is a dog — I still have a few in my garage, but they're ugly, and would not be an easy build."
"Purchase of a couple of Accurate Miniatures kits would not be a problem, I'm sure. It's a question of having someone build them to an appropriate standard. As models go, they'd be pretty straightforward — standard camouflage with standard squadron codes, although the serials are a rather unique style."
"If IPMS Canada can find a builder, I'll help with the rest."
"Let me know if this is a crazy notion, or is something that could be done for these old warriors."
Further discussions with Scott revealed that he's no longer building models, so that's why he's looking for a builder for the project, with an eye to creating a fresh RT article which would contain some unique and new information. With Mr. Clarke living at a retirement home in Calgary, it is hoped that there's a better chance of finding someone in the Calgary area who's interested in the project who would also be able to present the finished models to the pilot himself. We don't have a Calgary chapter at this time, but we still have about a dozen member in the city. Not that they're the only guys who could build the models, but Scott originally presented this idea with a view to creating an RT article, and certainly that's something we'd like to see and share with the rest of the membership, too.
So there you have it. There's some potential here for an IPMS Canada member to do a good thing for a couple of RCAF veterans, and also help out IPMS Canada and RT at the same time. If you're interested in hearing more about Scott's proposal, please contact him at the e-mail addresses given on this page
Steve Sauvé, Website Custodian for IPMS Canada