C-47 N308SF 42-100521 to the UK?

[jonesy]

I read today in the latest issue of Flypast that C-47 N308SF has been bought by Wiltshire, UK based Charlie Walker who intends to base this C-47 in the UK in 2013 where it will get painted in its wartime colours.

Does anybody have further info on this or contact details for Mr. Walker? I live in Wiltshire too and would love to meet up with him.

Thanks,
Neil.

[patelie]

Hello
This plane was 42-100521 - 79th TCS - 436th TCG
She took part in Neptune, Dragoon, Market, Repulse and Varsity
On D-day she was CN#38 in serial #10, took off from Membury, carrying paratroopers of the 377th PFA into Normandy
Pilot : 1st Lt. William K. Watson
co-Pilot : 2nd Lt. James H. Hardt
radio operator : S/Sgt. Robert S. McKnight
crew chief : T/Sgt. Owen W. Voss

William K. Watson left his plane in june 1945 when he went back home.

PS : take care about information found on the internet for 42-100521 as being in the 92nd TCS - 439th TCG and nicknamed Kilroy is here...

[Linerman]

This particular aircraft had been acquired by Universal Asset Management for restoration into period Piedmont Airlines colours (it once flew with that airline as N45V/Tidewater Pacemaker) and then re-sale. I guess that plan must have fallen through as it was ferried via Walnut Ridge, AR, on 18Sep02 to Charlotte County airport, Punta Gorda, FL, for some attention. There's a recent photograph of it in this set: http://www.skippyscage.com/aviation/fl/punta-gorda/index.php.

I'd read elsewhere that N308SF had been sold in the UK, although I understood it was for static display in D-Day markings (yawn). It is also a bit of coincidence the reported new owner of N308SF is one Charlie Walker, given there's a Charlie Walker in Indianapolis who recently acquired DC3 N2312G "Tooie", once on display outside the Specialty Restaurant at Nashville airport, for restoration to fly.

Roy Blewett
Survivors

[jonesy]

Roy, you might like to know that I met Charlie Walker last month and he is indeed the owner of N308SF. He is English and lives only 20 minutes from me. I don't see what's boring about his intension to restore the aircraft back to its wartime colours. Oh and he plans to fly the aircraft as much as possible too.

[jhardt]

I would be very interested in knowing the plans for this aircraft. My father was copilot on it throughout the war. I would love to see it. BTW, he will be attending a reunion of Troop Carrier and Glider pilots in Kansas City in September. I'm sure everyone there would like to know what the plans are too. Thanks much.

[jonesy]

Wow that's great to hear that your father was the co-pilot of 'Night Fright'.



The English owner intends to bring her back to the UK and restore her back to her wartime colours.

[jhardt]

Jonesy, thanks for the photo. I had not seen that one. It certainly is Night Fright. Also known around my house as "D-Dog". Would appreciate any leads on other photos, as we don't have many. We do have one of my father hanging out the pilot's window pointing to a hole from a 20MM shell that went through just behind the cockpit without detonating. Upon returning from their D-Day mission, they counted over 100 holes in the airplane.

Also, do you know the Mr. Walker's timing plans? I will be in the UK in December and would very much like to get in touch with him.

[jonesy]

Send me a pm with your email and I'll get you in touch with Charlie. I've just spoken to him and he's excited to know your fathers' still alive.

[jhardt]

Jonesy, thanks for your pm and post. Unfortunately, being a new member, I cannot send you a pm. Please feel free to email me at nm05483@hotmail.com.

[patelie]

Would appreciate any leads on other photos, as we don't have many.

Hello
So, your father was James H. Hardt from the 79th TCS.
To get other photographs of D-Dog, perhaps your father can contact, if it's not already done, his buddy William K. Watson, the pilot.

[jonesy]

Jonesy, thanks for your pm and post. Unfortunately, being a new member, I cannot send you a pm. Please feel free to email me at nm05483@hotmail.com.

I'll send you an e-mail.

[jhardt]

Thank you for you thoughts about contacting Bill Watson, Patrick. My father last spoke with Bill several years ago and believes he has now passed on.

[patelie]

No, I was always in contact with him few months ago..
If something like that happened since this time I am not advised.

[marketc47]

Hi John,

After your e-mail I started with further research to get you in touch with the owner, but it seems you already found your way. That's good.
I'll see your father in KC.

Hans
www.airbornetroopcarrier.com

[jonesy]

Hi John,

After your e-mail I started with further research to get you in touch with the owner, but it seems you already found your way. That's good.
I'll see your father in KC.

Hans
http://www.airbornetroopcarrier.com

Hans,

Is it the National WWII Glider Pilots Association reunion?