C-47 N308SF 42-100521 to the UK?

jonesy · **Posted:** Fri Dec 07, 2012 2:26 pm

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 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:38 am

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 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:35 pm

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 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 3:34 pm

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 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:09 pm **Posts:** 7

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 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:41 pm

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 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:09 pm **Posts:** 7

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 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 18, 2013 4:18 pm

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 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:09 pm **Posts:** 7

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 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 19, 2013 3:21 am

jhardt wrote:

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 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 19, 2013 5:58 am

jhardt wrote:

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 · **Joined:** Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:09 pm **Posts:** 7

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 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 19, 2013 7:12 am

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

marketc47 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 02, 2013 3:59 am **Posts:** 3

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 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 19, 2013 8:20 am

marketc47 wrote:

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?

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