Royal Air Force (Britain) Shorts Stirling MKIII Scale 1:72 CG39503

Highly detailed Corgi Aviation Royal Air Force (Britain) Shorts Stirling Scale 1:72 CG39503 The first of Britain's three WWII heavy bombers, the Short Stirling was also the least successful of the trio. Its short wingspan hampered its ability to fly at higher altitudes, thus making it more vulnerable to enemy flak, as well as the danger of bombs from higher flying Lancaster's and Halifax's hitting the aircraft from above. By 1943 only a limited number of squadrons still operated the type, including 218 Squadron. It was on a raid to Turin in Italy that Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron was awarded Great Britain's highest honor, the Victoria Cross. While on the raid the Stirling was hit by enemy fire. This damaged the windscreen, the front and rear turrets were put out of action, the elevator control was damaged and three of the engines were hit. The navigator was killed and Flt. Sgt Aaron was also badly injured. Leveling the aircraft out at 3,000 ft the bomb aimer took over flying duties as the crippled aircraft struggled towards Allied bases in North Africa. After receiving some medical attention Aaron assisted the bomb aimer in flying the aircraft, writing directions with his left hand he managed to help the bomb aimer perform a successful belly landing at Bone airfield. He passed away nine hours later.