Westland Lysander Mk. III Aircraft “‘Lucky’ Newhouse No. 161 Squadron” (1944) British Royal Air Force “The Aviation Archive” Series 1/72 Diecast Model by Corgi

• Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of Westland Lysander Mk. III Aircraft “‘Lucky’ Newhouse, No. 161 Squadron” (1944) British Royal Air Force “The Aviation Archive” Series die cast model by Corgi.
• Brand new box.
• Detailed exterior.
• Has landing gear.
• True-to-scale detail.
• Includes display stand.
• Has detailed crew figures.
• Officially licensed product.
• Manufacturer’s original unopened packaging.
• Dimensions approximately Length- 5, Wingspan- 8.25 inches.
• Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel.
• It is a highly detailed and accurate model, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life airplane.

HISTORY ASPECTS:
The Westland Lysander Mk. IIIA, specifically the (SD) JR-P flown by Flying Officer ‘Lucky’ Newhouse, served with the RAF No. 161 Squadron, a specialized unit dedicated to secret operations during World War II. The Lysander, originally designed as an army cooperation aircraft, became legendary for its role in clandestine missions. No. 161 Squadron operated out of RAF Tempsford, one of the most secretive airfields in England, and was instrumental in Special Duties (SD) flights that involved dropping and picking up agents, resistance fighters, and supplies behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Europe.
Flying Officer ‘Lucky’ Newhouse and his Lysander, marked as JR-P, were key players in these high-risk missions. The Lysander’s unique design, featuring a high wing, fixed landing gear, and exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, made it ideal for landing in small, unprepared fields under the cover of darkness. Newhouse, known for his nerves of steel and precision flying, often navigated by moonlight to reach isolated fields in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where local resistance operatives would mark the landing zones with dim lights. These missions were not only dangerous due to the ever-present threat of detection by the Germans but also due to the challenges of navigating and landing in unknown terrain at night.
The Lysander Mk. IIIA and pilots like Newhouse played a pivotal role in supporting the efforts of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the French Resistance. The success of their operations often determined the flow of intelligence and coordination between the Allies and the resistance movements, which was crucial in the buildup to D-Day and other key operations. Despite its obsolescence in direct combat roles by the mid-war period, the Lysander’s contribution to covert operations solidified its place in RAF history. The bravery and skill of pilots like ‘Lucky’ Newhouse exemplified the Lysander’s enduring legacy as a symbol of courage and stealth in warfare.
Perfect for collectors and aviation history enthusiasts, this 1:72 scale model captures the spirit of the Lysander’s daring missions, serving as a tribute to the pilots and operatives who risked everything in the name of freedom. Add this remarkable piece to your collection and relive the thrilling tales of World War II’s secret war in the skies.