High Resolution Hawker Tempest Mk-V Series II.

Serial Number NV724, No. 3 Squadron, Volkel, Holland July 1945.

This aircraft was flown by Flight Lieutenent Pierre Clostermann.

Bio:

Pierre Clostermann was born on Febuary 28th, 1921 at Curitaba, Brazil, where his father worked as a diplomat. At the age of 16 he acquired his pilots licence in November 1937. He was educated in Paris and was studying engineering in the USA when France fell.

In 1941 he joined the Free French Forces. The following year he was transferred to the RAF, where he flew Spitfires as a member of No. 602 Squadron. During this time he destroyed at least 11 enemy aircraft, with 2 probables and 7 damaged. On March 4th 1945 he joined No. 274 Squadron, flying Hawker Tempests. His first score in his new mount was a Bf 109. Later that month, he was a Flight Commander in No. 56 Squadron, and he scored his second Tempest kill, another 109. On April 8th he transferred again, this time to No. 3 Squadron. Twelve days later he downed 2 Fw 190D's. He was awarded the DSO, DFC and Bar and French, Belgian and American Decorations.

After the war, Clostermann went into politics and business, serving as Deputy in the French Parliament and as an aeronautics executive for Cessna and Dassault. He also wrote a Book called "Le Grand Cirque" or, in English, "The Big Show" detailing his experiences and those of his colleagues. He is one of the dwindling number of WWII aces still with us today.

Final Score: 12 Destroyed (at least!!)

              6 Shared and

              2 Probables.

Hi-Resolution Model by Mike1, based on the original EAW model. Wide view cockpit by JWC. RS fixes by Moggy. Fab skin by DeanH. Thanks Guys!

Thanks to Col. Gibbon for his notes on Hi-Ressing, and his patience with my questions!
Alessandro Borges for his 3dz studio and tools, without which this would have been impossible. And to anyone I may have forgotten to mention!

Michael "Mike1" Riddell, 26th July 2003.

