
Typhoon Ib, Serial JP689, Code SA-P, No.486 (NZ) Squadron RAF, 9/43 to 10/2/44, based at Tangmere, Sussex, England. On 10/2/44 the pilot, F/S William Swinton, forgot to switch over to wing-tanks and when he finally did, the engine failed to pick up. He crash-landed near Melun and was badly burned.

F/S William "Rangi" Swinton, from Raukokore, New Zealand, was taken in by a French family, and when his injuries healed the French Resistance stepped in to help him escape. Close to the Spanish border, 3 months after the crash, Rangi was captured by the Gestapo on 17/5/44.

Little is known, but after 3 months detention by the Gestapo, Rangi was sent to Stalag Luft VIIA in Bankau, Poland. In late January and February 1945 he took part in the indescribable evacuation to Luckenwalde. This death march was known as "the exit from Bankau" to it's survivors. There is little doubt that Rangi, being a Maori, was subjected to harsh treatment while in captivity. After the war he returned home to the East Coast. In the early 1960's he was the recipient of the Ahuwhenua Cup for being the most progressive Maori farmer. William Swinton deceased 16/6/83.

(Source: Paul Sortehaug, "The Wild Winds", Otago University Print, New Zealand)
________________________

There is nothing new on this skin, I just wanted to have a later version of a No.486 Sqn Typhoon without the ID-stripes (the b/w photo I worked off dates February '44). This tripes had no relation to D-Day, they were applied because in the early days British AAA-gunners often mistook the Typhoon for a FW 190 - in fact in 1943, more Typhoons were lost to mechanical failure and "friendly fire" either by AAA or planes, than to the enemy...
________________________

.) Added Dan Shaw's clearglass for the gunsight.

.) Added Migge's new Typhoon cockpit instruments.


This skin has some issues, like some warping here and there, I know.


I hope you like it.


Stanley99

hayakutake@excite.com

15th March, 2001

