This time of year in 1940 the UK was deep in combat in The Battle of Britain as young pilots fought desperately their counterparts for air superiority, dog fighting along with fatigue killed many. And many died flying before they even got the chance to get in on the action.
This weekend is the 80th Anniverseary of the death of a 23 year old pilot killed near here in the local Lammermuir Hills while on a routine navigation training exercise. His remains still buried with his Bolton Paul Defiant aircraft and now marked with a memorial stone. We have a planned cycle with friends to pay our respects to one of many young men, some really just boys who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Owning and driving a Jeep whose Heritage - engine and a few parts are from WW2 is I think something special and pays a respect to many brave young men. So for this film I used some recorded interview audio with 603 City of Glasgow Squadron A.V.R Spitfire Pilot Sandy Johnstone recorded in January 1941, while they briefly rested during the Battle of Britain here at RAF Drem...
More soon...
That Willys looks great! I would love to own a similar Jeep at some point, but currently I am in college and have no way to afford it. Currently I drive a 2004 Wrangler which shares roots, but in all reality an old Willys has very little in common with a new Wrangler. Your photos of it are great as well. I really like the first picture of it in the field – the sunset behind it looks fantastic. You mentioned it having the original engine and a few parts. Is it mostly a restoration or is it a recreation? Either way, it looks fantastic. It is great to see a Willys is still rolling around under its own power. Around where I live, I’ve seen a few turned into art, but none driving.
ReplyDeleteThat Willys looks great! I would love to own a similar Jeep at some point, but currently I am in college and have no way to afford it. Currently I drive a 2004 Wrangler which shares roots, but in all reality an old Willys has very little in common with a new Wrangler. Your photos of it are great as well. I really like the first picture of it in the field – the sunset behind it looks fantastic. You mentioned it having the original engine and a few parts. Is it mostly a restoration or is it a recreation? Either way, it looks fantastic. It is great to see a Willys is still rolling around under its own power. Around where I live, I’ve seen a few turned into art, but none driving.
ReplyDeleteHi, this Jeep has a French manufactured chassis hence its 1965 age related registration when it was registered in the UK in 2005, When used by French military it had the vinyl seat covers and top which I have replaced with canvas, any parts manufactured by the French Hotchkiss factory are near identical to Willys MB parts, including AF threading etc... I love driving it about, puts a lot of smiles on folks faces :)
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