A restoration project of the 47 Air Despatch Squadron (47AD) Gate Guardian has started to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Operation Market Garden.
The Douglas C-47 Dakota sits outside 47 Air Despatch Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, and is a poignant reminder of the role Air Despatchers played during the Second World War.
The Dakota has, since 1944, been affectionately associated with Air Despatchers and an emblem of the aircraft is still worn today by all ranks serving with the Air Despatch unit. The Golden Dakota on blue backing was approved for wear by King George VI, for the “Good work done by the Air Despatch Group over Arnhem”. Between 18-25 Sept 1944, Stirlings and Dakotas of Nos. 38 and 46 Group flew 628 resupply sorties and, of these, 89 aircraft were shot down. In total, 151 Aircrew, 80 Air Despatchers and 2 passengers paid the ultimate price.
Officer Commanding 47 Air Despatch Squadron, Major Aaron Thompson said:
“As we approach the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and Operation Market Garden this year, the restoration of the Dakota is an ongoing and fitting tribute. The next phase is for RAF Ground Engineers to restore and refit the broken tail, then the body work will need to be sanded and repainted too. We’d like to thank the Serco aircraft wash bay team who kicked off the restoration project of our beloved Dakota with a deep clean and to all that are currently helping with the project.”
Major Aaron Thompson
Officer Commanding 47 Air Despatch Squadron
47AD, a part of the Royal Logistic Corps, is the only Air Despatch unit remaining in the British Army. Today the Squadron works hand-in-hand with the Air Mobility Force at RAF Brize Norton, providing essential aerial delivery capability for Defence.
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