History of 85 RAF Squadron .
85 Squadron shown in aviation art prints by leading aviation artist
Philip West. Philip Wests art print Safely Home by Philip E West. The dawn of a new day illuminates a Lancaster of 57 Squadron
returning to East Kirkby from night ops over occupied Europe, escorted
by a Swannington based Mosquito night-fighter of 85 Squadron Every print is signed by 57 Sqn Lancaster pilot Flt Lt Phil
Ainley DFC and the RAF's top (21 victories) night-fighter pilot Sqn Ldr
Branse Burbridge DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar.
DE HAVILAND MOSQUITO
Used
as a night fighter, fighter bomber, bomber and Photo-reconnaissance, with
a crew of two, Maximum speed was 425 mph, at 30,300 feet, 380mph at
17,000ft. and a ceiling of 36,000feet, maximum range 3,500 miles. the
Mosquito was armed with four 20mm Hospano cannon in belly and four
.303 inch browning machine guns in nose. Coastal strike aircraft had
eight 3-inch Rockets under the wings, and one 57mm shell gun in belly.
The
Mossie at it was known made its first flight on 25th November 1940, and
the mosquito made its first operational flight for the Royal Air Force as
a reconnaissance unit based at Benson. In early 1942, a modified
version (mark II) operated as a night fighter with 157 and 23
squadron's. In April 1943 the first De Haviland Mosquito saw service in
the Far east and in 1944 The Mosquito was used at Coastal Command in its
strike wings. Bomber Commands offensive against Germany saw many
Mosquitos, used as photo Reconnaissance aircraft, Fighter Escorts, and
Path Finders. The Mosquito stayed in service with the Royal Air
Force until 1955. and a total of 7781 mosquito's were built.
Safely Home by Philip E West. The dawn of a new day illuminates a Lancaster of 57 Squadron
returning to East Kirkby from night ops over occupied Europe, escorted
by a Swannington based Mosquito night-fighter of 85 Squadron Every print is signed by 57 Sqn Lancaster pilot Flt Lt Phil
Ainley DFC and the RAF's top (21 victories) night-fighter pilot Sqn Ldr
Branse Burbridge DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar.
