Sergeant Albert Derrick Roper, apprentice joiner in civilian life.  Joined the RAF in 1943; assigned to 207 Squadron, Bomber Command and trained as an air gunner.  Killed when 13 Lancaster bombers were lost to German night fighters returning from the 4 July 1944 bombing raid on V-1 flying bomb base at St-Leu-D'Esserent, France.  He died early on the morning of 5 July, 1945 - 67 years ago today.  He was 19 years old.   Best regards, JR.

On this day ...

Mosquito B XVI in flight.  It differed from earlier Mosquito bombers in having a pressurised cabin, and a bulging bomb bay capable of carrying one 4,000 pound "cookie" bomb or 6 standard 500 pound bombs.  Entered service December, 1943.  Best regards, JR.

Mosquito B Mk B XVI bomber.  

This Hawker Hurricane was photographed in1936 shortly after its first flight in november 1935. the RAF placed their first order only seven months after the first prototyp was flown. very interesting.... 