Preserving the past

Coming soon…

There are many ways to preserve the past for future generations. Before the advent of the Internet there were books and magazines. Nowadays the Internet is a treasure trove of information although sometimes it can be misleading.

I always thought Fred Gash was on the left, but now thanks to Andrew Long I know who these two airmen are: Leslie Russell is one the right with his pilot Michael Young.

https://bbm.org.uk/airmen/RussellLP.htm

Excerpt

The Airmen’s Stories – Sgt. L P Russell

Leslie Plimmer Russell was born in Marton, North Island on 18th August 1916, the son of Peter Duncan Russell and Vivien Clare Russell (nee Richardson).

He was educated at the High School there. He first applied to join the RNZAF in April 1936 but was unsuccessful until late 1939, when he was accepted as a trainee air gunner.

On 15th January 1940 Russell went to the Ground Training School at Weraroa. He moved to the Air Observers School at Ohakea on 9th February for a Lewis gunnery course. Russell sailed for the UK on 23rd March in the SS Akaroa.

He joined 264 Squadron at Duxford on 4th June and continued his training.

…

 Collection Leslie Russell (Courtesy Andrew Long)

More images from Andrew Long with added captions

Courtesy Andrew Long

The nearest Defiant was the regular mount of Ted Thorn and Fred Barker.

Flypast over Maidstone during Wings for Victory Week.

Collection Leslie Russell

Collection Leslie Russell

Collection Leslie Russell

Collection Leslie Russell

AI fitted Defiant at West Malling.

Flypast over Maidstone during Wings for Victory Week.

Sergeant Les Russell NZ 

Ground crews at West Malling.

P/O Curtice sat in his Defiant.

Sergeant A.D. Lofting

Snow clearing L-R Barker, Lauder, Russell and Hayden

The Defiant with the kill markings is N1810 PS-Y flown by Des Hughes.

Sergeants Mess at West Malling