Alan Wood, 90, is a regular at Chorlton Good Neighbours but not many are aware of what a remarkable WW2 record that Alan has. Alan was at Manchester University in 1939 and whilst there joined the University Air Squadron. He was called up in July 1942 and went into training for the RAF. During this period he flew Mosquitos and Spitfires but when he was assigned to the Coastal command Banff Strike wing in Scotland he flew beaufighters and mosquitos
It was during this time that he was shot down in the North Sea and spent four days adrift in a one-man dinghy until being spotted quite by chance by and Air Sea rescue member whilst they were out looking for someone else
Alan Wood - WW2 Fighter pilotBanff strike wing main role was to attack German shipping off Norway and in the Fjords. Alan didn't talk at all about his war experiences to his wife Joan until 50 years later and with great sadness of the many young airmen who died. In one raid 23 planes went out and only 3 returned
This video starts with Joan Wood talking about her husband Alan and his experiences in WW2 when he was a young fighter pilot. There is then an excerpt from an RAF film about Banff Strike Wing where Alan was based
Mosquito aircraft in at low level attacking two armed merchantmen In Norwegian Fjord with cannon and rocket fire, 4th April 1945
Dear Mr. Wood.
ReplyDeleteSir, thank you for my freedom!
have been to raf banff numerous time and although a lot of it is gone after 60years the op's building and tower still makes you feel the spirit of the man who fought and died from here
ReplyDeletehave been to raf banff numerous time and although a lot of it is gone after 60years the op's building and tower still makes you feel the spirit of the man who fought and died from here
ReplyDelete