Douglas DC-3 Dakota

[pdcpic]

this one flew very low over our coast

 

[Denis]

And not just any old Dakota, but the first Dutch government aircraft after being purchased in 1946 from General Eisenhower by none other that Prince Berhard. It served in England with the USAAF and took part in the Arnhem drops during Operation Market Garden in September of 1944.

[FUJI]

The Dakota?

Its been one of my favourite planes since I was a WWII Brat, towards the end of the war they were a very familiar sight and sound............Air Atlantique, a specialist oil spill dispersant company had a base at Coventry Airport just five miles away until recently, they had a fleet of three ( I think) still working, one in particular was used fir joy rides too, most coming over our house toncircle the castle or very close by if Birmingham Airport was busy.

They had a very old transport aircraft with a twin tailplane, ( French I think?) that sounded just like a tractor in the sky, very distinctive.

GREAT PICS!

FUJI