~ WW2 Sculptured Memorial Plaque For A 578 Squadron Named Flying Officer Who Died in 1944 ~
This is a Zinc/Alloy picture sculpture Bronzed with inscriptions as pictured and the Pro Patria to the top (For the fatherland). A very unusual item.
Flying Officer Owen Scott MacPhillamy
Death Date 13 August 1944
Death Place Belgium
Final Rank Flying Officer
Service Royal Australian Air Force
Flying Officer RAAF: Pilot: 13 August 1944: age 21 buried at Chievres Communal Cemetery , Belgium
The Handley Page Halifax is a British Royal Air Force (RAF) four-engined heavy bomber of the Second World War. It was developed by Handley Page to the same specification as the contemporary twin-engine Avro Manchester.
Owen’s final mission:- Squadron Target No 83: Russelsheim – 12th / 13th August 1944
Twenty four aircraft for this target. The attack was launched at 00.14 hours from heights of 12,500 to 18,000 feet. LK X was hit by flak.
Please see the letter related to this action in the picture section.
578 Squadron was formed at RAF Snaith, East Riding of Yorkshire on 14 January 1944 from ‘C’ flight of No. 51 Squadron RAF, equipped with Halifax Mk.III bombers, as part of No. 4 Group RAF in Bomber Command. It transferred to RAF Burn, North Yorkshire in February, and was disbanded there on 15 April 1945. The squadron carried out 2,721 operational sorties with the Halifax for a loss 40 aircraft.
~ Condition ~
Removed from the frame as it was ill-fitting and masking the inscription.
I generally very nice condition, it does have a few spots where the zinc is showing through but still very nice. Please see the pictures as these form part of our condition report.
