The Air Despatch Dakota

John Cox recently attended an unusual ceremony at RAF Lyneham. The following is taken from the programme of events for the day, which John kindly passed to me. (Ed.)

The Air Despatch Dakota Project was established in order to procure a Douglas C47 Dakota aircraft, to stand as a Gate Guardian outside the Headquarters of 47 Air Despatch Squadron Royal Logistics Corps, B Site, RAF Lyneham.

The Dakota has long been associated with Air Despatch and is still worn as an emblem on the uniform of all serving Air Despatchers. It was deemed that this would act as a fitting tribute to all Air Despatchers who made the ultimate sacrifice around the world.

Following negotiations with the Chairman of Air Atlantique, a Dakota (G-AMPO) was finally obtained in July 2001 for £10,000.

The Dakota was originally designated KN566. It was not involved in the Second World War but did fly missions in the Far East, dropping stores to troops in the jungle. It was also very much involved in the Berlin Airlift. In 1952 it went into civilian service and was designated G-AMPO 16438/331186.

Primarily, this Dakota is a tribute to all Air Despatchers. Secondly, it was thought fitting to commemorate the crew who flew Dakota FZ626 lost during Operation Market Garden. They took off from Down Ampney and flew over the church, which coincidentally is already adopted by the Squadron. Using the number FZ262 on the Gate Guardian and painting it in Normandy invasion colours acknowledges the bravery of the crew and many like them at the time.

We hope to include the story of Dakota FZ262 in a future issue of In Touch. (Ed)

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