Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 2020

A souvenir edited by Andy Ross from professional photographs
(images of recently restored aircraft, from the web)
 

My father was an aircraft engineer in the years before and during World War 2. He worked at Fairey Aviation in England before the war and then worked with the Royal Air Force, first in Egypt and then in India, where he had the equivalent rank of squadron leader.

As a contributor to the British air war and an expert on aviation technology, he took pride in the strength and achievements of the British aviation industry. The following three images illustrate some of the most successful products of that industry.
 

Supermarine Spitfire with Hawker Hurricane behind it, both in Battle of Britain markings
 

The Avro Lancaster heavy bomber played the main role in the RAF bombing war over Germany
 

The de Havilland Mosquito, made of wood from a civilian design, performed well in multiple roles
 

All these aircraft were powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin, one of the best aero-engines of those years.