The C-47 was one of the most successful aircraft ever, praised by General Eisenhower as one of the most important instruments of victory in WWII. Largely a military version of the highly successful Douglas DC-3 passenger aircraft, the C-47 Dakota carried supplies, airborne troops, and other personnel in all of the theaters of conflict in WWII. It was used as a troop transport and glider tug during the invasion of Europe and it kept the Allied forces in China supplied by carrying supplies "Over the Hump" of the Himalaya Mountains lying astride the India to China route. More than 13,300 of the DC-3s in all its forms were built, including Japanese and Soviet licensed aircraft. Although it first flew in 1941, many are still being used today. It last saw action in the Vietnam War as a gunship called "Puff the Magic Dragon", firing machine guns and cannons from it's windows for enemy troop suppression.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Dakota Mk.III troop transport that was operated by 271 Squadron, then employed during the Market-Garden operation at Arnhem, Holland, during 1944. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 15-3/4 inches
Length: 10-3/4 inches

Release Date: September 2009

Historical Account: "A Bridge Too Far" - On September 19th, 1944, Dakota YS - DM took off to re-supply the allied troops at Arnhem in Holland, who were hemmed into a small area heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns. To ensure accuracy the air crews were ordered to fly at 900ft when dropping their containers. While flying to Arnhem the starboard wing of Flt Lt Lord's Dakota was hit by anti-aircraft fire and the starboard engine was set on fire. He could have turned for home, but on learning that the drop zone was just 3 minutes away he decided he would complete his mission.

With the starboard engine burning furiously, Lord came down to 900ft where he was singled out by all the anti-aircraft guns. Undaunted he held his course while the supplies were dropped. At the end of the run, two containers remained. Lord circled, and made a second run to drop them. His task completed Lord ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt to do so himself, giving his crew members the best chance of baling out. By this time the plane was down to 500ft, at which point the wing collapsed and the aircraft fell in flames.

There was only one survivor who was flung out while assisting other crew members. For his bravery Flight Lieutenant D.S.A. Lord DFC was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.