At the 2019 158 Squadron Association Reunion Alan Cowland presented this magnificant diorama which he hand built.
The diorama depicts Handley Page-built Halifax III LV917 NP-C “Clueless”, one of 158 Squadron’s veteran aircraft, preparing for 4 Group Bomber Command’s final operation of WWII on 25th April 1945. This operation was to attack the coastal batteries on the Frisian Island of Wangerooge.
The diorama was 3 years of hard work in the making involving, I'm sure much "blood sweat and tears" to borrow from Winston Churchill.
The details and authenticity in this diorama are truly impressive. Many of the pieces of the vehicles, equipment and people depicting the support and ground crew had to be hand made by Alan in what one suspects was a true labour of love.
Closeup of the diorama showing the fine detailed work of the nose of the aircraft and some of the support crew and euipment.
Alan Cowland at the 2019 158 Squadron Association reunion shown with his diorama. Well done Alan!
LV917 was taken on strength by 158 Squadron on 7th March 1944. The operational record book for 158 Squadron records 99 operations for this aircraft, a post-war photograph shows 100 recorded on the nose art – perhaps one more was added for luck!
The model is constructed and modified from an Airfix kit donated to the 158 Squadron Association by John Marshall.
Completed model presented to the 158 Squadron Association September 2019 by Alan Cowland. All photos courtesy of Paul Savage.