Corgi AA36807 Westland Lysander MK3a V9289, 357 Sqn, Burma 1945

Famed for its very short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Westland Lysander proved itself to be a capable and dependable machine across all allied fronts during the Second World War. One of its lesser known theatres of operation however, was in the so called ‘forgotten war’ -the conflict in Burma. During the opening stages of the war in Burma, the Lysanders in theatre had been used for bombing duties. However, by 1945 the aircraft were being used instead to drop covert forces behind enemy lines. The Lysander was ideally suited to this very risky job, blessed as it was with such good STOL capabilities. While 357 Squadron only operated the Lysander for a brief period of time, from March to November 1945, during this period the squadron flew countless operations and dropped many agents, sometimes deep behind enemy lines. It was in this theatre that the Lysander last saw operational service with the RAF, thus ending its distinguished frontline career.