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Gilly, the Australian mascot of an RAF Training School, saw the first enemy plane brought
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Gilly, the Australian mascot of an RAF Training School, saw the first enemy plane brought
Gilly, the Australian mascot of an RAF Training School, saw the first enemy plane brought down over this country in the early months of the war.
It is possible, but not confirmed, that this picture was taken at Netheravon Airfield, Salisbury, Wiltshire, the then home of the No. 1 Flying Training School RAF.
Lucky charms were often used during wartime. The danger and stress of operational life tended to encourage belief in a favourite mascot. They helped to maintain morale and give aircrews the courage and confidence to face each operation. Even highly experienced aircrew had their own lucky mascots, showing that they knew skill alone was not enough to ensure their well being.
Note to editors, the caption suggest Gilly saw the first German plane shot down over Britain in World War Two. That plane, according to the internet was Heinkel HE-111.
Following the outbreak of the war in September 1939, the Spitfires of 602 Squadron were posted to RAF Drem in East Lothian. On 28 October he shot down a Heinkel HE-111 Bomber over Humbie - the first German aircraft shot down on to British soil in the war. This information may be correct, or incorrect regarding Gilly the dog.
Picture taken 14th December 1940
Northcliffe House Newspaper Grou
Mirrorpix
Salisbury
Wiltshire
England
WW2 B/W Print Reach plc -244
Media ID 21880072
© Mirrorpix
1940 Bi Plane Cockpit Goggles Mascot Royal Airforce Alsation War And Conflict
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the remarkable story of Gilly, the beloved Australian mascot of an RAF Training School during World War Two. It is believed that this picture was taken at Netheravon Airfield in Salisbury, Wiltshire, where Gilly resided with the No. 1 Flying Training School RAF. During wartime, lucky charms played a significant role in boosting morale and instilling courage among aircrews facing the dangers and stresses of operational life. Even experienced aircrew members had their own cherished mascots, recognizing that skill alone was not enough to ensure their well-being. Gilly's presence symbolized hope and resilience as he witnessed history being made on British soil. While it remains unconfirmed whether Gilly saw the first enemy plane brought down over the country, historical records suggest that a Heinkel HE-111 Bomber was shot down by Spitfires from 602 Squadron over Humbie on October 28th, 1939 - marking the first German aircraft destroyed on British territory during the war. The image itself exudes nostalgia and serves as a poignant reminder of those who served bravely during this tumultuous time. As we delve into Memory Lane Prints' vast collection of historical photographs like this one taken on December 14th, 1940 (not for commercial use), we are transported back to an era defined by sacrifice and unwavering determination.
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