Fund holds WW2 Mosquito Memories event at De Havilland Aircraft Museum

On Tuesday 28 November, the Fund hosted a unique event at the De Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney, Hertfordshire, whereby Second World War veterans former Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell (DFC AE FRICS) and former Flight Lieutenant George Dunn (DFC LdH) discussed their wartime experiences flying the iconic Mosquito.

Both Colin, 102, and George, 101, were interviewed by historian 

Steve Darlow about their experiences in the War.

A special painting was unveiled at the event with the opportunity to purchase a limited number of prints that had been signed by a few remaining Mosquito pilots. The funds raised from the event will be shared between the RAF Benevolent Fund and the De Havilland Museum.

Colin, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, was born in 1921 and joined the RAF towards the end of 1940. His flying training was carried out in America prior to their entry into War (before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour) in December 1941. Colin carried out 50 bombing raids over Germany, including 13 over Berlin.

George, a pilot during the Second world War, flew Mosquitos and Halifax bombers, completing 44 operations. He continued his flying after the end of the war, and as a test pilot flew a number of different aircraft including the Spitfire.

Suzie Clark, Regional Fundraiser (South) at the Fund, said: “The event was a brilliant opportunity to listen to the incredible stories of these inspiring Second World War veterans. Thank you so much to all the fantastic supporters who came along to listen and learn about their experiences and to everyone who bought a signed print as well.”

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