Jan Nieuwenhuis

World War II Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands, North Sea & English Channel

[WW2 Airfields Archive @WW2Airfields]

"Circle Jerk" a B26 Marauder of the 323rd Bomb Group being shot down over Germany in 1944. All crew lost.

[Pippa Ettore @pettore]

Born this day 11th.Feb. 1914.

FO. George Gordon Hyde.

Canadian One of THE FEW.
https://t.co/KjM7DpUZcO

Killed in an accident aged 27.

[Fascinating @fasc1nate]

During World War II, a group of young Soviet women flew nighttime bombing missions against German forces. They used old, fragile biplanes made of wood and canvas. Their official unit was the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, but the Germans gave them a darker nickname: the “Night Witches.”

The name came from the sound of their planes as they cut their engines and glided silently toward targets, like a whisper in the dark. Flying without modern equipment, they relied on maps, compasses, and pure courage. They often completed several missions in a single night.

Between 1942 and 1945, they carried out more than 30,000 raids, facing freezing weather, heavy fire, and constant danger. Many doubted women could fight in combat roles, but the Night Witches proved themselves through skill and determination. Their story remains one of the most remarkable examples of bravery in the war.

More iconic historical photos: https://t.co/dQjceOPkrz

[J&L Historical @Jason_R_Burt]

In February of 1944, Lt. Alexander Vraciu kneels on his Hellcat aboard the USS Intrepid. ⚓️

When WW2 ended, Vraciu was the Navy’s 4th highest ranking ace- officially credited with 19 aerial victories and 21 aircraft destroyed on the ground.🇺🇸

@colour_history on the color 🎨

[Tony Brown @agbdrilling]

Another Ton Up Lancaster
WS-J Johnnie Walker

W4964/WS-J, nicknamed "Johnnie Walker" (or "Johnny Walker"), was a legendary No. 9 Squadron RAF bomber that completed 106-107 missions. Featuring distinct nose art with the "Still Going Strong" whiskey logo, this aircraft notably dropped a Tallboy bomb on the German battleship Tirpitz in 1944. 

Key Details of Lancaster W4964/WS-J:

Service Record: Built at Metropolitan Vickers, Manchester, it joined 9 Squadron at RAF Bardney in April 1943, flying mostly against targets in Germany and occupied Europe.

Operational Success: Completed 106-107 missions, making it one of only 35 Lancasters to exceed 100 missions.

Nose Art: Featured the "Johnny Walker" whiskey figure, a "Still Going Strong" motto, and detailed tallies including a swastika (enemy fighter destroyed), a searchlight symbol, and 12,000lb Tallboy markings.

The Tirpitz Mission: In September 1944, it participated in the attack on the Tirpitz in Norway, with the aircraft later credited with a direct hit

[Doug @colour_history]

10 February 1941
F/O Peter McDonnell Hartas (41407) RAF Age: 21
He was lost whilst flying in Spitfire IIA, P7888 of No 91 Sqn, which flew into a hill in low cloud during a morning reconnaissance.
(Colourised with the kind permission of the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust)

[Pippa Ettore @pettore]

Sgt. Donald Raymond Stoodley. from Southampton.
One of THE FEW.
https://t.co/5eE7UiK64h

Killed in a flying accident.
His Hurricane stalled and crashed.

He was just 21 years of age. Buried in London Road Cemetery. Salisbury.

[Pippa Ettore @pettore]

Born this day 11th.Feb. 1918.

PO. James McGill Talman.
One of THE FEW.
https://t.co/RO2OeMXByc

He was killed when his Beaufighter came down in the sea off Great Yarmouth having suffered an engine failure.

Age 26.

[Pippa Ettore @pettore]

Lost his life this day 15th. Sept. 1940.

FO. Arthur Peter Pease.
One of THE FEW.
https://t.co/BrGd0Y9PTY

He was shot down in combat and killed. His Spitfire crashed at Kingswood, near Chartway Street, Kent.

Detailed information in Link above.

Age 22.

[Tony Brown @agbdrilling]

Statue to Spitfire designer Reginald J Mitchell at Hanley, Stoke on Trent. Near where he was born

[Pippa Ettore @pettore]

16th.Sept. 1940.

There were no deaths recorded this day..just Sgt. Tony Iveson who went into the sea having run out of fuel chasing a Ju88.

Sgt. Thomas Clifford Iveson.
One of THE FEW.
https://t.co/WoU4TyrQpO
Much missed and always wonderful to meet at signings. : )

[Royal British Legion @PoppyLegion]

We’re deeply saddened by the passing of RAF veteran George ‘Ed’ Kelly, aged 101.

He served 41 years in the RAF, he was awarded the Air Force Medal and an MBE. Known as ‘The Poppy Man’, he dedicated decades to supporting RBL.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

Standing with the RAF Family, past, present, and future 💙

85 years ago, the RAF's bravery in the Battle of Britain protected our skies.

We're here for the RAF Family and will continue to support them.

#RAFBenevolentFund #BattleofBritainDay #RAF #BattleofBritain85

[Battle of Britain @BattleofBritain]

Remembering The Few. Remembering Battle of Britain Ace Sgt John Stanley Gilders, @72Squadron @41RTES #SPITFIRE @RAFHornchurch @Lashendenairwar #BATTLEOFBRITAINDAY #SPITFIRE #P7816

[Ron Eisele @ron_eisele]

Hurricane, dogfight damage

[Ron Eisele @ron_eisele]

Spitfire and ATA ferry pilot Mary Guthrie

[Brittany Remembers @BrittanyRememb1]

#OTD We remember Jack Sheridan. Lost 81 years ago aged 25. Last minute replacement rear gunner in a Beaufort. He did not even know the crew. He was the only casualty. Bottom left in this family photo @CWGC

[Pippa Ettore @pettore]

https://t.co/OHODn55QFp. Roland Anthony Lee Knight.
One of THE FEW.
https://t.co/M1AmeEaEgU
Awarded the DFC.
His Spitfire was shot down over France and he was killed.
He is buried in Dunkirk Town Cemetery.

[J&L Historical @Jason_R_Burt]

B-17 Ball Turret gunner, Gerard C. Antaillia was killed in his ball turret after a direct hit from FLAK. ✈️

He was born 102 years ago today. RIP, hero 🇺🇸