| Accession Number | P04146.004 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany: Berlin |
| Date made | c July - August 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
A portrait of unidentified members of No 451 Squadron, RAAF, at Gatow airport, Berlin, standing ...
Description
A portrait of unidentified members of No 451 Squadron, RAAF, at Gatow airport, Berlin, standing in front of a late model Spitfire fighter aircraft (possibly a Mk XIV E). Note the five bladed propeller, cowling bulge for the Griffon engine, the E type wing and bubble canopy. The aircraft has also been fitted with underwing bomb racks, which may indicate a low altitude, clipped wing version. Gatow airport was one of the major air bases used buy the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, until it was captured by Russian forces during the battle of Berlin in April 1945. As Berlin was sectioned into four international zones, Gatow air base came under British control in mid 1945 and became known as RAF Gatow. In 1948 the airbase played a pivotal role in the Berlin Airlift.