Vickers Wellington for FSX? Also, RCAF history question!

[DennyA]

So I was talking to my mom recently and found out that my maternal grandfather had a brother I didn't even know about, who died in WW2 as a bomber navigator.

I did some quick web-searching and found this record of him on the Canadian Veteran's affairs site. Looks like he flew with RAF 38 Squadron, which flew Wellingtons as night torpedo bombers (yikes!) in the Mediterranean.

So, a couple of questions:

Sim Question:
Is there a good Wellington (preferably native) for FSX available? Saw reference to one from First Class Simulations, but their website is dead. What's the best Wellington, FS9 or FSX? And any 38 Sq. paints available?

Real Life Question:
I'd like to find out more about his service. What plane he flew in, the circumstances of his loss, etc. Anyone have a copy of "They Shall Not Grow Old" by Allison? That apparently has info on most of the RCAF crew lost in the war. Any other tips for finding more about the circumstances, given that the link above does have his squadron and date of death?

(Edit: Didn't think to click through on his pic. Said he died when his Wellington ran out of fuel and crashed. Sad.)

Thanks much for any help, folks!

 

[IanP]

First Class Sim's website is fine here, Denny. Here's a link to the Wellington page:
http://www.simsoftware.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=276

I can't help with the background info, sorry.

Ian P.

 

[DennyA]

Thanks, Ian. I was following a link from an Avsim review of that one, and it was a different URL.

Any idea if it's FSX-native? If not, I guess I could make an exception given the historical connection...

 

[RobH]

Denny,

Maybe this site will help? http://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/memorial/

 

[IanP]

http://www.firstclass-simulations.com is the "front door" for their site. It's a pretty difficult site to navigate, though, unfortunately.

Yes, the Wimpey is FSX native, although as usual, everyone has their own opinions about how good it is or isn't as a model. I can link you directly to my take on it, because I reviewed it a while back for Nick Churchill's screenshotartist website: http://www.screenshotartist.co.uk/wellington_review.htm

I haven't read the Avsim review - I may do so next time I get chance, to see how their opinions compare to mine.

Cheers,

Ian P.

 

[CheckSix]

Denny,

Here's a few links you might find insightful:

http://rcaf.com/

http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=history/secondwar

http://airforce.ca/

Hope these may be of some use, good luck in your quest and pls keep us updated.

 

[guzler]

I have the FCS Wellington and it is FSX native and a great addon, highly recommend it.

 

[mal998]

I have the FCS Wellington and it is FSX native and a great addon, highly recommend it.

I second that! A fine addon indeed.

View attachment 8460

 

[DennyA]

Thanks, all. If it's FSX-native, I shall be buying it this weekend!

I hit paydirt on finding out what happened to him. Turns out my other great uncle, Ivan, wrote an autobiography (I had no idea!), and has the story of Uncle Frank's mission in there.

This Google Books search should take you there; scroll up to page 61. (The search takes you to the letter he wrote to my great-grandmother in the event of his death.)

The short story is that he was returning from a bombing run on Rommel's forces in Tobruk in July, 1942 when his Wellington got shot up and started leaking fuel. He kept flying while his crew bailed out safely. Alas, he decided to try to nurse the plane back to base, ran out of fuel, and crashed just four miles short of base. He died in the hospital the next day from the injuries.

 

[guzler]

Thanks, all. If it's FSX-native, I shall be buying it this weekend!

I hit paydirt on finding out what happened to him. Turns out my other great uncle, Ivan, wrote an autobiography (I had no idea!), and has the story of Uncle Frank's mission in there.

This Google Books search should take you there; scroll up to page 61. (The search takes you to the letter he wrote to my great-grandmother in the event of his death.)

The short story is that he was returning from a bombing run on Rommel's forces in Tobruk in July, 1942 when his Wellington got shot up and started leaking fuel. He kept flying while his crew bailed out safely. Alas, he decided to try to nurse the plane back to base, ran out of fuel, and crashed just four miles short of base. He died in the hospital the next day from the injuries.

How tragic, he was a brave man. I would love you to keep us updated on what ever you can find out