Iconic D-day plane makes appearance at Prestwick

A HISTORIC aircraft that originally had a lead role in World War II is set to land in Scotland next week, on its way to Normandy, to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of D-Day.
The restored Douglas C-47 aircraft that originally had a lead role on D-Day in 1944. Picture: TSPLThe restored Douglas C-47 aircraft that originally had a lead role on D-Day in 1944. Picture: TSPL
The restored Douglas C-47 aircraft that originally had a lead role on D-Day in 1944. Picture: TSPL

The restored Douglas C-47 troop carrier, called sign Whiskey 7, will make it’s first European landing at Prestwick today after crossing the Atlantic.

As part of a world tribute to the fallen and surviving soldiers of World War II, the National Warplane Museum is working alongside the French government to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day, a significant turning point for the to-be victors of the war.

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“Return to Normandy” is a project that will involve a warplane that served on D-Day to deploy paratroopers over select areas of Normandy this coming June.

Whiskey 7 makes its first European landing at Prestwick. Picture: TSPLWhiskey 7 makes its first European landing at Prestwick. Picture: TSPL
Whiskey 7 makes its first European landing at Prestwick. Picture: TSPL

The museum’s flagship aircraft, Whiskey 7, will revisit Normandy, France, to commemorate the anniversary this summer.

Departing the National Warplane Museum on May 15, the aircraft and the crew will traverse across the North-Atlantic, making seven stops before reaching Normandy.

Once again, Whiskey 7 will play a key role in D-Day, reenacting the same mission she carried out seventy years ago.

Members of the volunteer paratrooper group, Liberty Jump Team, will be deployed from Whiskey 7 over original drop zones, including a town that has not seen a parachute drop since D-Day.

Austin Wadsworth, National Warplane Museum President, said: “This has been a unique opportunity for us to thank our Veterans for their service and we’re honoured to have been invited by the French government to be an integral part of their world celebration this June.

“We’re grateful for the contributions we’ve received to make this two-year project a reality, however, we’re still looking for continued support.”

Whiskey 7 has been described as “one of a kind” and was the lead aircraft of the second wave of Allied troops, directing hundreds of C-47s from the English Channel to France.

She also carried 21 paratroops from the 3rd Battalion, including their commander, Lt. Col. Edward C. Krause, who led the assault on Sainte-Mere-Eglise.

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