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gary sausmikat
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FAA Corsair, MK IV, KD658

August 7, 2022 · in Aviation · · 28 · 1.5K

Hi All,

My Second of three contributions to the , WW2 Fleet Air Arm, mini group build

MK IV KD658

Honoring Canadian, Lt. Robert Hampton Gray, RCNVR, VC, DSC
British Pacific Fleet, HMS Formidable, Squadron 1841

Days prior to the end of war with Japan, Lt. Robert Hampton "Hammy" Gray, flying a Corsair MK.IV, led an attack at Onagawa Bay, Japan, on a group of Japanese vessels and sinking the escort ship, Amakusa. Unfortunately Lt. Gray crashed in to the bay and was killed. Due to his actions he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Citation:
"for great valor in leading an attack on a Japanese destroyer in Onagawa Wan, on 9 August 1945. In the face of fire from shore batteries and a heavy concentration of fire from some five warships Lieutenant Gray pressed home his attack, flying very low in order to ensure success, and, although he was hit and his aircraft was in flames, he obtained at least one direct hit, sinking the destroyer. Lieutenant Gray has consistently shown a brilliant fighting spirit and most inspiring leadership."

Lt. Gray was one of the last Canadians to die during the war and one of only two members of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm to be awarded the Victoria Cross.


Honored at the Valiants Memorial, Ottawa

Memorial erected at Onagawa Bay. The only memorial dedicated to a foreign soldier on Japan soil.

If interested check out these links for more detail and history:

https://www.vintagewings.ca/stories/the-last-vc
http://www.royalnavyresearcharchive.org.uk/SQUADRONS/1841_Squadron.htm#.YnuNmujMJaR

BUILD:
Mostly out-of-box build using the , , -1D

Alterations include:
Painted Markings to include the Insignias, 115 and tail X's (Masks created with Cricut cutter and Frisket Paper)
Royal Navy codes and Gear Door markings were from spare decals.
Ultracast Seat
Shortened wing tips to simulate the FAA style.
Scratch built cockpit fuselage air scoops and exhaust used on FAA Corsairs.




Paints:
Mission Models MMP-062 USN/USMC Sea Blue FS35042
AK Real Colors RC258 Dark Sea Blue and RC222 Insignia White

Weathered with oil pin washes and dry brush highlights.

Hope you like and as always...KEEP IT FUN!






Reader reactions:
13  Awesome 1  1 

2 additional images. Click to enlarge.


28 responses

  1. A fitting tribute to an incredibly brave and capable leader. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Another superlative build, Gary, a great tribute to a great Man!

  3. Nice work on both 9f these. Most guys miss the additional scoops and vents on British Corsairs.

  4. Another great post, Gary. Great tribute to Lt. Robert Hampton Gray.

  5. Great story, and excellent model.
    Thank you for sharing
    Best regards, Djordje

  6. Great Corsair @gwskat what a tribute!

  7. Beautiful! Nice work on the vents. Well done research.

  8. Gary, @gwskat
    This is a magnificent build, and it has all of the key elements that make it shine above the rest. It has a fascinating heroic (and also sad) story behind it. Imagine how his family must have felt, with losing their son, brother, husband, dad, (or whatever he was to his family) at this late stage in the War. The Japanese respected his self sacrifice too. His is a story that should be told, just as you have done it, showing and reminding us just how horrible war is.

    The Corsair is my all time favorite aircraft...ever. You have built a masterpiece here, which I have learned over the years is your normal style. The painted on markings, and scratch built scoops are like icing on the cake. I do not ever recall seeing anyone install the fuselage scoops as you have done here.

    I definitely checked the "like" button too.

    Freedom is not free. If anyone thinks it is, then they should make a visit to any of the VA facilities where the actual cost of freedom can be seen.

  9. Very nice work on this one also, Gary. Extra points for doing the research to get the particular non-standard version of the BPF national insignia.

    "Liked"

  10. Amazing result on this one as well, Gary @gwskat

  11. Yes! A great tribute and build!

  12. Another great Corsair!

  13. Stunning build, with added extras expertly applied - and a fantastic subject of course. Well done, Gary. A great start to the BPF/Roundels builds!

  14. Fantastic build and love the informative Canadian history!

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