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Letters
Bob Bird was official MAEE photographer at Helensburgh Scotland that tested the prototype and first production Sunderlands My late father Bob Bird was official MAEE photographer at Helensburgh Scotland that tested the prototype and first production Sunderlands after it moved from Felixstowe in 1939. He flew in the first prototype K4774 which was used as a test bed at Helensburgh until 'struck off' in 1944. Because Sunderlands were built on the Clyde. MAEE was involved in testing this seaplane including a version fitted with human chariots developed for a planned attack by Sunderlands on Tirpitz. Hope this is of interest, robin bird
My thanks for taking your time in contacting me with your interesting story about developments with the Sunderland Aircraft in WW2. They were indeed a valuable weapon in the fight against the German U- Boats in the Battle of the Atlantic. I will always remember the rescue of 9 airman from the downed Sunderland crew of 13 by HMAS Australia in 1940, and the agony of not being able to reach the 4 airmen as they drifted past our bows in the midst of that raging Atlantic storm. Best wishes, |
