Dutch Modelling and Aviation

In Memoriam

Klaas Willem Jonker
(Wilko)
† April 30, 2018

On Monday, April 30, 2018, Wilko Jonker passed away after a long illness at the age of 58. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The Dutch military aviation and plastic model building were his hobby and on this website he has shared all the knowledge he has gathered about it over the many years. His hobby was able to distract him from the raging disease in his body until the last week of his life. The contacts with other hobbyists were a major support for him.

Beechcraft Model 17 - RAF-gebruik Prins Bernhard

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There is much confusion about this aircraft. It is often said that is was Beech constructionnumber 295. This is not possible, as this specific aircraft still exists, while the aircraft of HRH Prince Bernhard was completely destroyed in Januari 1945 during the bombing of airfieldEvere.
According to Beech17.net the aircraft of Prince Bernhard should be constructionnumber 420. [the site owner informed me that he received this information from the currrent owner of Beech 17, c/n 295]

Some facts about this aircraft c/n 420:

Ordered on May 29, 1940 and during 1941 the aircraft was finished and handed over to the NPC on September 20, 1941.
Soon afterwards being shipped to England and rebuilt at the De Havilland Repair Unit te Witney and finished at the end of November 1941.
Early 1942 it was given to HRH Prince Bernhard who used it to travel toe the Dutch squadrons and for diplomic missions for the Duthc government.

 

De Beechcraft 17 'Staggerwing', door ZKH Prins Bernhard (1911-2004) gebruikt in Engeland tijdens WO II
The Beechcraft 17 'Staggerwing', used by HRH Prince Bernhard in England during WW II
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
ZKH Prins Bernhard (1911-2004) bezoekt Sqn. 320 op Bircham Newton Airbase, UK. Op de achtergrond de Beechcraft 17 'Staggerwing', door de prins gebruikt in Engeland tijdens WO II.
ZKH prince Bernhard visiting Sqn. 320 op Bircham Newton Airbase, UK.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Prins Bernhard arriveert met een Beechcraft 17 Traveller (bijgenaamd Staggerwing) op het vliegveld van Bircham Newton in Engeland, voor een inspectie en het uitreiking van onderscheidingen, 1942. Naast hem (r) de commandant van het vliegveld
Prince Bernhard arrived with his Beechcraft 17 Traveller at the airbase Bircham Newton.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Beechcraft 17 Traveller.
Beechcraft 17 Traveller, PB1.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
Voor een gebombardeerde hangar staan twee militairen te kijken naar lhet wrak van een uitgebrand vliegtuig dat voor de hangar ligt. Een derde militair bekijkt de schade aan een vliegtuigmotor met propeller. Op de achtergrond staan en lopen nog andere militairen die de schade van het bombardement opnemen.
In front of a bombed hangar two soldiers are loooking at the remains of an burned aircraft.
A third one is looking at the damaged engine.
[Enclosed photo from BeeldBank NIMH. Click on photo for ordering information]
At the bakc of this photo is writting wiht a pencil: "PB. Evere 1 jan 45; The last of my Beechcraft after the German surprise attack; prince Bernhard. HG blz 108 2/3 van boven".

 

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