RAF Supermarine Walrus Mk1

The Supermarine Walrus was a British single engine amphibious biplane reconnaissance aircraft, designed by R.J. Mitchell who was also responsible for the illustrious Spitfire. The aircraft first flew on the 21st June 1933. Operated by the Fleet Air Arm, it also served with the Royal Air Force.

The Walrus was the first British squadron service aircraft to incorporate a fully retractable undercarriage, completely enclosed crew accommodation and an all metal fuselage. Designed for use as a fleet spotter to be catapulted from battleships or cruisers, the Walrus was later employed in a variety of roles most notably as a rescue aircraft for downed aircrew and even as a whale spotter. A total of 740 aircraft were built between 1936 and 1944 and its cabin had capacity for three to four persons.

Here at Oxford, we have taken its rescue aircraft role as the subject for the second release on this valiant little plane that continued in service throughout the Second World War. Decorated in a naval camouflage scheme incorporating several shades of grey, the underside is painted a matt light green and the upper wings carry a red and blue RAF roundel. The cabin is also moulded green with black instrument panel. One detail to note on this second release is the absence of the bomb racks.