Irish Air Corps Supermarine Walrus Mk1

The Supermarine Walrus was a British single-engine amphibious bi-plane aircraft designed by R J Mitchell, of Spitfire fame, as a reconnaissance aircraft. It first flew in 1933 and was introduced into service in 1935. Its primary users were the RAF, Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Irish Air Corps. Discontinued in 1944, of the 740 built, only a handful remain today in museums.

Our latest livery on the Walrus is as delivered to the Irish Air Corps. Three Walruses N18 (L2301), N19 (L2302) and N20 (L2303) were to be delivered on 3^rd March 1939 for use by the Irish Air Corpsas maritime patrol aircraft during theIrish Emergencyof World War II.They were scheduled to fly from Southampton to Baldonnel Aerodrome, Ireland. N.19 made the trip successfully, but N.20 had to be rerouted to Milford Haven and N.18 and its crew of two were forced to ditch in high seas causing severe damage to the Hull. With the help of nearby Rosslare Harbour lifeboat and a local fishing boat, N18 was towed to a launch slip, then on to Baldonnel Aerodrome where it was repaired.

The Casement aerodrome at Baldonnel was and still is the home of the Irish Air Corps, which comprises the air section of the Defence Force of Ireland. It was established in 1924 and in the lead-up to World War II the Corps took delivery of several British aircraft from Gloster Gladiators to Avro Ansons and Westland Lysanders, as well as the three Supermarine Walrus.

Our model represents the N19 Walrus which actually made it to the airbase in one piece. Decorated in silver with the Irish orange, white and green striped markings to the wings and tail, the detail includes a green cockpit and black instrument panels. Even the walkways on the upper wings are reproduced as a series of black 'footprints'. Its N19 numbering is printed in black on both sides of the fuselage. Note that on this release of the Walrus, given its role within the Irish Air Corps, the bomb racks and guns have been omitted.

Enthusiasts may like to know that the Supermarine Walrus N18 is currently on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, England and is one of only three surviving aircraft of the type.