Corgi Aviation Archive Series Die-cast Model

Westland Lysander Mk.IIIA – 'Lucky' Newhouse, No. 161 Squadron, RAF, England, 1944

1:72 Scale.  Length: 5”.  Wingspan: 8.3"


Limited Edition

In the months leading up to and just after D-Day, the Westland Lysanders of RAF 161 Squadron made an essential yet largely unheralded contribution towards the success of this massive Allied operation. Flying incredibly perilous clandestine 'Spy Shuttle' operations, unarmed Lysanders were flown on nights where they could only rely on the light of the moon, carrying up to 3 agents, or ‘operatives’, into occupied France and often bringing others back on the return flight. These operations were vital in providing the Allies with intelligence information and disrupting German activities right across Europe but were incredibly perilous for those involved particularly as they were taking place right under the noses of the Germans.

One of the most unusual Lysanders to take part in these clandestine operations, this aircraft was flown by pilot 'Lucky' Newhouse and sported D-Day identification markings around the rear of the fuselage, but significantly, not on its wings. A rather unique aircraft, squadron records show that Newhouse flew this Lysander for the first time on the night of August 4th/5th, 1944 during 'Operation Scimitar', where he landed in France and delivered three agents then brought back three agents on the return flight to England. Even with the addition of D-Day markings these Lysanders were unusual in that they often came under fire from both enemy and friendly forces.

With its famed short field landing and take-off performance, the distinctive Westland Lysander was in widespread service at the beginning of the Second World War, performing such duties as Army cooperation, artillery spotting, reconnaissance and light bombing missions. The Battle of France was disastrous for Lysander units, proving the vulnerability of the aircraft and its inability to defend itself against fighter attack, however, despite this, large numbers of Lysander’s would have been sent against landing German forces, had their planned invasion of Britain took place the following year.


Corgi is a leading manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, die-cast model airplanes. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a Lysander Mk.IIIA features: