Watch brand, AVI-8 (see what they did there), manufacture a collection of WWII and modern military aviation inspired timepieces. The watches are of generally good quality, made of stainless steel and include many of the features found in wartime timepieces. The watch is quite large for easy reading in tough conditions. It has a large knurled crown so that it can be wound while wearing gloves, and luminescent hands for night time reading. These days the watches are powered by battery operated quartz movements.
The watch was owned by FOTOBAI member, Peter Smith, who sadly passed away last year. Peter had a strong interest in WW2 aviation and once built a comprehensive model of Dunsfold Airfield in the UK as it looked during WW2.
This watch is dedicated to Lancaster Bombers, and in fact, one particular aircraft. It is inscribed on the bezel with “DAMBUSTERS” and “617 SQUADRON”. If you look at the dial adjacent to 9 ‘o’clock position you will see the designation AJ-N. AJ-N was the Lancaster that dropped the bomb that successfully breached the Eder Dam in the famous DamBusters raids, and the pilot of that aircraft was none other than Australian Pilot Les Knight (DSO).
Les Knight was killed a few months later during an operation in Holland which earned him hero status. His low flying aircraft was damaged after clipping a tree. He brought the Lancaster up to a height that allowed all the crew to parachute to safety. Knight stayed with the aircraft to avoid hitting a nearby village, and unfortunately perished in a crash landing.
This is an interesting story of bravery in WW2 and a lot more detail can found by searching Dambusters and Les Knight online.
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